October 24, 25, 26 Events

Halloween happenings, harvest fairs, a zombie run, a murder mystery show, and BBQ Fest are just some of the fun things going on around our area this weekend:

24-25 Friday & Saturday 6:30pm-10pm. Fright Nights at Davis MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. After dark, our family friendly, world-class adventure corn maze transforms into FRIGHT NIGHTS a terrifying, haunted experience sure to cause blood curdling screams and sleepless nights! Bring your family, friends, flashlight and courage If you DARE! (Geared for adults). Call 978-422-6666. Call 978-422-6666.

24-26 Friday-Sunday 10am-6pm. Lanni Orchard's Taste of Local. Come and celebrate National Food Day on Friday October 24th! In honor of National Food Day we are having our 
"Taste of Local" all weekend long.  Stop by and taste what's local! For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

24 Friday 6:30pm. First Parish Church, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg will host a free screening of the silent movie classic The Phantom of the Opera, with live musical accompaniment by expert organist Robin Dinda. (978) 332-6307

24 Friday 7pm. The Brass Monkey Murder Mystery Show. Doors open at 6:30 pm. $40 buys dinner and show. The Brass Monkey Tavern is a well-known haunt of pirates and other thieves and all sorts of evildoers have gathered at the tavern to find the other half of a treasure map. Lots of fun. Call 978-874-5941 to reserve. Arggh! For more information, visit www.1761oldmill.com.

24 Friday 7pm-midnight. Benefit for Chris D. The Line-Up is huge! Not only do will we have CITY SOUND W/ ERNIE CATALDO & RUTHANN SAWIN on Stage but we now have CHARLEY DEE and JOHNNY GIROUARD on Friday, October 24th @ The British-American Club, 1 Simonds Rd., West Fitchburg.

24 Friday 7:30pm. Sinatra at the Mount! Join us for one night only for the swankiest event of the season! Featuring Chris Jason and The Sinatra Live Big Band, Sinatra at the Mount is a benefit to fund scholarships for deserving students. For more information, visit mwcc.edu/tam.

24 Friday 8pm. David Bromberg & Larry Campbell at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley.Also, Brooks Williams in the Ballroom.

25-26 Saturday-Sunday. 5th Annual New England BBQFest at Wachusett Mountain. The fun continues weekend two with crafters, farmers' market, entertainment-- and the finger-licking great time for the BBQ Fest! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

25 Saturday. Fitchburg 250th Gala Masquerade Ball at the Fitchburg Senior Center, 4 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. Enjoy food, live entertainment, a DJ, and many fun costumes as the city continues its 250th anniversary celebration. Call 978-345-1157.

25 Saturday 9am–6pm. Harvest Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest St., Baldwinville. Chinese auction, theme baskets, crafts, baked goods, lunch and more, followed by dinner after the 4 pm Mass. Call 978-939-8851, weekdays.

25 Saturday 10am-noon. Saima Crafters. Bring a craft to work on or to share! Finnish Center at Saima Park, 67 Scott Rd., Fitchburg MA. www.saima-park.org

25 Saturday 11am-3pm. Exploring Art at the Fitchburg Art Museum, A daylong program for Girl Scouts ages 7-10. Program includes a guided tour of our interactive ancient Egypt gallery, and ancient Egyptian art activity, a guided tour of a special exhibition, lunch break and exploring galleries on your own. $10 per Girl Scout, $3 per adult. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

25 Saturday 11:30am. Zombie Run 5K and Kids' Halloween Party at Clark Memorial YMCA, 155 Central Street, Winchendon, 978-297-0958. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and enjoy a fun filled day for the whole family. Run through the streets of Winchendon, and just when you thought it was safe, you must make it through a 0.8 mile finishing leg filled with Zombies out to get you. After the race is over, join the Y for their annual kid's Halloween party from 1-3 filled with activities like Halloween themed games, a haunted house, and trick or treating. Runners and walkers welcome. Fun for all ages. Register on active.com or at the Clark Memorial YMCA front desk. Zombies wanted!

25 Saturday noon-2pm or 2:30pm-4:30pm. Exploring Hand-Cut Paper at Tower Hill. Member $30, Nonmember $45. There is a rich history across cultures of hand-cut paper art ; multiple examples and techniques will be shown and demonstrated in this class and everyone will leave with a hand-cut creation using archival paper provided by the instructor. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

25 Saturday 12:30pm. Leominster Halloween Parade and treats! Dress in your favorite costume as we parade through downtown, and trick or treat to local businesses. Come show off your costume and see all the creative costumes everyone will be wearing. It is a traditionally safe way to celebrate the day. Line-up will begin at 12:30 pm at Leominster Credit Union, 20 Adams Street for a 1 pm start time. Parade down Main Street to Carter Park, then walk back up Main Street to various businesses.

25 Saturday 3pm. Ghosts and Goblins 5K Fun Run and Walk. Clinton Central Park, 242 Church St., Clinton. The event opens at 2:00 p.m. for race number pick-up and same-day registration. Please come early and enjoy the many family activities and beer garden sponsored by Yuengling. $30 pre-registration is available online through Oct. 23. Early race number and shirt pick up and in-person pre-registrations will be held on 10/24 from 5-8 p.m. at Clinton Middle School, 100 W. Boylston St., Clinton, Mass. Visit www.clintonroadrace.comfor more information.

25 Saturday 3pm-8pm. Pumpkin Festival on the Common in Templeton sponsored by the Narragansett Historical Society. FREE. Pumpkin carving contest -- $2 per entry; prizes awarded for carved pumpkins; all pumpkins must by submitted by 6 p.m. for the grand "Pumpkin Lighting." Food Tents, Games for the kids, Sweet treats, "The Amazing Susan" -- an amusing "fortune teller" (just for fun; not for real), Pie eating contest, tours of the Narragansett Historical Society's Museum, Penny Fund – Bring your Pennies! A fun way to help support the historical society. Try to win a prize with our penny game. For more information, visit www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org.

25 Saturday 4:30pm. Harvest Dinner, 12 Park Street, Pepperell. Enjoy a "Harvest Dinner" with the Prescott Grange No. 73 and a program entitled "The History of Hard Cider in New England and How to Make It" with cider tasting presented by the Pepperell Historical Society. Learn more of our rich local history. Dinner starts at 5pm, $10. Program and tasting begins at 6 PM - $5.00.

25 Saturday 5pm-7pm. Film at the Museum of Russian Icons: Happy People: A Year in the Taiga. Werner Herzog presents this visually stunning documentary about the people living in the heart of the Siberian Taiga. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

25 Saturday 6pm. Halloween Party & Ghost Walk on Shirley Town Common. After dark the spirits of yesteryear inhabit the common; take part in a spooky ghost walk, attend the Halloween Party at the Center Town Hall. You’ll be led by lantern light on a narrated walk and be treated to some local folk lore and ghost stories, then enjoy refreshments and music. Adults $5, Children, $3. Visit shirleymeetinghouse.org.

25 Friday 6pm-8pm. Halloween Night Hike and Hayride at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Road, Princeton. Experience the sounds of the night on a guided hike, do a Halloween craft, enjoy a hayride with friends and family, learn about nocturnal wildlife, warm up at the bonfire and join us for some goodies. Suitable for children 0 - 18 years and adults. Members: Adult $6.00, Child $3.00, Nonmembers: Adult $8.00, Child $4.00. Rain date: Sunday, October 26/6:00-8:00 pm. Registration not required.

25 Saturday 7:15pm–10:30pm. Gardner Contra Dance at Fraternal Order of Eagles, 71 City Hall Ave., Gardner. Social mixer/dance to traditional jigs and reels, with a caller. All ages & abilities welcome! No need to bring a partner. Live Music! Simple, easy to learn dance patterns. Please bring clean suitable dancing shoes. Cost, $8 per person, $5 students. Contact Terry Dattolo, 978-407-6217 or see facebook.com/GardnerContraDances.

25 Saturday 8pm. Bob Martin with friends Sandy Goulet & John Spano perform at the Bull Run Restaurant, 425 Great Road (Rt. 2A), Shirley. Martin hails from Lowell, Massachusetts, the same New England city as Jack Kerouac, who heavily influenced Martin’s writing and career. He’s been called “one of the genius songwriters of the Northeast.” Visit bullrunrestaurant.com for tickets.

26 Sunday 9am. Flying Irish’s 4th Annual Fall Feis at the Doubletree by Hilton, 99 Erdman Way, Leominster. Watch Irish dangers compete in the New England Championship. The Flying Irish, based in Ashby, hosts this competition. Admission for non-competitors is $5. Dancers compete in light jigs, single jigs, reels, hornpipes and other categories for singles and groups. For details visit irishstepdancing.com.

26 Sunday 10am-noon. Halloween Spooktacular at The Great Play Escape Cafe, 21 Sack Blvd., Leominster. Come for a fun filled morning, with treats, games, face painting, crafts and laughter! Must register. Please visit www.tgeplaycafe.com for more information.

October 17, 18, 19 Events

Keene Pumpkin Festival ~ Photo by Mickey Pullen

Another great weekend awaits with lots of fun things to do in our area, including the 24th Annual Keene Pumpkin Festival!

October 17, 18, 19

17-18 Friday & Saturday 6:30pm–10pm. Fright Nights at Davis MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. After dark, our family friendly, world class adventure corn maze transforms into FRIGHT NIGHTS a terrifying, haunted experience sure to cause blood curdling screams and sleepless nights! Bring your family, friends, flashlight and courage If you DARE! (Geared for adults). Call 978-422-6666. Repeats Oct 24-25. Call 978-422-6666.

17-18 Friday& Saturday dusk to 11 pm. Athol Lions Club Haunted Hayride at Silver Lake Park. Eight vintage tractors pull hay wagons around Silver Lake. Thrill to skits set up around (and in) the lake. Ride lasts about a half hour and begin at Dusk. Refreshments available. Rides begin at the playground on Pequoig Avenue. Parking at the L.S. Starrett Company parking lots Located on Lake or Fish Streets, Athol. Adults $8.00 Children 12 and Under $5.00. For children too young for the monster ride, a pre-dusk hayride will be given free of charge and the monsters will be less scary as well. Rain Date: Sunday, October 19th. For more information, contact Ricky Misner, 413-522-6899 after 5 pm. Rain date Oct. 19.

17-19 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount presents Les Miserables. The long-awaited international sensation sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in revolutionary France. Peasant Jean Valjean is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. After his release he breaks parole and starts life anew, though he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. As Parisian students revolt against an unjust monarchy, all stories intersect at the barricade one fateful day in 1832. The powerful musical score includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Bring Him Home.” For more information, call (978) 632-2403 or visit mwcc.edu/tam.

17 Friday 3:30pm–6pm. October Festival at the Westminster Farmers’ Market, with entertainment by Joe Reidy and Jeff Mendoza, on the town common. Visit westminsterfarmersmarket.com.

17 Friday 8pm. Commander Cody & His Modern Day Airmen perform at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. Harking back to the instrumental virtuosity and spontaneity of the original band, Cody & Co. are still cranking’ down the road. $20. For details and tickets, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

18 Saturday, 24th Annual Keene Pumpkin Festival, Main St., Keene NH – Noon – 8:30 p.m. Three hundred and sixty-four days a year Keene, NH, is a quintessential New England community with a pristine church at the head of a welcoming square. On October 18, 2014, that square will abound with jack-o'-lanterns carved by area school children! The bandstand will come alive with entertainment and a tower of pumpkins so spectacular it is called "spell-binding" will rival the church steeple. Delectables in the Food & Craft Court will send forth aromas of apple crisp and maple cotton candy throughout the pumpkin-lined city streets. After reclaiming the WORLD RECORD in 2013, Keene is on top of the world and Keene Pumpkin Festival is the darling of New England events. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 per adult plus a carved pumpkin. www.keenepumpkinfestival.com

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 8am-6pm. Lanni Orchard's Pumpkin Festival. Rain date October 25th & 26th. PYO pumpkins in the new pumpkin patch. PYO apples, MYO caramel apples. MYO chocolate apples, hot dogs, warm apple crisp, cider, cider slushies, crafts, sand art, hay rides, cider donuts, and more. For more information, visit www.lanniorchards.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 10am-4pm. Hollis Hills Farm Cider & Sausage Festival, 340 Marshall Rd, Fitchburg. This is a two day event. Equipment Days both on Saturday and Sunday. We will have our farming equipment on display so that you can come up close, sit on the drivers seat and learn from our farmers what the equipment is used for and how it works. Mini Apple Cider press will be on display and there will be apple cider making presentations. For more information, visit www.hollishillsfarm.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday 10am-5pm. 31st Annual AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain. Our most popular fall festival celebration including over 70 craft exhibitors, farmers' market, special family fun side shows both weekends! Kids entertainment and peak Fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

18 Saturday 10am. Pumpkin Run 5k at Templeton Developmental Center in Templeton.  A scenic downhill first mile turning into a beautiful trail run with rolling hills.  Along the trail are some exposed rocks and roots - be sure to watch your footing!  Coming out of the trail is a nice dirt road stretch that leads you to an uphill challenge for the finish. For more information, visit www.ncquadseries.com/pumpkin-run-5k.

18 Saturday 10am-2pm. Adobe Photoshop for Aspiring Photographers at Tower Hill. Member: $40., Non-member: $55. Instructor: Steve McGrath. This workshop will help participants learn Photoshop techniques and skills, and apply them immediate to their personal photography. Extensive handouts will lead students step-by-step so that skills can be practiced at home. For more information, call 508-869-6111x124.

18 Saturday 10:30am. The final run of the North Quad Series is a great trail run through Wildwood Farm in Westminster! With crisp air, fallen leaves and beautiful foliage this run will put you in a great mood to enjoy the end of series festivities on the farm! Click here for more information.

18 Saturday 10:30am. Tully Lake Triathlon at Tully Lake Campground, 25 Doane Hill Rd., Royalston. A paddle, run and bike race for individuals and teams, followed by a concert and awards ceremony. For details, visit thetrustees.org.

18 Saturday 11am-noon. Kokedama: Hanging Moss Gardens at Tower Hill. Create unique hanging gardens with Seed to Stem of Worcester and owner Virginia Orlando. All materials included. Member $90, Non-member $115. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

18 Saturday noon–5pm. Pot Luck Fall Feast at the United Native American Cultural Center, 29 Antietam St., Devens (GPS use Ayer, MA). Free family event includes Native American Drumming, dancing, raffles. Pot luck is about 3:30 pm. Call 978-772-1306 Wednesday evenings.

18 Saturday 12:30pm-3:30pm. Introduction to Colored Pencil Workshop (Beginning) at Fitchburg Art Museum. Instructor: Valera Krol Nichols. Colored pencil drawing is an easy art form to carry around and inexpensive to start. Learn stippling, masking, highlighting, and layering and discuss developing your own style. $40M, $55NM. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

18 Saturday 1pm. Fort Devens Museum Guided Tour, 94 Jackson Rd #305, Devens. Meet at Lancaster Town Hall at 12:30 pm to carpool to Devens.

18 Saturday 1pm-2pm. Centennial Lecture by Cynthia Barton: History's Daughter at Fruitlands. Biographer Cynthia Barton relates a chronicle of Clara Endicott Sears' life and details the influences leading to the creation of Fruitlands Museum from her book History's Daughter: The Life of Clara Endicott Sears, Founder of Fruitlands Museum. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

18 Saturday 1pm-3pm. Traditional Russian Tea at the Museum of Russian Icons. Learn about the culture and history of Russian tea, and sample some traditional treats. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

18 Saturday 7pm. Comedy Night with Dessert at Hubbardston Rod & Gun Club Williamsville Road. Adults only evening of comedy and confections featuring Comedian Frank Foley From Comedy Safari. Enjoy desserts from local bakeries and restaurants. Doors open at 7 for desserts and cash bar, Comedy starts at 8. Tickets $20.00 available at the door, Barre Savings Bank and at Quabbin Regional High.

18 Saturday 8pm. Sonny Landreth at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley. Also, Grace Morrison in the Ballroom.

19 Sunday 3rd Annual Cider House 5K at Wachusett Mountain. A fun, yet challenging scenic 3.1 mile race that loops throughout the mountain, including fire roads and hiking trails. Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

19 Sunday 12:30pm. Tour the Shirley Shaker Village! There are only a few days each year that people can tour the Shirley Shaker Village and this one one of them! Contact the Shirley Historical Society at (978) 425-9328 for more information.

19 Sunday 1pm-4pm. Introduction to Zentangle at Tower Hill. Member: $40., Non-member: $55. Instructor: Karen Keefe. Zentangle is an easy-to-learn, meditative method of creating beautiful images from repetitive patterns. It is a fascinating new art form that is fun and relaxing. This class introduces the basic principles and methodology. Materials included. For more information, call 508-869-6111x124.

19 Sunday 2pm-4pm. Bulb Forcing Workshop: Beyond Paperwhites at Tower Hill. Join plantsman and blogger Matt Mattus for a special workshop on forcing unusual bulbs for your winter windowsill. All materials included. Member $50, Non-member $65. For more information, visit www.towerhillbg.org.

Fall Foliage 2014

October 10, 11, 12, 13 Events

Sholan Farms, Leominster MA

Here is a list of events happening in our area this holiday weekend:

October 10, 11, 12, 13

10-11 Friday & Saturday 7pm–11pm. The Haunting of Barrett Park, 40 Barrett Pkwy., Leominster. Repeats on Oct. 17-18 & 24-25. Tickets $10.

10-12 Friday-Sunday 6:30pm–10pm. Fright Nights at Davis MegaMaze, 145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling. After dark, our family friendly, world-class adventure corn maze transforms into Fright Nights a terrifying, haunted experience sure to cause blood curdling screams and sleepless nights! Bring your family, friends, flashlight and courage if you dare (Geared for adults). Call 978-422-6666. Repeats Oct 17-18 and Oct 24-25. Call 978-422-6666.

10-12 Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. Anne of Green Gables By Sylvia Ashby Adapted from the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery at Barre Players. Directed by Tim Waite. A refreshing, contemporary telling of the classic story. Stern Marilla and her warm-hearted brother Matthew hoped to adopt a boy to work on their farm. But the orphanage sends young, befreckled Anne by mistake, and their lives will never be the same. Her warmth and wit affects everyone around her - even, eventually, the cold Marilla! We follow Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman, and her romantic pairing with Gilbert. This play has been charming audiences around the world. For more information, visit barreplayers.homestead.com.

10-12 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. Theater at the Mount presents Les Miserables. The long-awaited international sensation sweeps its audience through an epic tale of passion and destruction in revolutionary France. Peasant Jean Valjean is imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread. After his release he breaks parole and starts life anew, though he is relentlessly pursued by Inspector Javert. As Parisian students revolt against an unjust monarchy, all stories intersect at the barricade one fateful day in 1832. The powerful musical score includes “I Dreamed a Dream,” “On My Own,” and “Bring Him Home.” For more information, call (978) 632-2403 or visit mwcc.edu/tam.

10 Friday 7pm. Twilight Hike at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster (weather permitting) with warm apple cider and hot chocolate all served around the warmth of a campfire. Dogs are allowed on a leash. Bring marshmallows too. Visit www.sholanfarms.com. Please preregister by calling 978-840-3267.

11-12 Saturday-Sunday 10am–3pm. Phillipston Fall Fair & Pumpkin Weigh-In at the Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Avenue, Phillipston. New location, but the same great old-fashioned country festival, sponsored by the Congregational Church of Phillipston. The oldest pumpkin fair in Massachusetts, the Phillipston event includes a search for the biggest pumpkin. Don’t miss the weigh-in, as local farmers bring their hefty beauties by truck and tractor for this friendly competition. Carve a jack o’lantern, build a scarecrow, shop for crafts and home-made baked goods, take a chance on “Hulda’s Quilt,” hand-made with antique fabrics. Food available. Enjoy a fun fall family outing! The centerpiece of the fair, the annual giant pumpkin weigh-in, will be at 1 p.m. Oct. 12 at the apple farm. Some giant pumpkin growers will have their pumpkins displayed so that visitors can have their pictures taken with them.

11-13 Saturday-Monday. Columbus Day Weekend at Davis Farmland with Mike the Music Man, 145 Redstone Hill Road, Sterling. Visit www.davisfarmland.com/dffa_wp or call 978-422-6666.

11-13 Saturday-Monday 10am-4pm. Sholan Farms Harvest Celebration Weekend! Live music, strolling performers, food trucks, fried dough, cider, scarecrow pit, wagon rides, build your own scarecrow (bring clothes, Sholan provides the hay), pumpkin painting, apple picking, cider pressing, guided hikes, old fashioned family fun, and more! Visit sholanfarms.com or call (978) 840-3276 for more information.

11 Saturday. Fun In The Sun Rail Jam at Wachusett Mountain. 1st park event of the season! A great annual tradition and warm-up for the season ahead! Visit www.wachusett.com for more information.

11 Saturday 9am. Children’s Aid & Family Service Presents A “Strengthening Families” Program Free Event. Apple Picking At Hollis Hills Farm at 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg. Please join us at the farm! Children can pick a free quarter peck of apples, enjoy a hay ride, taste some farm fresh cider and tour the beautiful Hollis Hills Farm which is under new ownership after two decades! Please come early, the hay ride starts at 9:00 a.m. sharp and is limited to two adults per child(ren) so there is room for every child to ride. For more information, contact Noreen Alves at 978.602.8657 or strengthfam@gmail.com. Visit www.hollishillsfarm.com.

11 Saturday 9am–3pm. Celebrate the Harvest Car Show, Craft Fair and Parade at Butterfield Park in Orange. The Orange Business Association and North Quabbin Cruisers present a 300-plus car show, more than 50-booth craft fair, lots of food, and a parade through downtown Orange. Free admission. Call 978-544-5335.

11 Saturday 10am-4pm. Fitchburg Harvest Fair at Hollis Hill Farm, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg. Hay Rides, Games, Apple Picking, Farmers' Market, Arts and Craft Vendors, Live Music, and More. For more information, call (978) 696-3130 or visit www.hollishillsfarm.com.

11 Saturday noon. Bob's Turkey Farm Open House, 181 Old Common Road, Lancaster. Celebrating 60 years! Farm Tours will be at 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 3:00 pm. There will be a complimentary taste of Bob's homestyle products.

11 Saturday noon-6pm. Pumpkin Festival at Clearview Farm. Free Admission. For more information, visit www.clearviewfarmstand.com.

11 Saturday 3pm. Food and Forage and Guided Hike at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster (weather permitting). Meet at the Farm Stand area – Guided tours, apple tasting, and wagon ride. The guided tour will last one hour followed by a wagon ride through the orchard. Visit www.sholanfarms.com. Please preregister by calling 978-840-3267.

11 Saturday 8pm. The Tymes at the Bull Run Restaurant in Shirley.

12 Sunday 1pm-4pm. The Devens Grill will host its 10th annual chili cook-off at 4 Ryans Way. More than 20 varieties of chili, will be available all-you-can-eat, plus fun events for the kids. To enter your chili, fill out a registration form at www.devensgrill.com/register.html. No fee, and prizes are awarded. For those attending the cook-off, a $10 donation is requested, with children under 10 free. Proceeds will benefit the Autism Resource Center of Central Mass.

12 Sunday 4pm. Historic Piano Concert at Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham. Soprano Darlene Ann Dobisch performs works by CPE Bach, Mozart, Haydn, Schubert, Fanny and Felix Mendelssohn, Robert and Clara Schumann, Weber and Donizetti. Her accompanist, Sima Kustanovich, will be playing the c.1830 Trondlin piano of Leipzig, from The Frederick Collection. Admission, $10, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.

October 3, 4, 5, 2014

There are so many wonderful events happening in our area this weekend. Here is a list of some of them:

October 3, 4, 5

3-5 Friday-Saturday 7:30pm, Sunday 2pm. Anne of Green Gables By Sylvia Ashby Adapted from the novel by Lucy Maud Montgomery at Barre Players. Directed by Tim Waite. A refreshing, contemporary telling of the classic story. Stern Marilla and her warm-hearted brother Matthew hoped to adopt a boy to work on their farm. But the orphanage sends young, befreckled Anne by mistake, and their lives will never be the same. Her warmth and wit affects everyone around her - even, eventually, the cold Marilla! We follow Anne through her rebellious years, her transformation into a young woman, and her romantic pairing with Gilbert. This play has been charming audiences around the world. For more information, visit barreplayers.homestead.com.

3-5 Friday-Saturday 8pm, Sunday 2pm. A Doll's House by Henrik Ibsen by Stratton Players.  Considered the most popularly performed play in the entire world, this literary classic comes to Stratton for the first time! A Doll's House tells the story of one married young woman's struggle to not only save her family from an unscrupulous blackmailer, but discover her own sense of worth and identity, outside of the protected "doll's life" of her husband and family. Directed by Rob Hawkins. Tickets: $15. For more information, visit www.strattonplayers.com.

3 Friday 11am-2pm. Take it to the Curator at the Museum of Russian Icons. For more information, visit www.museumofrussianicons.org.

3 Friday 6:30pm. Painting in the Garden Room at the Bull Run Restaurant. Grab some friends and join us for an adult night of creativity, laughs, food and drinks and go home with a masterpiece! Artist Tammy Ricker will lead participants in a fun and casual setting as they explore art without any expectation other than delighting in the joy of discovery and the satisfaction of creating a personal piece that is sure to please no matter what the level of art experience. For details and ticket information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

4-5 Saturday 9am-4pm, Sunday noon-4pm. The Friends of the Thayer Memorial Library will hold its Annual Book Sale at the larger space of Town Hall, 695 Main Street, Lancaster. All proceeds benefit books, programs and events at the library. Come support your community library and take home some especially good bargains. We have over 700 boxes of books, DVDs and CDs available for sale at this successful event held annually the same weekend as the Horseshed Fair always the first weekend in October. Credit cards are accepted new this year. Take advantage of reduced prices on Sunday.

4-5 Saturday & Sunday 10am–4pm. Global Harvest Festival at Heifer Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. Tour Heifer’s Global Village and join the internationally-themed harest celebrations. Hayrides to the organic PYO pumpkin patch; hands-on activities like coffee roasting and making beeswax candles; workshops on goat milking, cheese-making and more. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch or bring a picnic. Call 508-886-2221 or visit heifer.org/farm.

4 Saturday 8:30am-2pm. The Friends of the Lunenburg Public Library are holding their annual Fall Book & Bake Sale. Stock up on reading materials for the upcoming winter and treat yourself to yummy goodies at the Bake Sale!

4 Saturday 9am-12:30pm. Hawk Watching at Barre Falls Dam. Bring binoculars and/or a spotting scope, if you have them, and a camp chair (optional). Picnic and restroom facilities are available on the property. To get to the site, enter Barre Falls Dam at the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers sign on Route 6 Park on the far left side of the lot. Leaders Dave (508-852-3243) and Donna (dschilling15@verizon.net) have been observing hawks at Barre Falls for fifteen years. Please Note: Rain and/or fog will cancel the event.

4 Saturday 10am-4pm. The annual Horseshed Fair is a festive, crowd-gathering arts and crafts fair featuring all hand-manufactured items, alongside a roster of foods, White Elephant gifts, and musical entertainment. It is a longstanding tradition in the Lancaster area. Held the first Saturday of October, the fair attracts crafters from throughout New England, offering wares from knitted or hand-sewn clothing to dolls and toys, wood and leather items, jewelry, glass and pottery, floral arrangements, holiday crafts, soaps and much, much more. Church members serve baked beans, burgers, chili dishes, soups and baked goods all day, and sell a variety of baked goods in addition. One huge attraction is more than 100 apple, blueberry, cherry and pumpkin pies. They go fast, so come early for your favorites. For more information, visit the website at www.firstchurchlancasterma.org.

4 Saturday 11am-2pm. Fall Foliage Paddle. Reflections of autumn foliage enhance the special beauty of this river. We will paddle along its narrow, meandering channel into areas of lily ponds and woodlands and stop for a scenic picnic along the way. Trip difficulty: Easy, flat-water, 3 miles roundtrip. Cost: $32pp-canoe, $52pp-kayak. (Box lunch available for an additional cost or pack your own). Reservations required. For more information, visit www.nashobapaddler.com.

4 Saturday 11am-3:15pm. Archaeology Day at Fruitlands: Presented in partnership with the New England Native American Institute. FREE with Admission. Discover archaeology, cultural heritage and Native American art during Archaeology Day at Fruitlands Museum. Presented in partnership with the New England Native American Institute, our day will begin with a guided trail walk to view the archaeological sites found deep in the Fruitlands landscape and learn about the many layers of human habitation on the museum campus. For more information, visit www.fruitlands.org.

4 Saturday 11am-5pm. Wachusett Meadow's HEY DAY! Rain date: October 5 – but only in the case of torrential rains. Admission: Mass Audubon members: $6, Non members: $8, Children 3 and under are free. Join in for farm-related demonstrations, exhibits, and hands-on activities for people of all ages including cider pressing, hayrides, and canoeing, spectacular art show and sale presented by Princeton Arts Society, local produce and home baked goods, local crafters and vendors, mini-maze, farm animals, pumpkin painting and pony rides for children, special Preschool Sing with children's musician, Patsy Mollica, 11am-12noon, live entertainment, and much more! Contact Wachusett Meadow at 978-464-2712 for click here for more information.

  

4 Saturday 1pm-4pm. Paddle and Paint (adults and children 13 and over). River Paddle and Paint. Instructor: Linda Malone. Join local artist and instructor Linda Malone, along with canoe guides from Nashoba Paddler LLC of Groton, for a relaxing fall afternoon exploring the plant and wildlife of the Squannacook River. Bring a sketchbook, paint supplies and/or camera to record scenic view of the river and surrounding landscape. No previous drawing or canoeing experience necessary. Excursion departs from Groton. $60 Fitchburg Art Museum Members, $75NM, Registration required and limited to 12, Rain date Sunday Oct. 12. For more information, visit www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

4 Saturday 2pm-9pm. Experience the Rhythm & Beat of Africa at Thayer Memorial Library. Come enjoy this African Art and Music Series: 2-3 p.m.: Hands-on Drumming with Issa Coulibaly & Zach Combs This workshop will introduce the basics of African drumming including history, technique, & rhythm. It is open to all ages and levels of experience. 4-5 p.m.: Trinidad 2 Timbuktu Concert Join Crocodile River Music playing music of Mali, Brazil, and Trinidad. This blending of the djembe, balafon, steel drum and 7-string guitar creates a one-of-a-kind experience. 7-8 p.m.: Ron Murray and Vuélo Enjoy the global mix of music this trio calls Bossa Flamenco, with influences from Spain and Brazil. Presented with the group interplays and improvisation of jazz, America’s art form.

4 Saturday 5pm-8pm. A Pop-Up Art Exhibition with live music will take place at Destare, 320 Main St. in Fitchburg presented by the Fitchburg Cultural Council. The event will feature a mixture of creative works from Boston to locally-based artists.

4 Saturday 8pm. The Sweet Remains at Falcon Hub, at Fitchburg State University. Rich Price, Greg Naughton, and Brian Chartrand each contribute to the writing and three-part harmonies that define The Sweet Remains’ sound and simply make your ears smile. $28. Visit www.fitchburgstate.edu.

4 Saturday 8pm. Room-ful of Blues performs at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Road (Route 2A), Shirley. If you’re lookin’ to dance, this is the right band and the right place. $18. For details and ticket information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com.

5 Sunday 12:30pm. Tour the Shirley Shaker Village! There are only a few days each year that people can tour the Shirley Shaker Village and this one of them! Contact the Shirley Historical Society at (978) 425-9328 for more information.

5 Sunday 1pm-4pm. The Townsend Historical Society celebrates autumn with its annual fall Open House at the Reed Homestead, 72 Main St. Tours of the 1809 Reed house will be available, including the beautiful Rufus Porter mural room on the second floor. The Open House is free. (978) 597-2106.

5 Sunday 2pm. The Lincoln Assassination with Historian Christopher Daley at the Leominster Public Library. The assassination of our 16th President stunned a war-weary nation, and this riveting presentation explores how plans to kidnap Lincoln escalated into a plot to assassinate. Daley uses period and modern photographs as well as video footage to tell the tragic tale, including Booth’s escape and capture and the trail and execution of the conspirators.

5 Sunday 4pm. Historic Piano Concert at Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham. Violinist Abigail Karr and pianist Yi-heng Yang play compositions from The Life of Felix Mendelssohn: Violin Sonatas from Childhood, Adolescence, and Adulthood with a piano from The Frederick Collection of Historical Grand Pianos. Admission, $10, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.