What's Happening October 27, 28, 29, 2017

“What’s Happening”

October 27, 28, 29, 2017

29, Sunday – Smith’s Country CheeseFest, 11:00-5:00 - A family-friendly event with food trucks, drinks, music, fun, and lots of CHEESE!! Let’s go get this awesome community together for a fabulous fall festival! Don’t worry; you can watch the Patriots game live streaming with our HERD this Sunday at CheeseFest 2.0. 20 Otter River Rd., Winchendon MA. For more information visit www.smithscountrycheese.com

27, Friday – Halloween Party at the Gardner Ale House – 9:00 p.m. -midnight - Special scary cocktails, cash prizes, live music with Our Buddy Karl, free buffet, and Michael Jackson’s Thriller on the big screen at midnight! 74 Parker St., Gardner MA. For more information visit www.gardnerale.com.

27, 28, 29 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – The Sleepy Hollow Experience at Old Sturbridge Village, 1 Old Sturbridge Village Rd., Sturbridge MA – At the Sleepy Hollow Experience, guests will be ghoulishly guided through the Village’s countryside where they will encounter Ichabod Crane, Katrina Van Tassel, Brom Bones and quite possibly the Headless Horseman. Please note that each outdoor performance is approximately 1.5 hours long and requires standing and walking. Performances are held rain or shine. If the evening is a rainout, a modified version of the experience will take place in the Stephen M. Brewer Theater. For tickets and more information visit www.osv.org

28, Saturday – Fall Fest on the Common, Worcester, 12:00-3:00 p.m. Join hundreds of festival goers for the city of Worcester's Fall Fest on Worcester Common, in front of City Hall. Located at 455 Main Street, the park will be full with crafters selling their finest goods and community vendors to get you involved in what ever it is that sparks your interest. Enjoy an afternoon full of performances, animals, crafters, games, and treats for everyone. Families and children are encouraged to dress-up in costume. Admission is free. For more information visit www.worcesterma.gov

29, Sunday – Keene Pumpkin Festival, 1:00-7:00, Main St., Keene NH – Join us for Pumpkin Festival 2017. Enjoy a spectacular display of carved jack-o-lanterns, as well as family-friendly activities including a costume parades, live entertainment, dance performances, pumpkin bowling, and other innovative pumpkin games. Admission is free and shuttled parking will be available. For more information visit www.pumpkinfestival.org.

28, 29, Saturday and Sunday – Halloween at the Maze, Lanni Orchards, 10:00-noon, 10 & under can trick or treat (and of course wear their costume) through the maze from 10 am to noon on Saturday & Sunday. PYO Apples & Pumpkins, hayrides, play land, apple cider hot or cold, and warm apple dumplings!  Yummy! ​Stop by and have some local food! Also, pick your own grapes this weekend Saturday and Sunday. 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg MA. For more information visit www.lanniorchards.com

27, 28, and 29, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – The Bull Run Restaurant presents: The Yardbirds on Friday, Matt Schofield Band on Saturday, and The Outlaws on Sunday. For tickets and more information visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com

What's Happening October 20, 21, 22, 2017

“What’s Happening”

October 20, 21, 22, 2017

20, Friday - The Bull Run presents, Comics & Cocktails 2 - Cameron’s Crusaders invites you to join us for a night of laughs with “Comics for a Cure”, featuring Jerry Caruso, Krista Brennan & Thomas Mitchell. Join us for Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvers at 6:30 P.M. before the show to look over the auction items and fill in your bids.  $35 ticket includes Hors d’oeuvers, Silent Auction & Cash bar. To learn more visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com. To learn more about Cameron’s Crusaders visit cameronscrusaders.org.  

20, Friday – Monadnock Music presents, Stargazing with Harp, performed by harpist Maria Rindenello Parker, 6:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Pines, 10 Hale Hill Rd., Rindge NH – Program to include Leonard Bernstein, Benjamin Britten, Claude Debussy, Ottorino Respighi, and Carlos Salzedo. Tickets are $20.00 in advance or $25.00 at the door. Stargazing to follow at 7:30 p.m. with telescopes and guidance from the New Hampshire Astronomical Society. For more information visit www.monadnockmusic.org.

21, Saturday – 3^rd Annual Cracker Festival, 10 Village Square, Westminster – 10:00-5:00 p.m. Come join us for the 3rd Annual Westminster Cracker Festival this October. For the past two years thousands of people have come out for a community celebration held in the village center of downtown Westminster for a great time.  This year will be even better!  So, come join us and eat some crackers! Event includes a 5K race, chowder and chili competition, live music, local crafts, and cracker character competition. For more information visit www.crackerfestival.com

21, Saturday – Monadnock Pumpkin Festival at the Cheshire Fairgrounds, 247 Monadnock Highway, Swanzey NH – 12:00-8:00 p.m. The festival will include huge pumpkin displays, a costume parade, a baking contest, children’s activity tent, Fright Fest, Craft fair artisans, amusement rides, food vendors, face painting, pony rides, and fireworks! For more information visit www.monadnockpumpkinfestival.org

21, 22, Saturday and Sunday, - OktoberFest at Wachusett Mountain, Sat. 10-4, Sunday, 10-3, - Taking the best from AppleFest, we've expanded the calendar to one more event by pulling out the OktoberFest theme! Enjoy German food, music, traditional dancing, beer, craft vendors, a farmers' market, live shows, contests and more! LIVE MUSIC! Stein Hoisting Contest, Keg Tossing Contest, and Pie Eating Contest. For tickets and more information visit www.wachusett.com

21, 22, Saturday and Sunday – Lanni Orchards Pumpkin Festival, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg - 8:00-6:00 p.m. PYO apples and pumpkins, Halloween and fall themes, play land, games, hay rides, paint your own pumpkins, hot or cold cider, warm apple crisp, corn maze, and so much more! For more information call 978-582-6246 or visit www.lanniorchards.com

21, Saturday – The Bull Run presents James Maddock, The best singer-songwriters serve the song. The songwriter’s songwriter, James Maddock, who has earned the respect of masterful writers such as Bruce Springsteen and Willie Nile, has built his acclaimed legacy on humbly honoring purity of expression. Many albums in his beloved catalog are elegantly spare, conveying his songs and sentiments in the most direct possible way. But for his latest album, "The Green," the songs guided him into recording the most eclectic, exhilaratingly soulful and imaginatively produced album in his career. “This is my best album. It’s an upbeat record with really strong songs and a lot of surprises,” the British transplant reveals. “It all happened really naturally. I just listened to where the songs where going and allowed myself the time to give each one a proper sonic home.” For tickets and more information visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com

22, Sunday – The Bull Run presents Iris Dement, Iris DeMent was inspired to write her first song "Our Town" while driving through a boarded-up Midwest town at the age of 25. "Our Town" was played during the closing scene for the final episode of CBS’s television series Northern Exposure. For tickets and more information visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com

What's Happening October 11-15, 2017

“What’s Happening”

October 11-15, 2017

11, Wednesday - River Street Theatre presents, Zak Trojano, 7:30-9:00 p.m., 6 River St., Jaffrey NH. Zak is a songwriter and multi-instrumentalist, a finger- style guitar player, a fly-fisherman, and a beer drinker. He watches more than he talks, the guy at the end of the bar nursing a drink while the afternoon light angles in, letting the conversation pile up around him like snowfall. He grew up in New Hampshire, outside of town in a cabin built by his parents. His father was a drummer who held down a regular country gig, and nights after work he would loosen his tie and show his son the finer points of Ginger Baker and Elvin Jones. In New Hampshire they drove around in trucks, and Prine and Dylan cassettes showed up in most of those trucks. Zak made Eagle Scout, got his knots down. Then it was college and out, wandering the country from the desert Southwest to Great Plains until he ran out of money, washing windows to work up the bus fare home. After a while it seemed like he ought to write some songs, and he did: heavy songs with a light touch; an AM radio throwback voice and an intricate finger-style technique framed by a drummer’s rhythm and sharpened by years of immersion in the work of players as various as John Fahey, Merle Travis, and Chet Atkins. In over a decade writing, recording, and performing music professionally - sharing studios and stages with his band Rusty Belle, or supporting touring acts like Chris Smither, Kris Delmhorst, Jeffrey Foucault, and Peter Mulvey - Zak Trojano has evolved his own thing: a warm baritone paired with an old Martin guitar, floating above spare lines of cello and lap steel, horns and brushes, with a deceptively simple lyricism that on repeated listening shows that the fellow at the end of the bar doesn’t say much, but he’s worth hearing. Tickets: $12.00. For more information visit www.riverst.org.

12 - 15, - Thursday-Sunday, Brattleboro VT Literary Festival 2017 – The festival is a four-day celebration of those who read books, those who write books, and of the books themselves. Located in downtown Brattleboro, the Festival includes readings, panel discussions, and special events, feature emerging and established authors. All events are free and open to the public. www.brattleboroliteraryfestival.org.

13, 14, 15, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, - Theatre at the Mount presents, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - In this hilarious comedy, Vanya and his adopted sister, Sonia, live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, while their sister Masha travels the world as a movie star. Just as their cleaning woman issues a warning about terrible events in their future, Masha returns for an unannounced visit with her 20-something boy-toy Spike in tow. And so begins this unforgettable family reunion filled with rivalry, regret, and racket. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play!  Performances: 13, 14 at 8 p.m.; October 15 at 2:00 p.m., for tickets and more information visit the box-office@mwcc.mass.edu.

14, 15, Saturday and Sunday, Tower Hill Botanic Garden, Autumn Spirits, Weekend 3, 10am–4pm, Bring the kids in costumes and explore our Fairy House trail. Adults can enjoy brews and spirits while learning about the connections between plants and brewing as we revel in the witching hour soon to come. Enjoy food trucks – Home Grown on Saturday, October 14 and Say Cheese on Sunday, October 15. Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear woodland fairy or animal costumes. For the full schedule and more information visit. www.towerhillbg.org.

14, 15 – Saturday and Sunday, 34^th Annual AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00 p.m. Our most popular fall festival, AppleFest features over 150 Craft Fair & Farmers' Market Booths, Family Entertainment, Scenic Foliage Skyrides to the Summit, Mountainside Barbecue, Pony Rides, Clowns, Climbing Wall, Jugglers & Magicians for the Kids. Applefest also features a Celtic Celebration complete with authentic Celtic music, cuisine, a multitude of tasty beers in the Beer Garden and LIVE music. For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com.

14, 15, Saturday and Sunday, - Apple Days at Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge MA, Celebrate the harvest and the beautiful New England autumn at the peak of fall color. Join our costumed interpreters as they harvest apples, potatoes, carrots, and beets. They will also conduct garden and root cellar tours and discuss food preparation, thresh and winnow grain, and shell corn and beans. Learn how food makes its way from the farm to the dining room table. Meet our oxen and see multiple teams demonstrate plowing and field preparation. Learn more about heritage breed animals and talk with breeders. Throughout the day, our interpreters will be cooking and preserving apples and operating the ox-powered Cider Mill. Cost: Adults $28.00; Seniors (55 and over) $26.00; College Student (with valid college ID) $14; Youths (4-17) $14.00; Children age 3 and under Admitted Free. www.osv.org.

13, 14, Friday and Saturday, The Bull Run Restaurant presents, Antje Duvekot on Friday and New England on Saturday. For tickets and more information visit: bullrunrestaurant.com.

14, Saturday – RiverFire on the Androscoggin River in Berlin NH, 2:00-9:00 p.m., - Just as the nights are getting colder in New England, the City of Berlin will be warming things up with one of the best fall festivals around—RiverFire! Come to “the city that trees built” to catch a full day of fun, ending with some dramatic fires on the river. RiverFire burns bigger and brighter every year, and this year there are some fun new activities for everyone. The gates of the Service Credit Union Heritage Park, 942 Main Street, Berlin, NH will open to activities and vendors for visitors of ALL ages. Admission to the park is FREE.  For more information, call 603-752-6060 or find RiverFire Berlin, NH on Facebook. Or visit: www.androscogginvalleychamber.com/riverfire-festival

What''s Happening October 5, 6,7, 8, 2017

Theatre at the Mount

“What’s Happening”

October 6,7, 8, 9

5, Thursday – Cannoli Festival in Downtown Leominster, 5-9 p.m., If you love cannolis (and who doesn't?!), join the crowd on the common for an evening music, fun, and cannoli from variety of local bakeries. 

5-9, Thursday to Monday, Columbus Day Ski and Snowboard Swap and Sale at Wachusett Mountain - Our annual equipment extravaganza! Bring in your used equipment to sell for cash or Wachusett Credit, then buy new equipment with the cash or credit you just earned! This is the perfect chance to upgrade your gear for the coming winter. No equipment to sell? That's OK too, we bring in local retailers equipment and gear as well so there are great deals for everyone whether you're looking for new or used items! Want a little more than just a shopping trip? Join us for a Scenic Summit SkyRide and grab lunch at our Mountainside BBQ! For more information visit www.wachusett.com.

5, 6, 7, 8, – The Bull Run Restaurant presents: The Garcia Project on October 5; Maria Muldaur and her Bluesiana Band on October 6; Words Change Everything poetry night on October 7; and Blue Coupe on October 8. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com

6, Friday - Full Moon Canoeing at Nashoba Paddler, Set out by canoe at dusk and as darkness approaches, watch the moon rise, being on the lookout for owls, beaver, bats, and other night life. After some delicious refreshments, we'll return following the moon's ribbon of light. 6:00-9:00 p.m.  Trip difficulty: Easy, flat-water, 5 miles roundtrip. Cost: $40 pp-canoes only. Refreshments included. REGISTRATION REQUIRED Visit www.nashobapadder.com

6, 7, Theatre at the Mount presents, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike - In this hilarious comedy, Vanya and his adopted sister, Sonia, live a quiet life in the Pennsylvania farmhouse where they grew up, while their sister Masha travels the world as a movie star. Just as their cleaning woman issues a warning about terrible events in their future, Masha returns for an unannounced visit with her 20-something boy-toy Spike in tow. And so begins this unforgettable family reunion filled with rivalry, regret, and racket. Winner of the 2013 Tony Award for Best Play!  Performances: October 6, 7, 13, 14 at 8PM; October 15 at 2PM for tickets and more information visit the box-office@mwcc.mass.edu.

7, 8 Saturday and Sunday – Pumpkin Festival and weigh-in at Red Apple Farm - The Phillipston Congregational Church presents this popular regional event featuring the state’s oldest pumpkin-weighing contest. See huge vegetables tip the scales, with awards and bragging rights to local farmers and gardeners for their pumpkin-growing prowess.

Also enjoy food, book sale, hayrides, and more.  455 Highland Ave., Phillipston MA, www.redapplefarm.com

7, 8, 9, Columbus Day Apple Festival at Lanni Orchards, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg MA www.lanniorchrds.com

7, Saturday, Sholan Farms Harvest Celebration Weekend, 10:00-4:00, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster MA - Enjoy live entertainment, wagon rides, food trucks, interactive children's events, and much more at this family fun festival. www.sholanfarms.org.

7, Saturday - National Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at Fitchburg Art Museum, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 185 Elm St., Fitchburg MA -Join us to celebrate Latino cultures with food, music, art, and a keynote address about the relationship between Columbus Day and Latinos in the Americas today. Enjoy the acoustic music of Lucelia DeJesus of Worcester. Children and adults can make a portrait of a Latino hero with artist Nayda Cuevas. Organized by the Latino Heritage Month Coalition. Free and open to everyone! www.fitchburgartmuseum.org.

7, Saturday – The Stratton Players present, The Curious Savage, 2:00 p.m. at Applewild’s Center for Performing Arts, 98 Prospect St., Fitchburg MA - Comedy about an elderly, rich woman who wants to donate money and whose stepchildren want to keep it. For reservations please email: reservations@strattonplayers.com or call 978-345-6066.

7, Saturday – Beavers by Canoe Family Program – Wachusett Meadown Wildlife Sanctuary, 3:00-5:00 p.m. 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton MA - Beavers are busy this time of year, as they prep lodges and dams for the winter and begin to cache food. Look for evidence of their handiwork, learn some beaver ecology, and see if you can spot them on the pond! Register at massaudubon.org/wachusettmeadow or by calling 978-464-2712.

7, 8, 9, - Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Annual Open Studio Art Tour-  Monadnock Art presents the Art Tour each October during the peak of the colorful foliage season in southwestern New Hampshire. The Tour is self-directed, and it's free for the interested public. Art lovers from all over New England, and beyond, enjoy touring the beautiful countryside, following the distinctive Art Tour signs, and discovering the often tucked-away places where artists work. Studios are open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. The Tour travels through the towns surrounding the beloved Mount Monadnock: Chesham, Dublin, Hancock, Harrisville, Jaffrey, Marlborough, Peterborough, and Sharon. A remarkable range and diversity of the visual arts is represented through the work of the artists. Visitors tour the workplaces of painters and printmakers, potters and jewelers, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, woodworkers, glass shapers, and more. Many artists offer work for sale, often specially priced for the Tour. For a look at a sampling of their work, please visit the Artists pages of this site.   www.monadnockart.org

7, 8, 9, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday – 23rd Annual Paradise City Art Show - Join us during the peak of Fall Foliage as almost 250 carefully curated artists and makers from every corner of America travel to Northampton for 3 days of astounding visual arts, eye popping design, scrumptious food, lively music and special events. For more information visit www.festivals.paradisecityarts.com.

8. Sunday, - Harvest Fest at Fruitlands Museum, 10:00-4:00 p.m., 102 Prospect Hill Rd. Harvard MA - Enjoy the abundance of the New England landscape at this celebration of the autumn harvest! Visit the farm animals, enjoy live music, get your face painted, create your very own farmer hat or shaker bonnet. All in the spirit of the season! Free with museum admission. For more information visit, www.fruitlands.thetrustees.org/events.

8, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection presents IgnacyGaydamovich on cello and Jiayan Sun on Piano. Program includes George Onslow - Sonata No. 3 for Cello and Piano in A Major and Franz Schubert - Sonata for Arpeggione and Piano in a Minor D. 821. Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham MA, 4:00 p.m., Admission is $10.00. Students and children are free. For more information visit www.frederickcollection.org. 

7, 8, 9 – Fall Festival Weekend at Tower Hill Botanic Garden - There’s nothing like autumn in New England, and there’s no better place than Tower Hill Botanic Garden to take in all the season has to offer. In addition to the panoramic view of Mt. Wachusett and the reservoir, the Garden displays hundreds of trees and shrubs known for their spectacular fall color. For more information visit towerhillbg.org

8, Saturday – 15^th Annual Heirloom Apple Day at Scott Farm, 9:00-5:00, 707 Kipling Rd., Dummerston VT - A celebration of heirloom apples - fresh, baked and squeezed! Visit the Apple Barn at 10, 12 or 2 for a free tasting of some of our 125 varieties of apples and listen to the enlightening history of these unique fruits as told by Orchardist, Zeke Goodband. Heirloom apples and heirloom cider with be on sale after the tastings. Whetstone Ciderwords of Marlboro VT offers samples of their hard ciders made primarily with Scott Farm apples, and Rigani Wood-fired Pizza of Brattleboro VT vends season sensations from their mobil oven. The Farm Markt and Pick Your Own will be open daily through Nov. 22. 707 Kipling Rd., Dummerston VT. For more information visit www.scottfarmvermont.com.

8, Sunday - Dummerston Apple Pie Festival, 9:30-12:30, Dummerston Congregational Church, Middle Rd., Dummerston, VT.  Southern Vermont’s Premier Apple Pie Festival!  Handmade Apple Pies baked with local apples by the members of the Dummerston Congregational Church and all of their friends in the community. Slices of pie will be for sale as well as whole pies, hot cider, Vermont cheese and hand-cranked ice cream.  Rain or shine under our festival tent.

What's Happening September 29, 30, October 1

 “What’s Happening”

September 29, 30, October 1

29, 30, 1, Friday, Saturday, Sunday (and continuing until October 9) – Topsfield Fair, 207 Boston Rd., Topsfield MA - The colorful and often exciting history of Topsfield Fair began in 1818 when the Essex Agricultural Society, the non-profit organization that owns the Topsfield Fair, was officially granted a charter on June 12th of that year. The goal of the fledgling Society, formed by a group of "practical farmers" who first met on February 16, 1818, was "to promote and improve the agricultural interests of farmers and others in Essex County." Now, nearly 200 years later, the Society still strives to do this, "to encourage, promote and preserve Essex County agricultural activities and to educate the general public regarding their importance in an atmosphere of fun and excitement through the medium of the Topsfield Fair." For hours of operations, daily events, and other information, visit www.topsfieldfair.org.

29, Friday – The Seth Walker Band performs at the Bull Run, 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA – Over the past 10 years, Seth Walker has become recognized as one of the most revered modern roots artists in the U.S.; a three-dimensional talent with a gift for combining melody and lyric. His latest studio album, “Gotta Get Back”, is yet another masterwork that further expands upon this reputation. For tickets and more information, visit www.bullrunrestaurant.com

30, Saturday – Introduction: The “Chicago” Music Experience, at the Bull Run, "Introduction" is a Tribute to the music of Chicago (formerly Chicago Transit Authority). 8:00 p.m., 215 Great Rd. Shirley MA - "Introduction" is the name of the first song of the first Chicago album and the beginning of a musical legacy that spans five decades. This project was born of a deep admiration and respect for Chicago's artists and their early music. Introduction has been performing throughout the east coast for seven years and have established themselves as one of the most sought after Chicago Tributes in the business, regularly drawing large audiences at well know venues such as Showcase Live, Infinity Hall, Norfolk and Hartford and Harrah's in Philadelphia. For tickets and more information visit, wwwbullrunrestaurant.com

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – Fall Festival Weekend, Sweet Harvest, at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 10:00-4:00, Satisfy your sweet tooth at this celebration of apples, pies, honey, and preserves. Enjoy food trucks – Home Grown on Saturday, September 30 and Say Cheese on Sunday, October 1. Kids of all ages are encouraged to wear farmer costumes. 11 French Dr., Boylston MA. For more information visit, www.towerhillbg.org

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday - 8^th Annual BBQ Fest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00, Join us for the 8th Annual Great New England BBQFest featuring some of the area's best BBQ vendors! Additional highlights of this year's event include the OYSTERFEST, now featuring Oysters on the half shell, clam chowder and shrimp, along with a daily Oyster Shucking Competition! The PEOPLE'S CHOICE AWARDS will feature Chili on Saturday and Pulled Pork on Sunday! Then there's the ever-famous Farmers' Market and Craft Fair (including more than 75 vendors), and Beer Tent throughout the weekend. Also featuring an outdoor fire pit. Tickets: Adults $9.00 in advance, $12.00 at the door; Children 6-12, $4.00 in advance, $7.00 at the door. Skyride is additional. For more information visit, www.wachusett.com

30, Saturday – Oktoberfest Party in the Streets with Gardner Ale House, 11:00-11:00, 74 Parker St., Gardner MA, Oktoberfest is celebrated throughout the world because it is devoted to beer, food, fun and families. There is no other theme. There are no saints nor civil wars nor revolutions, just mostly beer & food & fun. It's pretty simple. In Germany, they love it so much it lasts for about 4 weeks. Maybe we can do that at the Ale House, too, someday. For now, let's just work on this one-day and make it great for all of us and for Downtown Gardner. Gardner loves you, baby! 9780353-7604, www.gardnerale.com

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – Global Harvest Festival at Heifer Farm, 10:00-4:00, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland, MA - Heifer Farm's annual Global Harvest Festival is a fun-packed cultural celebration for all ages! This festive weekend features international crafts and games in the Global Village, live music, delicious food, hay rides to the pumpkin patch and, of course, all the farm animals. Live bands will play on the main stage throughout the festival and the Dale Perkins Horse Show will perform daily. Bands include Boston-based Kat Kennedy, and local groups The Hip Swayers, Hard to Say, Deux Amis, and Lalla Rookh. 508-886-5000 www.heifer.org

30, 1 – Saturday and Sunday – The Profound Vintage Market at Kalon Farm, Rt. 117, Lancaster MA - We are excited to offer our debut, multiple vendor market, in central MA. We're Brimfield's cuter, more curated little sister! Offering 50 vintage dealers, creative artisans and makers. A fun weekend for the whole family. Local food, brew, wine, and music. The market is located at Kalon Farm and Winery on Rt. 117 in Lancaster and situated on a sprawling scenic landscape. The gorgeous setting of Fall in New England will set the tone for ou first market weekend. Tickets and more information is available at www.theprofoundmarket.com

30, Saturday - 14th Annual Blacksmith Art and Music Festival at River Front Park (Commercial St., and Boulder Dr.), Fitchburg MA - 10:00-4:30 - Coordinated by community volunteers, the Annaul Fitchburg Forge-In Blacksmith Festival has successfully showcased artisans from Western New England. We welcomed over 2,000 visitors at our last Festival and we expect many more this year. Live music, seasonal foods, and children's activities complete the day. Admission to the Festival is free and made possible by the many businesses, individuals, and organizations that contribute to this event. For more information visit www.fitchburgforgein.com. 

30, Saturday – 2017 Monadnock Fall Festival, Downtown, Keene NH – 10:00-7:00, Celebrate all the great things about the Monadnock Region at the 2017 Monadnock Fall Festival! Enjoy music, great local food, and kid friendly activities. Free Admission.

What's Happening September 22, 23, 24, 2017

“What’s Happening”

September 22, 23, 24

22, Friday – Guy Van Duser and Billy Novick at Thayer Memorial Library, 7:30-10:00 p.m. 717 Main St., Lancaster MA - Guy Van Duser’s exquisite guitar styling coupled with Billy Novick’s jazzy clarinet playing have all the makings for a memorable concert. They perform swing, jazz, and ragtime pieces from the 1930’s and ’40s.  Event is free. Doors open at 6:45pm.

Come early because seating is limited! thayermemoriallibrary.org.

22, Friday – David Mega Maze Farm Festival! 134 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling MA – The festival will feature Kansas City BBQ, locally crafted beers, the world famous mega maze, live music and over 40 family attractions! davisfarmland.com

22, Friday – Murder Mystery at The Old Mill – 6:30-10:30 69 State Rd., Westminster MA – Enjoy dinner and theatre rolled into one! 978-874-5941, www.1761oldmill.com

23, Saturday – Johnny Appleseed Festival – 9:00-5:00 p.m. – Downtown Leominster - Enjoy a day with crafters, charitable organizations, vendors, amusement rides, petting zoo, entertainment, and much more!

23, Saturday – Ashby 5 Mile Road Race, 9:00-3:30 p.m. – We will celebrate the 250^th anniversary of Ashby with a road race and walk. Gather your friends and neighbors and come out to run, walk, or simply enjoy the day on the historic Ashby Common. www.ashby250.org.

23, Saturday – GrotonFest, 10:00-4:30 p.m. Visit more than 150 artisans, food, business, and non-profit booths at this community event with continuous music all day on the Legion Common, located on Hollis Street in Groton. (Rain date, September 24th), www.grotonfest.org.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday - North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival, 10:00-5:00 p.m. - Forster's Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange MA - A celebration of the artistic, agricultural, and cultural bounty of the region at Forster's Farm. Over 100 booths feature regional artists, farmers, and organizations. There will be music, performances, spoken word, and dance performances on solar powered stages and adventure activities for kids and families. Get silly with garlic games including the famous raw garlic-eating contest! $5 per day for adults; $8 for a weekend pass; kids 12 and under free. Free shuttle and parking! www.garlicandarts.org.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday – 27^th Annual KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00 p.m. 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA - KidsFest is two full days of music, food, and family fun! Live shows, walk-around entertainment, magic shows, scenic summit SkyRide, and more! Enjoy great food and product sampling. Supporting the Life is Good Kids Foundation! Sponsored by: Brain Injury Association of MA. www.wachusett.com.

23, Saturday - Motorpalooza 2017, 12:00-5:00 p.m. Templeton Common, Templeton MA -The Narragansett Historical Society's annual engine show features cars and trucks, both vintage and unusual; along with farm engines from the Central Mass Steam Gas and Machinery Association. Admission is free! Free museum tours and music provided by Boothill Express. www.narragansetthistoricalsociety.org

23, Saturday – Step into Nature at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 1:00-3:00 p.m. 127 Goodnow Rd., Princeton MA - Are you counting steps or miles as part of your daily health and wellness? The peaceful and beautiful trails at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary are a terrific alternative to treadmills and dodging traffic on roadways. Register at massaudobon.org/wachusettmeadow or call 978-464-2712. 

23, Saturday - Dahlia Day at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 1:00-5:00 p.m., Free with admission. Join dahlia enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, from novices, to experienced growers who all share something in common - an interest in these beautiful and diverse blooms. See hundreds of colorful blooms in every size imaginable - from silver dollar to dinner plate - at the second New England Dahlia Show. 11 French Dr., Boylston MA, towerhillbg.org

23, Saturday – Beatles Tribute Band at Monument Park in Gardner MA 5:00-7:00 p.m. Enjoy music of the Fab Four at this free concert. Bring a lawn chair or blanket!Free! 

23, Saturday - Annual Smithsonian Day at the Gardner Museum, 1:00-4:00 p.m. 26 Pearl St., Gardner MA - Free. No reservation needed.

23, Saturday - 2017 Schnitzel Fest New Hampshire, 12:00-5:00 p.m., Butler Park, 5 Central St., Hillsborough NH. Now in its 15th year, Schnitzel Fest New Hampshire has entertained and successfully brought authentic German food to thousands at the fun event held each year in September during the beautiful New England fall foliage season. www.schnitzelfestnh.org.

23, Saturday - 20th Annual Winchester Pickle Festival, 1-:00-4:00 p.m., 128 Main St., Winchester NH. For more information call 603-239-4239.

23, 24, Saturday and Sunday - Fruitlands 7^th Annual Craft Festival, 10:00-4:00 p.m., Enjoy original handmade crafts by 48 New England Artisans during the 7th Annual Craft Festival at Fruitlands. The Festival is a two-day outdoor-tented show set on the picturesque grounds of the museum. Quality juried craft, museum offerings, and stunning views has made the Festival a popular September destination for all. It’s the perfect opportunity to get a jump on your holiday shopping and find that original gift for the hard-to-buy-for! For your entertainment, there is a food truck, the Café, and live music, courtesy of the Summertime Trio, on both days of the Festival. The Guests’ admission also includes entry to the Museum exhibits and trails. It’s a fun day out with family and friends. Member $5.00; Non-member $10.00; Kids 12 and under Free. For more information and a full listing of featured artists please visit fruitlands.org/craftfestival

20th Anniversary

Twenty years ago today, my first official Bed and Breakfast guests arrived. We bought this beautiful old home the year prior and had been renovating it, room by room, to get it ready as a B&B. Another innkeeper in town had called me the week before and told me she was sending a family to stay with us. When I told her I wasn’t ready, she said, “Get ready, because they’re coming.”

Those first guests were so incredibly kind, appreciative, and fun, I knew I was on to a great adventure with this B&B. I was not wrong.

During the past 20 years we’ve had over 11,000 guests stay with us, from all over the world. I’ve had the privilege of welcoming people who share different political, religious, economic, social, and philosophical views. I’ve had the honor to sit with royalty and I’ve had the honor to sit with a homeless person. Everyone has a story, and if we are open, we feel that human connection, and we are made better for it.

Thank you, my wonderful guests, for allowing me to share this ride of life with you. I am grateful beyond measure.

April 28, 29, 30, 2017

Sheep shearing this week at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary

“What’s Happening”

April 28, 29, 30

28, 29, 30 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Events at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston MA - Friday, Healing with Nature: Forest Bathing 9:30-12:30; Family Story time, 11:30-12:00; Arbor Day Tree Walk, 1:00-2:00, Saturday, African Violet Show and Sale, 10:00-5:00; Sunday, African Violet Show and Sale, 10:00-4:00; DIY Herbal Gifts, 1:00-3:30; Sunday Afternoon Tour, 2:00-3:30. Call 508-869-6111 or visit www.towerhillbg.org for more information.

29, Saturday – Craft Brew Race Worcester, The Craft Brew Races return to Worcester for the third year! Over 1,400 craft brew lovers ran with us in 2016! Join us for a 5k road race followed by a local craft beer festival and one unforgettable experience. Runners and walkers are welcome to participate in the timed 5k thru Downtown Worcester. The post-race beer festival will be held outside on the historic Worcester Common in front of City Hall. For more information visit www.craftbrewraces.com

29, Saturday – Shin-Rin Yoku Forest Breathing Guided Sanctuary Walks at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton, MA 10:30-11:30 a.m., Fee: $3.50 Adult Members, $4.50 Adult Nonmembers, $2 Child Members, $3 Child Nonmembers - Learn to connect with natural world in healing, calming, grounding, and replenishing way through a series of gentle guided walks with Dr. Roxanne Daleo, a renowned health educator specializing in relaxation and stress reduction. Look to the wisdom of nature for effective ways to relax and invigorate yourself. Leave with conscious methods to relive the relaxed experience when you are away from nature or feeling anxious, lonely, or depressed. Slow down and breathe in the “medicine” of nature. This program is suitable for children and adults. All are welcome. For more information and to register, call 978-464-2712. Sponsored by Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary. www.massaudobon.org

29, Saturday – Sheep Shearing Open House at Wachusett Meadow Wildlife Sanctuary, 113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton, MA 1:00-4:00 p.m.  - Sheep grazing led to the development of many meadows on the sanctuary, and our current team of munchers help us maintain open habitat for wildlife. Meet Finch, Monarch, Taggley, and the rest of the flock. Learn how sheep are sheared and how those fleeces eventually become warm hats and mittens. Local vendors and crafters, kid's activities, and more! Call 978-464-2712 or visit massaudobon.org for admission prices and hours. 

29, 30, Friday and Saturday - Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail, 10:00-5:00, Nine western Mass potters will open their studios to the public for the 13th Asparagus Valley Pottery Trail. This free springtime event showcases the work and working environments of a group of nationally known makers, along with guest potters from around New England and beyond. Visitors will find tableware of all kinds, sculpture for the garden, and architectural tiles in styles ranging from historical to contemporary, made in work spaces that include restored barns, factory buildings, and small-town storefronts. New guest potters and new work by the host potters make for a tour that changes every year and reflects the vibrancy and diversity of handmade ceramics. All nine studios will have work for sale, and several will offer demonstrations during the weekend. The tour will be open from 10-5 both days, and welcomes families and visitors of all ages. Visit asparagusvalleypotterytrail.com for more information.  

30, Sunday - Frederick Historical Piano Concert Series present pianist, Junghwa Lee playing Debussy, Préludes, Book II; two Fauré Nocturnes; and Albeniz, El Polo, from Iberia, Book III, on the 1877 Erard, Paris. Pianist Junghwa Lee, a native of Korea, performs actively in solo recitals, chamber concerts and lecture recitals, and has frequently appeared in concerto performances as a soloist including those with the Korean Symphony Orchestra, Salina Symphony Orchestra, Hutchinson Symphony Orchestra and Greeley Philharmonic Orchestra among others. She has presented solo performances in Korea, Holland, France, Hungary, Romania, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China, the United Kingdom, and the United States, including appearances at the Arts Center Concert Series at National Chiao Tung University in Taiwan, Shenyang Music Cultural Exchange Exhibition Between China and Foreign Countries Festival in China, Beethoven 32 Sonatas Recital Series in Singapore, the Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concert Series at the Chicago Cultural Center and her New York debut recital at Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall as a winner of Artists International’s Special  Presentation Award. 4:00 p.m., Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham MA – Admission, $10.00 for adults. Students are free. Call 978-827-6232 or visit www.frederickcollection.org for more information.