October 12, 13, 14, 2018

“What’s Happening”

October 12, 13, 14, 2018

12, 13, 14, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Theatre at the Mount presents Neil Simon’s Rumors, 8:00 p.m. Fri and Sat.; 2:00 Sunday, 444 Green St., Gardner MA – The action is set in a large home just outside of New York City. As the guests arrive to celebrate the tenth wedding anniversary of the deputy mayor and his wife, they find he is in bed with a gunshot wound and she is missing, and so if the kitchen staff. The story gets bigger, weirder, and more hysterical with each arriving guest in a frothy mix of cover-ups, deceptions, and mistaken identities. It’s what Neil Simon does best, creating great characters and making the mundane…insane! For tickets visit mwcc.edu. 

12, 13 Friday and Saturday – 35^thAnnual AppleFest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00, Our most popular fall festival celebration including over 150 craft exhibitors, a farmer’s market, kids entertainment, and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Also enjoy live music, Apple Pie Baking and Eating Contests, and more family entertainment. Coming from Boston? Take the Free Shuttle service from Boston! For a list of vendors and a schedule of events visit wachusett.com.

13, Saturday – Ashburnham Conservation Trust presents, Moose Jam 2018! 2:00-6:00, at The Fitchburg Sportsmen’s Club, Rt. 289 Rindge State Rd., (Rt. 119), Ashburnham – Performances by The Darlings, featuring Johnny Girouard; Honky Tonk Hangover, and Jane Fallon. Cornhole tournaments, raffles, snacks, cash bar, and more. Free Parking. For tickets and more information visit ashburnhamconservationtrust.org.

12, 13, 14, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Weekends at the Farm at Hollis Hills – Friday, 7:00-10:00 p.m., Evan Foisy performs; Saturday from 2:00-5:00, The Maniac Loves You performs, and Sunday from 12:00-3:00 Sean Daley performs. Along with live music there will be PYO apples and pumpkins, homemade cider donuts, bar and kitchen, and a whole lot more! For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com.

12, 13, Friday and Saturday – Athol Lions Club presents the 20^thAnnual Haunted Hayrides, 5:45-10:00 p.m., Silver Lake Playground, Pequoig Ave., Athol, MA –Family-friendly, tractor-pulled hayrides around the perimeter of Silver Lake to view various Halloween-themed skits put on by Club members and other volunteers. It is one of the Athol Lions Club’s major FUNdraisers held during the year to support various local charities and causes. Food and beverages will be for sale. For more information visit e-clubhouse.org.

12, 13, 14, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – Great Pumpkin Nights at the Ecotarium! 6:00-9:00 p.m., 222 Harrington Way, Worcester MA -Celebrate Halloween at the EcoTarium’s annual family-friendly Great Pumpkin Festival! Wander the EcoTarium grounds to see striking funkin displays of dinosaurs, safari animals and more. Inside, enjoy the museum’s fascinating exhibits while also getting to trick-or-treat. Don’t forget your costume!

Friendly Halloween costumes are encouraged! Bring a flashlight to light your way at night and be sure to dress for the weather. This event takes place rain or shine. 

Proceeds benefit EcoTarium. No passes, coupons, or discounts, including the EBT program, apply. Great Pumpkin Festival is a special event to support the museum. For tickets and more information visit ecotarium.org.

13, Saturday – Peak into Peterborough 2018, The Monadnock Region’s Quintessential Fall Festival! 10:00-4:00, Downtown Peterborough, NH – Horse-drawn Hay Rides, Live Music in Putnam Park, Food and Crafter’s Fair in Memorial Park, and a whole lot more! For a list of vendors and more information visit peterboroughchamber.com.

12, 13, Friday and Saturday - Old Sturbridge Village Apple and Agriculture Days, 9:30-4:00 - Celebrate the harvest and the beautiful New England autumn at the peak of fall color. Learn how food makes its way from the farm to the dining room table. Meet our oxen and see multiple guest teams (October 6 – 8 only) demonstrate plowing and field preparation.

Join our costumed interpreters as they harvest apples, potatoes, carrots, and beets, conduct garden, and root cellar tours and discuss food preparation, thresh and winnow grain, and shell corn and beans. One of the most popular items of the fall harvest is apples. In New England, cider making is to autumn what maple sugaring is to spring. However, 19th-century farmers would not recognize the sweet cider we enjoy from farm stands today. Cider in the 1800s was not merely the apple juice, but was fermented “squeezings” from apples, which meant the cider would keep through the spring planting, summer heat and into the harvesting of the next apple season. Throughout the day, our interpreters will be cooking and preserving this special fall fruit and operating the ox-powered Cider Mill. For more information visit osv.org.

14, Sunday – A Celebration of Cider and Music at Old Sturbridge Village, 11:00-4:00, This year Old Sturbridge Village is pleased to announce its first Celebration of Cider and Music Festival. Building on our popular craft beer festival in July, we plan to showcase hard cider as part of our fall Apple and Agriculture Days. Along with these tastings we will feature several musical acts at multiple stages throughout the event. With paid admission (or an active membership or season pass) to Old Sturbridge Village our guests (who are 21 and older and have shown a valid ID) will be given coupons to sample offerings (2 oz. pour) from 6 of their favorite ciders participating at the festival. They will also have the opportunity to purchase additional sample tickets (6 for $7) or full pours ($7) of each of the ciders featured in the festival. Those with free passes to the Village may purchase sample tickets for $7. While guests enjoy the ciders and tunes they can also tour our historic village learning the importance of cider in early New England and visit our working 19th-century cider mill. For more information visit osv.org.

11, 12, 13, 14, Thursday-Sunday - Brattleboro Literary Festival, 2018, 9:00-6:00, - Brattleboro Literary Festival is a 4-day event held in downtown Brattleboro VT. This event is a celebration of those who read books, those who write books, and of the books themselves. The Festival includes readings, panel discussions, and special events, featuring emerging and established authors. For a schedule of events visit brattleboroliteraryfestival.org.

14, Sunday – Frederick Piano Collection presents Stephen Porter on Piano, 4:00 p.m., Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham – Mr. Porter will be performing Spirituel, the Music of Franz Liszt (1811-1886). For tickets and more information visit frederickcollection.org.

October 4-8, 2018

Fine Art by Mary Iselin

“What’s Happening”

October 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 2018

4, Thursday - 3^rdAnnual Cannoli Festival in Leominster, 5:00-9:00, Monument Square (downtown Leominster), Hosted by Leominster Community Development - Cannoli vendors include: Aunty Ellen’s, Cape Cod Cannoli, The GazBar Sports Grill, Joni’s Cannolis, Joyce’s Pies and Bakery, Roma’s Bakery, Stillman Farm, Uncle Joey’s Cannoli, Wholly Cannoli, and more. Live entertainment. 

4-8, Thursday-Monday – Columbus Day Ski and Snowboard Sale and Swap at Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA – Thursday and Friday 12-8; Sat.-Mon. 10-5 - Bring in your used equipment to sell for cash or Wachusett credit, then grab something new, or at least new to you while you’re here! Enjoy craft veers outside along with a BBQ and live music! There’s even a moonbounce in the kids ski slope learning area. For more information visit wachusett.com.

4, Thursday – Free First Thursdays at Fitchburg Art Museum, 3:00-7:00 with a guided tour at 4:30, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg MA – For more information visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.

5, Friday – Climb Watatic, hosted by Ashburnham Walks, 3:00-6:00, Climb to our highest peak in town and take a peek at the beauty of the area. Bring water and flashlights. Friendly dogs on leashes are welcome. We will meet at the parking lot on Rt. 119. Led by Garry Sager.

5, Friday – Lanni Orchards Corn Maze after Dark,6:00-9:00 p.m. 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg, MA – Thought it was a challenge when the sun was out? Try it in the dark on Friday nights in October. Bring a flashlight! Campfires will be ready for s’mores! For more information visit lanniorchards.com

5, 6, Friday and Saturday – Theatre at the Mount presents Neil Simon’s Rumors, 8:00 p.m., 444 Green St., Gardner MA – The action is set in a large home just outside of New York City. As the guests arrive to celebrate the tenth wedding anniversary of the deputy mayor and his wife, they find he is in bed with a gunshot wound and she is missing, and so if the kitchen staff. The story gets bigger, weirder, and more hysterical with each arriving guest in a frothy mix of cover-ups, deceptions, and mistaken identities. It’s what Neil Simon does best, creating great characters and making the mundane…insane! For tickets visit mwcc.edu. Repeats October 12, 13, at 8:00 and October 14 at 2:00 p.m. 

6, 7, 8, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Fall Festival at Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg - Hollis Hills is excited to host their annual Fall Fest! A weekend of celebrating all things autumn, the festival activities will run Saturday, Sunday & Monday 11-4. N0 admission price! Live music throughout the day! 

9: 00 store opens for pyo apples/pumpkins, hot cider donuts, retail sales, etc.
11:00: Bar, kitchen, ice cream open, hay rides begin {$3 tractor led, $5 horse drawn}, face painting, pumpkin painting 
11:30-3:30- Pony rides4:00: Activities end
6:00 Ice cream, retail and bar/kitchen close 

6, 7, 8, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Fall Harvest Festival at Sholan Farms, 10:00-4:00, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster, MA  - Join us Columbus Day Weekend for our Annual Harvest Festival. Fun for the whole family! Wagon rides, food trucks, live entertainment, 50/50 raffle, kids games, cider donuts, make your own scarecrow, farm animals, and of course APPLE PICKING!   

6, 7, 8, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Columbus Weekend Festival at Lanni Orchards, 8:00-6:00, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg MA – PYO apples, pumpkins and grapes; FREE hayrides, Wizard of Corn Maze, Playland with Bouncy House, Caramel Apples, Snack Shack, Desserts, Crafts, Cider Donuts and Cotton Candy, Face Painting on Sunday from 12-4, Admission is free but individual activities have a fee. For more information visit lanniorchards.com

6,7, 8, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Monadnock Art Annual Open Studio Art Tour– 10-5, Monadnock Art presents the Art Tour each October during the peak of colorful fall 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. For a downloadable map and more information visit monadnockart.org.

6, 7, 8, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Paradise City Arts Festival, 54 Old Ferry Rd., Northampton MA  - 250 outstanding artists and makers from every corner of America travel to Northampton for 3 days of astounding visual arts, eye-popping designs, scrumptious food, lively music and special events. The Festival is held inside 3 large, airy Exhibition Buildings connected by covered walkways and under the 12,000 square foot Festival Dining Tent. This sprawling, thrilling showcase for the arts in an experience like no other-beautiful, unique, festive and fun! For hours and a list of artists visit festivals.paradisecityarts.com.

6, Saturday – Opening Reception for Christopher Di Nunzio at Creative Connections, 56 Main St., Ashburnham – 12:00-2:00, Christopher Di Nunzio was born and raised in Boston to a working-class Italian-American family. He is a director/photographer known for his films, “A Life Not to Follow” and “Delusion”. His lifelong passion for cinema inspired his decision to attend film classes at Mass College of Art and the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, as well as photography classes at New England School of Photography. 

7, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection presents, Jerilyn Jorgensen on violin and Cullan Bryant on piano, performing Beethoven Sonatas for Piano and Violin, 4:00 p.m., Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham, - Admission $15.00/adults; Children and Students/ $5.00. For more information visit frederickcollection.org.

September 28, 29, 30, 2018

“What’s Happening”

September 28, 29, 30, 2018

28, 29, 30 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – 20^thAnnual North Quabbin Garlic and Arts Festival, 10:00-5:00, Foster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Rd., Orange, MA - Mark your calendars for the fabulous 'Festival that Stinks; Follow your heart (and nose) to this fabulous fall destination. Enjoy and support the bounty of amazing, regional artists, farmers and organizations; strengthen communities by purchasing locally crafted and grown. Gain vision and skills for local living: learn to grow garlic, press cider, mill lumber, grind grain, go solar and much more. For more information visit garlicandarts.org.

28, 29, 30, Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Weekends at the Farm at Hollis Hills Farm, 350 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg, MA – Friday, The ASB Band performs from 7-10; Saturday, The Maniac Loves You performs from 2:00-5:00, and Scott Babineau performs on Sunday from 12:00-3:00. For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com.

29, Ashburnham Farmer’s Market– 9:00-12:00, Meeting House Hill, Hastings Rd., Ashburnham – Vendors include: Rock Pile Farm, Enar’s Favorite Cookies, Koljian Farm, Timberlost Farm, Crowover Farm, Surfing Goat Soaps, J&K’s Good Thyme Farm, Willard Brook Farm, West Hill Bakery, Ashby Naturals, and a whole lot more! 

29, Saturday – 2^ndAnnual Fall Scarecrow Invasion at Winchester Park in Ashburnham, 11:00-2:00, Rain or Shine, - Prize Ribbons, Lunch for sale, Pumpkin Painting, Music by Honky Tonk Hangover. Free.

29, Saturday – 13^thAnnual Oktoberfest “Party in the Street” at the Gardner Ale House, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., 74 Parker St., Gardner, MA -Beer Garden, Food, Moon Hill Brewing Co. Beer, Live Music, Lawn Games for Adults, Face Painting, Bubble Fun & Sidewalk Art for Kids. For more information visit gardnerale.com.

29, 30 – Saturday and Sunday – 9^thAnnual BBQFest at Wachusett Mountain,10:00-5:00, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, MA – There’s BBQ and then there’s Good BBQ!! We’ve assembled some of the finest vendors in the area for this tasty even,t which also features live music, craft fair, farmer’s market, contests and cooking demos. For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com.

29, Saturday – 28^thAnnual Pumpkin Festival hosted by Ashby Public Library, 10:00-4:00, 812 Main St., Ashby - Enjoy a day full of family fun at the Ashby Town Common! There will be live entertainment, food and craft vendors, games and activities for children, a pumpkin decorating contest, and more! Don’t miss the tractor parade at 2:00. All proceeds go directly to the Ashby Library. We hope to see you there!

28, 29, 30, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – League of NH Craftsmen presents the Capital Arts Fest – A weekend-long festival featuring the art and fine craft work of League members, select invited artists, and specialty vendors. Friday, 5:00-8:00; Saturday and Sunday 10:00-5:00. For more information visit nhcrafts.org.

September 22, 23, 2018

Pro.Found Fall Market at Kalon Farm in Lancaster

“What’s Happening”

September 22, 23, 2018

22, Saturday – Wachusett Brewery Ride and Tour, sponsored by Charles River Wheelers, 9:30 for 54 mile trek, 10:00 for 20 and 40 mile treks, 175 State Rd. East, Westminster MA – Enjoy a beautiful rustic ride on mostly quiet country roads in Worcester County. Long ride goes through Westminster, Gardner, Ashburnham, and Winchendon. There are some hills and challenging road terrains, but you’ll be rewarded with some beautiful views and scenery. The 54 and 40 mile rides pass the entrance to Wachusett Mountain for anyone interested in adding some elevation. The long ride goes father north into New Hampshire with some beautiful views of Lake Monomonac. There will be brewery tours and tastings, compliments of Wachusett Brewing Company as well as food and refreshments following the ride. For more information visit crw.org.

22, 23, Saturday and Sunday – KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA - This one’s all about kids and families! Two days filled with entertainment, sows, giveaways, vendors, activities and more! No shortage of fun for everyone! For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com

22, 23, Saturday and Sunday, - The Pro.Found Fall Market at Kalon Farms, Saturday, 8:30-5:00; Sunday, 10:00-4:00, Rt. 117, Lancaster, MA – Join us for our Fall Market featuring 100+ vintage dealers, creative artisans, and makers! This weekend will provide fun for the whole family with local food trucks, brew, wine, and live music. For tickets and more information visit theprofoundmarket.com

22, 23, Saturday and Sunday, - Harvest Festival at Lanni Orchards, 8:00-6:00, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg, - Activities will include Pick Your Own apples, grapes, pumpkins; Wizard of Oz corn maze, make your own caramel apples, hayrides, play land, crafts, cider donuts, apple desserts. There is no admission fee to the get into the festival. Tickets are available for the corn maze at the farm stand.

22, 23, Saturday and Sunday – 8^thAnnual Craft Fair at Fruitlands, 10:00-4:00, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard, MA -Enjoy original handmade crafts by 48 New England Artisans during the 8^th 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.New this year, we will be partnering with our friends at Notch Brewing who will host a Beer Garden at the Craft Festival. Relax and socialize over a beer in between shopping and Museum explorations! For more information visit fruitlandsthetrustees.org

22, Saturday - HairFest at Indian Ranch, 12:30 p.m., 200 Gore Rd., Webster, MA - Travel back to the 80’s with the Indian Ranch HairFest – a fun-filled day featuring the music you grew up with from the greatest tributes to Hair Bands including Everybody Wants Some (performing the music of Van Halen), The Priest (performing the music of Judas Priest),  Aquanett (playing the best of 80’s hair band music), Bon Jersey (performing the music of Bon Jovi), and festival headliner Super Troup (also playing the best of 80’s hair band music. This will be THE festival you will always remember! National Anthem: A special surprise guest!Event is rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges. General Admission is first come first serve and may result in standing room only. For handicap accessible seating and accommodations, please call the Indian Ranch box office at 508-943-3871. For tickets and more information visit indianranch.com

23, Sunday - Jewell Hill Hike hosted by Ashburnham Walks, 1:00-3:00, – Join us for a hike up Jewell Hill, a small mountain in eastern Ashburnham, owned by the Crocker family. The ½ mile trail to the summit is on a well-maintained wooded path with a moderate elevation gain. The summit affords scenic views to the east, including the Boston skyline on a clear day. Easy hike with a beautiful view. Led by Janet Morrison, the former ED of the North County Land Trust. Parking is available at the Crocker Farm at 511 Crocker Rd. in Ashby.

22, Saturday – The 21^stAnnual Pickle Festival in downtown Winchester NH, 10:00-4:00 - This is a free events with free pickles, music, crafts, and food. For more information visit winchesterpicklefestival.org.

23, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection presents, Makim Shtrykov on clarinet and Misusu Tanaka on Piano, 4:00 p.m. at the Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham – Maksim Shtrykov, clarinet, and Misuzu Tanaka, piano, join us again, this time with a program of Russian music including pieces by Prokofiev, Gretchaninov, and Weinberg.

Admission: $15.00/adult (Children and students are free). For more information visit frederickcollection.org

23, Sunday – 2^ndAnnual CountryFest at Indian Ranch, 12:00 p.m., 200 Gore Rd., Webster MA - Event is rain or shine. No refunds or exchanges. General Admission is first come first serve and may result in standing room only. For handicap accessible seating and accommodations, please call the Indian Ranch box office at 508-943-3871. For tickets and more information visit indianranch.com

23, Sunday – Opening Reception for Interior Effects at Fitchburg Art Museum, 2:00-4:00, 185 Elm St., Fitchburg MA – Join us for the opening celebration of our fall exhibition, Interior Effects:  Furniture in Contemporary Art. The show pays tribute to the industrial heritage of North Central MA through an exploration of furniture and its design in psychologically charged metaphors. The exhibition includes artwork by 10 New England artists: Judy Kensley McKie, Yuri Kobayashi, Leah K. Woods, Tracie Pouliot, Liz Shepherd, Celeste Roberge, Katarina Burin, Sarah Malakoff, Sandra Erbacher, and Samantha Fields. Guests will enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar. The event is free with admission and free for all FAM members. For more information visit fitchburgartmuseum.org.

September 7, 8, 9, 2018

“What’s Happening”

September 7, 8, 9, 2018

7, 8, 9, Friday, Saturday and Sunday – New Players Theatre Guild presents, “The Mystery of Edwin Drood” by Charles Dickens – John Jasper, a brooding, moody choirmaster at a finishing school in Victorian England, maintains a secret life that includes frequenting an opium den. His tortured mind becomes obsessed with a young student, Rosa Bud, who is engaged to his nephew, Edwin Drood. Consumed by jealousy, John terrifies his nephew’s fiancé and plots the murder of Edwin. Show times are 7:30 on Friday and Saturday, and 2:00 on Sunday. Tickets are $20 for adults and $18 for students. Performances are located at 15 Rollstone St., Fitchburg - For more information visit nptg.org.

7, 8, 9, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – The Sterling Fair, Sterling Airport, 121 Greenland Rd., Sterling, MA – Friday, 5-11p.m, Sat. 9 a.m.-11 p.m., Sun.  9 a.m.-5 p.m. –The Sterling Fair is a family oriented, community agriculture fair with the emphasis on agriculture and education. Admission and parking at the Sterling Fair is FREE. However, the fair relies on the sale of buttons, T-shirts, and ads to keep it free. Support your fair with a purchase or donation!  We like to keep admission and parking free so you can enjoy spending the day with your family having fun at the fair. The fair is run completely by volunteers, and with an annual attendance of around 40,000 people, it takes a lot of work to keep the fair going.  These volunteers include 20 members of the Sterling Fair committee and over 50 additional people who help setup, run, and clean up after the fair. For more information visit sterlingfair.org.

8, Saturday – Rootsfest 2018:  Celebrating Sweet 16! – 10:00-3:00, 100 Crawford St., Leominster MA – Rootsfest is a free community event! Roots will be turning sweet 16 this year and we are planning the biggest event yet! We will have over 60 natural and organic products' vendors! Samples! Free BBQ at noon! Live, local music! Kids Activities, raffles, photo booth, and so much more! 

8, Saturday – Farm Fresh Fest at Wachusett Mountain, 10:00-5:00, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA – This festival highlights locally sourced products from farms and businesses in the Central Mass area and beyond. There will be cooking demos, educational talks and more in our Educational Tent along with Jams and Jellies, Pickles, and Relish contests and a special “Ugly Vegetable” Contest. For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com.

8, 9, Saturday and Sunday – The First Annual Sunflower Festival at Lanni Orchards, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg MA – 10:00-6:00, Admission includes Play Land for the day, a sunflower to keep, PYO apples, grapes, blackberries, (Some peaches, nectarines, plums, blueberries, raspberries are left). Caramel apples, cider donuts, cotton candy, food, and The Wizard of OZ Corn Maize will also be available.  For more information visit lanniorchards.com.

8, Saturday – Worcester Wine Festival at Union Station, 11:30-5:00 - Worcester’s Wine Festival’s Grand Tasting at Union Station is the grand event for the entire week’s wine celebration. In addition to the 400+ hand-curated wines, the Grand Tasting will include tastings from selected restaurants, and a small number of handpicked vendors specializing in arts, retail, and more. For tickets and more information visit worcesterwinefestival.com.

Labor Day Weekend, 2018

“What’s Happening”

August 31, September 1, 2, 3, 2018

31, 1, 2, - Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Peterborough Player’s presents, Sexy Laundry, a comedy by Michele Riml - With a library copy of "SEX FOR DUMMIES" in hand, Alice attempts to re-kindle her decades long marriage to Henry. Over the course of a weekend in a luxury hotel, the couple stumbles over the hilarious and humbling truths of their "long-running" marriage. This adult comedy is for any adult who has ever been married to another adult for a significant amount of time. A hit in Canada, we are thrilled to present the New Hampshire premiere of this comedy! Continues until September 9. Friday, 7:30; Saturday, 8:00; Sunday, 4:00. For tickets and more information visit peterboroughplayers.org

1, 2, 3, Saturday, Sunday and Monday – 7^thAnnual Appleseed Country Fair at Red Apple Farm, 455 Highland Ave., Phillipston MA, 10:00-6:00 on Sat., 10:00-5:00 on Sun., and 10:00-4:00 on Monday.

31, 1, 2, 3, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday - Wachusett Mountain’s Labor Day Sale, Music, and Craft Beer Party– A Full weekend of fantastic sales on ski and snowboard equipment and winter apparel at our annual MNTside Labor Day Sale. Blowout pricing on leftover items! Clearance Sale runs Friday to Monday and our special Mountain Music and Craft Beer Party runs Saturday-Monday. For more information visit wachusett.com

31, 1, 2, 3, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday – Spencer Fair, 48 Smithville Rd., Spencer MA – 8:00-10:00 – The Spencer Fair is an old time, traditional country fair including ox and horse pulls, cattle, rabbit and poultry shows, hall exhibits, midway and outdoor entertainment, and should be a great time for all who attend. For more information visit spencerfair.org.

1, Saturday – Creative Connections opening reception - Angela Kelly: Dollhouse, 12:00-2:00, 56 Main St., Ashburnham – About the Artist:  Angela Kelley is an interdisciplinary artists with strong roots in visual mediums, specifically painting. Her concepts are often derived from nonsensical thoughts and dreams in which some form of purgatory or transportive state is suggested. She draws from her childhood experiences, creating a narrative, which finds value in the awkwardness of adolescence. To learn more about the artist visit ccgiftgallery.com

1, 2, 3 – Saturday, Sunday, and Monday – Labor Day Tomato Festival at Lanni Orchards, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg MA – 10:00-6:00, rain or shine, PYO tomatoes! Hayrides are free for Labor Day weekend! Other activities include a bouncy house, games, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and cider donuts, and a whole lot more! For more information visit lanniorchard.com

1, 2, 3, Saturday, Sunday and Monday – Northeast Food Festival and Balloon Rally Expo– 50 Emerson Rd., Milford NH - 5:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., Attendees will experience a weekend full of Hot Air Balloons, tethered rides, jump in the basket, run through balloons and nighttime balloons glowing in the dark! 30+ of New England Top Food Trucks will offer gourmet varieties from tacos and BBQ to poutine and cupcakes. Beer, wine, cider, and cocktails will also be available. Entertainment includes the regions top performing musical artists, craft artists and carnival rides, and games! For tickets and more information visit northeastballoonfestival.com

1, 2, Saturday and Sunday – Art in the Park, Ashuelot River Park, West St., Keene NH – 10:00-4:00 – Annual Labor Day event with over 80 artists. Our wide variety of artists will have an arrangement of original artwork, paintings, photographs, prints, sculptures, cards, mugs, tiles, calendars, etc. For more information visit monadnockareaartists.org

August 24, 25, 26, 2018

“What’s Happening”

August 24, 25, 26, 2018

24, Friday – Friday at the Farm with Autumn Sunset Band at Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg MA, 5:00-10:00 p.m. – Autumn Sunset will be harmonizing your favorite oldies Friday from 7-10. Take a walk down memory lane with us. Bar and Food available starting at 5:00 p.m. For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com

24, Friday – Michelle Malone performs at the Bull Run in Shirley, 215 Great Rd., Shirley, MA, 8:00-10:30 p.m. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com

24, 25, 26, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – Peterborough Players presents The Man of Destiny by George Bernard Shaw - Galvanized by victory over the Austrians, the young Napoleon believes he is invincible. At an Italian inn he meets his match, a mysterious young woman, determined to interrupt his rise to power. The resulting sparkling battle of wits, political trickery and sexual intrigue make up Shaw's 90-minute comedy. For show times and tickets visit peterboroughplayers.org

25, Saturday – Ashburnham Farmer’s Market, Meeting House Hill, 9:00-12:00, August is the prime vegetable harvest time and who doesn't love beautiful heirloom tomatoes? Koljian Farm will be back at this month's market with their incredible heirloom produce - it's beautiful and packed with nutrients. Other vendors include Surfing Goat Soaps, The Tragic Whale, Enar’s Favorite Cookies, West Hill Bakery, Rock Pile Farm, Wind Ridge Farm and others. 

25, Saturday – Shinrin-Yoku “Forest Breathing” Guided Sanctuary Walks at Wachusett Meadow,113 Goodnow Rd., Princeton MA, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Learn to connect with the natural world in a healing, calming, grounding, and replenishing way through a series of guided walks with Dr. Roxanne Daleo, a renowned health educator specializing in relaxation and stress reduction. Fee $3.50/adult members, $4.50/adult non-members. For more information visit massaudubon.org

25, Saturday – Fitzwilliam Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale, Fitzwilliam Common, 8:30-11:00, Lots of perennials, mums, patio pots, and delicious baked goods. Master Gardener on hand to help. 

25, Saturday – Mason NH 250^thAnniversary Celebration – 10:00-4:00 p.m. – This year, the town of Mason NH will be celebrating its 250^thanniversary at the Mason Old Home Days Festival. Located in and around the center of Mason, the festival includes vendors, crafters, food, games, live entertainment, horse rides, and much more! Free admission. 

25, Saturday – Clustertruck Food Truck Festival at Kalon Farm, 339 Seven Bridge Rd., (Rt 117) Lancaster, MA – 12:00-6:00 p.m. – 30 Food Trucks, 20 artisans, live music, craft beer. $5.00 to enter if you purchase in advance and skip the line. Children under 12 are FREE, so you can bring the entire family! There are tons of stuff for the kids to do and see. We are so excited for our second serving this August. We sincerely appreciate your support! 

25, Saturday – Prince Night at the Mendon Twin Drive-In, 35 Milford St., Mendon MA– 5:00-10:30 p.m. We honor Prince by playing the classic movie ‘Purple Rain’ on the big screen. LoVeSeXy, Boston’s best cover band, will play live music for 2 hours. Then we will play a video tribute and highlight Prince’s life. Then Purple Rain will be the main feature. Beer, wine, snacks, pizza, fried dough, ice cream and other goodies will be sold. Free admission to all red corvettes. Doors open at 5:00 p.m. Movie start at dusk, around 8:15 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 per person in advance, $20.00 at the box office. A Mega Car, for up to 6 people, is $40.00 in advance and $50.00 at the event. Tickets are limited.

25 and 26, Saturday and Sunday – Grape Festival at Lanni Orchards, 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg, MA, 10:00-6:00 p.m. – PYO opens at 8:00 a.m. – Other events include our monthly Taste of Local which will include free samples of everything local including different kinds of grapes! Plus a great selection of locally made products like cheese, meat, pies and so much more! We’ll also have the soft opening of the Wizard of Oz Corn Maze. For more information visit lanniorchard.com

25, 26 Saturday and Sunday – Make Your Own Dragonfly at Terrapin Glassblowing Studio, 79 Hadley Rd., Jaffrey, NH, 10:15 a.m. on Saturday and 11:30 a.m. on Sunday – For tickets and more information visit terrapinglass.com

26, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection presents, Artem Belogurov on piano and Octavie Dostaler-Lalonde on Cello, 4:00 p.m. at the Ashburnham Community Church, 84 Main St., Ashburnham - $15.00/adults, Free for students and children. For more information visit frederickcollection.org

26, Sunday – Fall Used Bike and Accessory Sale at Tomten Biketown, 1029 Central St., Leominster, 10:00-5:00 p.m. We are excited to announce that the 3rd Annual Fall Edition of our Used Bike and Accessory Consignment Sale will take place this August here at the shop! If you are interested in selling your used bike or accessories, please stop by or contact us by calling 978-840-3221 or emailing info@tomtenbiketown.com. We will begin accepting bikes and accessories for consignment during regular business hours beginning Monday, August 13th and until Saturday, August 25th at 5pm. Consignment Terms: As a consignor you will receive either 100% store credit or 70% cash of the sale proceeds on all items sold. We reserve the right to refuse any used bicycles that are considered unfit for sale. Please note, we are unable to determine a bicycle's condition or value over the phone. On the Day of the Sale: All sales are final. First come, first served. There will be no previews before the day of the sale!

August 17, 18, 19, 2018

11th Annual Hudson-Concord Elks Balloon and Blues Festival, 2018

“What’s Happening”

August 17, 18, 19, 2018

17, Friday – Weekends at the Farm at Hollis Hills Farm – This Friday, music by Kevin Shields and Food by Vesta Pizza – 5:00-10:00 p.m. Entertainment starts at 7:00. 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg – For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com

17, Friday – The Bull Run presents Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps– Pianist and vocalist Teresa James is back with her band, The Rhythm Tramps for her tenth album. “Here is Babylon”. Teresa has been compared to Bonnie Raitt, but her sound is very much her own. For tickets visit bullrunrestaurant.com

17, 18, 19 - Friday, Saturday, Sunday – Peterborough Players present The Man of Destiny by George Bernard Shaw - Galvanized by victory over the Austrians, the young Napoleon believes he is invincible. At an Italian inn he meets his match, a mysterious young woman, determined to interrupt his rise to power. The resulting sparkling battle of wits, political trickery and sexual intrigue make up Shaw's 90-minute comedy. For times and tickets visits peterboroughplayers.org

17, 18, 19, Friday, Saturday, Sunday  – Theatre at the Mount presents “We Will Rock You”, 44 Green St., Gardner MA - We will Rock You takes place in a future age on a planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation…rock music is unheard and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance – an alliance of rebel Bohemians. The show will feature many of Queen’s chart-topping hits including “We Will Rock You, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Radio Gaga”, “Another one Bites the Dust”, “We are the Champions” and more. It’s the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don’t miss the party! For tickets visit mwcc.edu 

18, 19, Saturday and Sunday – Templeton Arts and Crafts Festival– 10:00-5:00. Join us for one of New England’s longest running juried craft fairs. Crafters cover the common, food tent and raffles help to raise money to fund scholarships for local students to further their education. Admission is Free. Parking is available behind Templeton Center School. For more information visit templetonartsandcraftsfair.com

18, Saturday, Jaffrey Festival of Fireworks 2018! Silver Ranch (Jaffrey Airport) Jaffrey, NH 3:00-10:00 p.m., Get your tickets for this family friendly event! Sowa entertainment will be providing music with games for children, line dancing, and more! Skydivers! Food trucks! Join us for a great time! For tickets and other information visit jaffreyfireworks.com.

18, 19, Saturday and Sunday – 11^thAnnual Hudson-Concord Elks Balloon and Blues Festival 2018, 5:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. Saturday and 5:30-7:30 a.m., Sunday - This year marks the Eleventh Anniversary of the Hudson Balloon Festival and we want you to come and celebrate with us! Three bands, food trucks, vendors and of course the balloons will make this year a can't- miss event. Tickets are only $5 for the mornings and only $10 for Saturday afternoon through the evening. We rely on our local community for support to put on this event.  We strongly encourage you to support the businesses that support us and help to grow the Hudson, Massachusetts community.99 Park St., Hudson MA – For more information visit hudsonelksballoonfestival.com

19, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection presents Gary Capozzielo on violin, Cihan Yucel on piano, and Ignacy Gaydamovich on cello to play Debussy's Piano Trio in G, and Schubert's Piano Trio in Eb. 4:00 p.m. They also plan to set up a small exhibit of paintings by Alexey Naumovich Neyman. Performance will take place at the Historical Piano Study Center, 30 Main St. Ashburnham. Seating is limited. For more information about the musicians please visit frederickcollection.org or call 988-827-6262.

19, Sunday – Ashburnham FREE Summer Concert Series at Winchester Park, 32 Main St (Behind Town Hall)  – 5:00-7:00 p.m., Come listen to some great music while the children play in the playground. 

19, Sunday – The Bull Run presents, Ann Hampton Callaway:  Jazz Goes to the Movies– The show explores the fascinating ways jazz and film have come together to tell stories. The playlist includes, “Taking a Chance on Love”; “Let’s Face the Music and Dance”; “This Time the Dream’s on Me”; “As Time Goes By”; and many others. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com.  

August 10, 11, 12, 2018

'Reflections' by Glenn Hathaway

“What’s Happening”

August 10, 11, 12, 2018

10, 11, Friday and Saturday – Theatre at the Mount presents “We Will Rock You” 8:00 p.m., 44 Green St., Gardner MA - We will Rock You takes place in a future age on a planet once called Earth that is now controlled by a mighty corporation…rock music is unheard and all musical instruments are banned. The hope of breaking free rests with an unlikely resistance – an alliance of rebel Bohemians. The show will feature many of Queen’s chart-topping hits including “We Will Rock You, “Bohemian Rhapsody”, “Radio Gaga”, “Another one Bites the Dust”, “We are the Champions” and more. It’s the world champion of musicals and the show that rocks harder than any other, so don’t miss the party! For tickets visit mwcc.edu – Repeats August 17, 18, and 19.

10, Friday – Sundance Film Festival, Short Film Tour, 2018 by Cinema-Worcester– 7:00-9:00 p.m., The Park View Room, 235 Park Ave., Worcester – Fueled by artistic expression and limited only by their runtime, short films transcend traditional storytelling. They are a significant and popular way artists can connect with audiences. From documentary to animation, narrative to experimental, the abbreviated form is no longer just for the novice. Shorts have and will continue to be an important part of cinema, storytelling, and culture. The Sundance Film Festival has always been proud to treat sort films with the highest regard and to give a home to new (and old) projects for audiences to discover and celebrate. For tickets visit cinema-worcester.com

10, 11, 12 – Friday, Saturday, Sunday – The 136^thBolton Fair, Bolton Fairgrounds, 318 Seven Bridge Rd., Rt. 117, Lancaster – We invite you to join us for our annual celebration of our heritage, culture, and community, as we provide good wholesome family fun, great entertainment, friendly competition and educational experiences for the whole family! The Bolton Fair is where friends, agriculture, education and creativity unite! For hours, pricing, and discounted tickets visit boltonfair.org

10, 11 – Saturday and Sunday, Peach and Blueberry Festival at Lanni Orchards, 10:00-6:00 p.m. (PYO begins at 8:00 a.m.), 294 Chase Rd., Lunenburg - Come join us here at Lanni Orchards for our Peach & Blueberry Festival on August 10 and 11. Come and take a hayride of the farm, pick blueberries and peaches, make a craft, let children play in play land, bring your lunch or have lunch here. We will have hot dogs, nachos, cotton candy, and best part FREE Samples of everything local! You don't want to miss out on trying before you buy! Come and visit Lanni Orchards Rt. 13 Lunenburg Mass, lanniorchard.com

10, Friday – Hal MacIntyre Orchestra presents “A Sinatra Tribute” 7:00-9:30 p.m., Nara Park Amphitheatre, 25 Ledge Rock Way, Acton - Join us for one of our special ticketed engagements at NARA Park. This is an outdoor venue with lawn seating. Bring your own chairs/blankets. No large coolers, bags, or alcohol are allowed into the venue. Food vendors will be onsite with hot food, refreshments, beer, wine and soft drinks. All bags are subject to search. Visit acton-ma.gov/events for tickets and more information.

10, 11 – Saturday and Sunday – Hollis Hills Farm presentsBrett Casavant on Friday and Brian Chaffee on Saturday, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg – Friday, food and drinks 5:00-9:30, music 7:00-10:00; Saturday, food and drinks 3:00-8:00, music 5:00-8:00. For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com 

11, Saturday – Photographer Glenn Hathaway – “Reflections” exhibit at Creative Connections,12:00-2:00, 56 Main St., Ashburnham – Artist Statement:  “I grew up on the east coast and was aware of the similarities between New Bedford and San Francisco in terms of how life in each locale was ‘shaped by the sea’. My move to central Massachusetts thirty years ago introduced me to the hills of Worcester County, which stretch to the New Hampshire border and beyond. From central New England my travels have taken me west to Yosemite, north to Muir woods and south to Half Moon Bay.”

Glenn’s recent work is a departure from a more naturalistic approach. “Terroir” becomes less evident in these distillations of form and color. For more information visit ccgiftgallery.com

11, Sunday – Frederick Historic Piano Collection present Eric Clark, 4:00 p.m. 30 Main St., Ashburnham, - Pianist Eric Clark will perform this Saturday afternoon at the Historical Piano Study Center, a program that will primarily be made up of music by Chopin, played on the 1840 Érard. But there is more behind all that Chopin... and a reason for choosing that particular Érard. Admission: $15.00 per adult. Children and students are welcome without charge. For more information visit frederickcollection.org

11, 12 – Saturday and Sunday, Tower Hill Botanic Gardenprograms include: Beecology Basics,10:00-12:00; Heirloom Tomatoes: Botanical Drawing in Color, 10:00-4:00; Learn and Grow Garden Experience, 1:00-3:00; Five Season with Piet Oudolf: Documentary Film Screening, 2:00-3:30; and Weekend Garden Tours, 2:00-3:00. For more information visit towerhillbg.org

11, Saturday - The Bull Run presents – The Sean Chambers Band, 8:00 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and seating. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.), 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA - Sean began his career in the Blues in 1998 when he toured as guitarist and bandleader for the legendary Hubert Sumlin until 2003. During that time, Britain’s Guitarist Magazine named Chambers as “One of the top 50 blues guitarists of the last century. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com

12, Sunday – The Bull Run presents Melissa Manchester, 7:30 p.m. (Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and seating. Showtime is at 8:00 p.m.) 215 Great Rd., Shirley, MA - Let’s hear it for the boys! More than 25 years after Melissa Manchester released “Tribute,” her 1989 album that honored the great female singers who influenced her, she turns the tables with “The Fellas,” a radiant encomium to the men, including Frank Sinatra, Mel Tormé, Tony Bennett and Dean Martin, and the iconic songs they made famous. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake from Sally's Baking Addiction

Lemon Blueberry Layer Cake

yield: SERVES 10-12

prep time: 30 MINUTES

cook time:

total time: 3 HOURS, INCLUDES COOLING

Ingredients:

Cake

• 1 cup (230g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 1 and 1/4 cups (250g) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (100g) packed light brown sugar
• 4 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups (345g) sifted all-purpose flour
• 1 Tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (240ml) buttermilk
• zest + juice of 3 medium lemons
• 1 and 1/2 cups blueberries, fresh or frozen (do not thaw)
  
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 
  

Cream Cheese Frosting

• 8 ounces (224g) full-fat brick style cream cheese, softened to room temperature⁵
• 1/2 cup (115g) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature
• 3 and 1/2 cups (420g) confectioners' sugar
• 1 - 2 Tablespoons (15-30ml) heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• pinch salt
• Juice from 1 lemon*

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (177°C). Grease and lightly flour three 9x2 inch cake pans with nonstick spray. Set aside.
2. Make the cake: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat the butter on high until creamy - about 1 minute. Add granulated and brown sugars and beat on medium-high speed until creamed, about 2-3 minutes. Add eggs and vanilla. Beat on medium speed until everything is completely combined, about 2 full minutes. Scrape down the sides and bottom of the bowl as needed. Set aside.
3. In a large sized bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, and salt. Slowly add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Beat on low speed for 5 seconds, then add the milk, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Remove from the mixer and stir lightly until everything is just combined. Toss the blueberries in 1 Tablespoon of flour and fold into the batter. Batter is extremely thick. Do not overmix at any point. Overmixing will lend a tough, dense textured crumb.
4. Spoon batter evenly into 3 prepared cake pans. If only using 2 cake pans, your bake time will be longer. Bake the three layers for about 21-26 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Mine took 21 minutes. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before frosting.
5. Make the frosting: Using a handheld or stand mixer with a paddle attachment, beat cream cheese and butter together on medium speed until no lumps remain, about 3 full minutes. Add confectioners' sugar, 1 Tablespoon cream, vanilla extract, and salt with the mixer running on low. Increase to high speed and beat for 3 minutes. Add 1 more Tablespoon of cream to thin out, if desired. (*I added the juice from 1 lemon to the frosting and bit more confectioners' sugar.)
6. Assemble and frost: First, using a large serrated knife, trim the tops off the cake layers to create a flat surface. Place 1 layer on your cake stand. Evenly cover the top with cream cheese frosting. Top with 2nd layer, more frosting, then the third layer. Top with frosting and spread around the sides. The recipe doesn't make a ton of frosting, just enough for a light frost. Top with blueberries or lemon garnish if desired. Refrigerate for at least 45 minutes before cutting or else the cake may fall apart as you cut.
7. Make ahead tip: Prepare cakes and frosting 1 day in advance. Keep cakes at room temperature, covered tightly. Refrigerate prepared frosting in an airtight container until ready to use. Frosted or unfrosted cakes may be frozen up to 2 months, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bring to room temperature if desired before serving.