October 18, 19, 20, 2019

“What’s Happening”

October 18, 19, 20, 2019

18, Friday – “Meet the Artist” reception with Robert Maloney at Creative Connections, 56 Main St., Ashburnham, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Bob’s work is on view in the gallery for the month of October. Refreshments will be served. For more information visit ccgiftgallery.com.

18 and 19, Friday and Saturday - Murdock Whitney Mansion and Isaac Morse House Ghost Hunt, Sponsored by Ghost Hunts USA, 8:00 p.m.-3:00 a.m. - The haunted history of New England resonates strongly in the town of Winchendon, Massachusetts. Ghost hunting two of the most haunted and historical locations stand side-by-side. The Murdock-Whitney House and the Isaac Morse House have lured in paranormal investigators from all corners of the globe. You can take their word for it, or you can investigate yourself! For tickets and more information visit ghosthuntsusa.com. 

19, Saturday – Westminster Cracker Festival, Village Square, Westminster, 10:00-5:00, Celebrate our Town's Heritage at the 5th Annual Westminster Cracker Festival, Saturday, October 19, 2019. Invite your friends, family, and make it a great homecoming weekend; celebrating the beauty of Fall in New England. 

19, Saturday – Peterborough Folk Music presents, Tom Rush (performance will be held at Peterborough Players), 55 Hadley Rd., Peterborough NH, 7:30-10:00, Join Tom Rush for an evening of music! His distinctive guitar style, wry humor and warm, expressive voice have made Tom Rush both a legend and a lure to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific storytelling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. Rush’s impact on the American music scene has been profound. He helped shape the folk revival in the ’60s and the renaissance of the ’80s and ’90s, his music having left its stamp on generations of artists. For tickets and more information visit peterboroughplayers.org.

19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday – 36^thAnnual Applefest at Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd. Princeton – 10:00-5:00, Our most popular fall festival celebration including over 100 craft exhibitors, a farmers' market, kids entertainment and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Also enjoy live music, Apple Pie Baking and Eating Contests, along with additional family entertainment. For more information visit wachusett.com.

19, Saturday – Peak into Peterborough!– 10:00-4:00, Grove and Main Streets, Greater Peterborough is one of the busiest locations in the Northeast during the “Fall Foliage” season, with dining and shopping options, and many destination points in the area. Grove and Main Streets. Kick- off the season on October 19 with tons of fun for the whole family! We're already a great destination with unique shops, flavorful restaurants, and eclectic galleries, Peterborough pulls out all the stops for this special day, with tent sales, hayrides, live music, and much more! It’s a fall foliage tour, day-on-the-town, and early Christmas shopping opportunity all at once. Rain or shine! Everyone welcome! For more information visit peterboroughchamber.com.

19, Saturday - Fall Festival of Forgotten Arts, hosted by Rutland Historical Society, 9:00-2:00, Rutland Town Common, 232 Main St., Rutland MA - Journey back in time as our exhibitors demonstrate forgotten arts such as spinning, needle felting, caning, blacksmithing, beekeeping and much more. Children’s games and butter-making will be held throughout the event. Decorate scarecrows (bring your own clothes) and your creations will be displayed on the Common through October. Several farms will have their produce and nursery stock ready for purchase. Visit with a variety of farm animals. Indulge in wood-fired baked breads, hot dogs, homemade baked beans, cider donuts and fresh apple crisp. This family-friendly festival is free and open to the public. Fun for all ages! For more information visit rutlandmahistoricalsociety.org.

19, Saturday – Sean Rowe performs at the Bull Run, 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA, Doors open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner and seating. Showtime is 8:00 p.m. – For information on the artist and ticket information visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday – The Great New England Fall Craft and Artisan Show at the Hampshire Dome, 34 Emerson Rd., Milford NH, 10:00-4:00 Saturday, 10:00-3:00 Sunday, More than 175 juried Artisans & Crafters from New England come together to demonstrate, sell, provide samples and raffle their products. Adult apparel, 603 products, metal art, wool, jewelry, sea glass, art, home decor, fine fudge, delicious pastries, handmade silk products, roasted peanuts, a variety of hats, toffee, heart-healthy coffee, FOOD- yes, lots of great food!!! - Maple Syrup, Honey, Toffee, Fudge, Baked Goods, Salsa, Hot Sauce, Award-winning Mustards, Dips & Marinades, Kettle Popcorn, Fried Desserts, Chocolate, and Cash Bar! FREE on-site parking. INDOOR EVENT!! Free overnight camping or RV parking for booth exhibitors allowed. For more information visit gnecraftartisanshows.com.

19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday – 30^thAnnual Harvest Festival in Sturbridge, 10:00-5:00, Saturday; 11:00-4:00 Sunday - The 30th Annual Harvest Festival on the Sturbridge Town Common and grounds of the Publick House Historic Inn is a family fun tradition. The event includes countless local crafters, artisans, specialty food vendors and farm-fresh harvests. Free Parking. Free Admission. For more information visit cmschamber.ning.com.

19 and 20, Saturday and Sunday - American Craft Fair at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Dr., Boylston MA, 10:00-4:00, The Worcester Center for Crafts and Tower Hill Botanic Garden have partnered to present a juried fair of American craftwork. Hosted at Tower Hill, the show features over 30 fine artisans representing ceramics, jewelry, wood, metalworking, glass, mixed metals, painting, fiber artists and more. For more information visit towerhillbg.org.

20, Sunday – Dinner on the Covered Bridge 2019 at the Bull Run Restaurant, 215 Great Rd. Shirley MA - Join Executive Chef Stephen Barck and your Innkeepers for an October Harvest dinner elegantly served on our Bull Run Covered Bridge. You'll enjoy 4 wine-paired courses as Chef Stephen takes you through how each course was prepared using locally sourced ingredients inspired by the Autumn harvest. While dining with the Innkeepers, you'll learn the history of our iconic towne lattice-truss covered bridge built from an historic Eli Whitney patented design - one of the only private covered bridges in New England. This one-of-a-kind dinner includes a starter, entree and dessert, plus a little "amuse bouche" or 'gift' from the kitchen. Bottomless wine pairings are included with each of 4 courses, and you'll be welcomed to the event with live classical music as a cellist plays throughout. Join us for a great meal, a little history, a unique dining venue, and lots of laughs with good company. An unforgettable New England experience!
Ticket price is $100 per person and that covers it all: 4-course dinner, bottomless wine, tax, gratuity, ticketing fee and great conversation! Seating is limited. For more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

October 10-14, 2019

“What’s Happening”

October 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 2019

10, Thursday - 4^thAnnual Cannoli Festival in Leominster, 5:00-9:00, Downtown Leominster, 5:00-9:00 p.m. You don’t have to be Italian to appreciate these luscious concoctions! Join the crowd on the common for an evening of music, fun – and cannoli from a variety of local bakeries.

Participating Cannoli Vendors: All purpose bakery, Cape Cod Cannolis, Cassata’s Treats, Central Cup, DolceAmar, Double D Concessions, Joni's Cannolis, Roma's Bakery and Deli, Stillman Dairy Farm, Uncle Joey's Cannoli, Wholly Cannoli
Participating Coffee Vendors:  Central Cup, Jackson Effie Coffee Cabin
Entertainment:  Singer George Lyons

10-14, Thursday-Monday, Columbus Day Sale and Swap at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton - 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 beers outside along with a BBQ and live music! The SkyRide will be operating. There's even a moonbounce, face painting, and the kids’ ski deck set up for the little ones to try skiing or boarding for the first time! For detailed information visit wachusett.com.

11, Friday – The Bull Run presents, Eilen Jewell, Doors open at 6:00 for dinner, and the show starts at 8:00 p.m., 215 Great Rd., Shirley, MA - Eilen Jewell is an American singer-songwriter from Boise, Idaho. She has released seven albums of music. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

11, 12, 13, Friday-Sunday – 30^thAnnual Milford Pumpkin Festival, Downtown Milford NH, Fri. 5:00-9:00; Sat. 8:00-9:30 p.m.; Sun. 8:00-3:00 p.m. The Granite Town Festivities Committee invites you to join us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary! This year we offer the community tons of pumpkin fun with local music, food, artisans, small businesses & community events throughout Columbus Day weekend! For more information visit milfordpumpkinfestival.org.

11, 12, 13, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – Theatre at the Mount presents, Don’t Dress for Dinner, 8:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 2:00 Sunday, 444 Green St., Gardner MA- Bernard’s plans for a romantic rendezvous with his mistress are complete with a gourmet caterer and an alibi courtesy of his friend, Robert. But when Bernard’s wife learns that Robert will be visiting for the weekend, she decides to stay in town for a surprise tryst of her own…setting the stage for a collision course of assumed identities and outrageous infidelities. The cook is Suzette, the lover is Suzanne, the friend is bewildered, the wife is suspicious, the husband is losing his mind, and everyone is guaranteed a good time in this hilarious romp through the French countryside. For tickets and more information visit mwc.edu.

12, 13, 14, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Fall Festival at Hollis Hills Farm, 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg - It's here! The final weekend of the season. Fall Fest commences Saturday morning at 10 am with the amazing Dwayne Haggins Band followed by Northern Company featuring the farm's favorite Andy Fichtel and Monica McNamara. Sunday we have Open Highway playing your favorite classic rock covers & Wheelhouse returns that afternoon playing basically all your favorite songs ever. The weekend closes up on MONDAY (we will be open on the holiday, 10/14) with the ever-popular Whitney Doucet and Moonshine Band at noon. You don't want to miss this show! There is no cover charge for any of the shows, but additional activities (TBA) will be priced individually. We'll have hayrides, pick your own apples & pumpkins, food, a full bar, apple cider donuts, and so much more. This season threw us quite the curveball, but let's go out in style with a weekend of incredible live performances and fall funtivities!! For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com.

12, Saturday – Winchendon Fall Festival 2019– 10:00-3:00, Central St. Winchendon - Come explore and enjoy over 200 vendors selling crafts, food, and much, much more. There will be a variety of games for the kids to play, bands to listen to and so much more. Come join us!!! Please contact Nicole at 978-297-3537 with any questions or to sign up!

12, Saturday – Harvard Flea Market,9:00-4:00, held on the grounds of the Bromfield School on Rt. 111. The 48th Annual Flea Market will be held on Saturday, October 12, 2019. Each year thousands of bargain-hunters browse through more than 180 booths of antiques, collectibles, and household treasures. Local organizations sell a variety of foods and drinks. Don’t miss the biggest annual one-day outdoor flea market northwest of Boston! Admission:  $3.00 adults, $1.00 children 6-12, $5.00 for early birds (7:00-9:00 a.m.). For more information visit harvardfleamarket.com.

12, Saturday – Fitchburg Autumn ‘Rock Walk’ – Guided Tour to Rollstone Hill, 10:00-1:00, Join us for a 2 mile, slow and easy, guided and historically narrated tour of the 'Rock Walk' trail from the Rollstone Boulder in the Upper Common to the original site of the Boulder on the summit of Rollstone Hill. Along the way, we will comment on historically significant sites we pass. Meet at the Boulder Art Gallery, 960 Main St., at 10:00AM, Saturday, October 12th, walk starts and ends there. This is a FREE event. Restroom available. Bring: Comfortable Shoes, Water, Camera, and a Friend! Sponsored by the Fitchburg Greenway Committee, the Fitchburg Historical Society, and the Boulder Art Gallery. The views and foliage will be outstanding! Join in the fun and be part of this interesting, informative, and historic walk. For more information visit theboulderartgallery.com. Rain date Sun Oct 13^th.

12, Saturday – “Big Sit” Migration Watch at Pack Monadnock, NH – 8:00-4:00, Join fellow birders and hawk watchers for the annual “Big Sit” event – a tally of all bird species as viewed from the Pack Monadnock Raptor Observatory. Come for an hour or stay the whole day and lend your eyes to the skies. This is a fun event with a friendly-yet-competitive spirit, and all levels of interest and ability are welcome. Bring binoculars, a field guide, food, and drink, and dress for the weather. Join us anytime from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the top of Pack Monadnock in Miller State Park in Peterborough. Rain/fog date: October 13. The event is free, though there’s a fee to enter Miller State Park ($4 per adult and $2 for children age 6 to 11. Children age 5 and under, and NH residents 65 and older are free). For more information visit harriscenter.org.

12, 13, 14, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Monadnock Art Open Studios Tour, Art Tour 24!10:00-5:00 - Art lovers from New England and beyond know that the Columbus Day Weekend brings not only fall foliage, but also the sprouting of the distinctive black & white Monadnock Art Open Studios Tour signs guiding visitors along leaf-strewn lanes to the often tucked-away studios in Dublin, New Hampshire, Hancock, New Hampshire, Harrisville, New Hampshire, Jaffrey, New Hampshire, Marlborough, New Hampshire, Peterborough, New Hampshire, and Sharon, NH where painters, printmakers, potters, jewelers, sculptors, fiber artists, photographers, woodworkers, glass shapers, & more work their magic. This year's self-guided tour offers 60 Studios showing over 70 artists. Open 10-5 daily over the 3-day weekend. Many artists offer work specially priced for this tour which makes it an excellent opportunity for visitors to take home a truly unique memory of New England or to get in a little not-so-early Holiday shopping! Plan now with friends and family to join us on this ever-so-New-England experience! FREE and Family-Friendly. Download the tour map and preview the artists at https://monadnockart.org/plan-your-tour/

12, 13, 14, - 25^thAnnual Paradise City Arts Festival, at Three County Fairgrounds, 54 Old Ferry Rd., Northampton MA, Sat. 10-6; Sun. 10-5; Mon. 10-4 - A big anniversary for New England’s most extraordinary show of 225 artists and makers from every corner of America. Enjoy sensational food by local chefs, craft cocktails and music in the Festival Dining Tent and a sculpture promenade. There's an exciting silent auction to benefit WGBY Public Television too! The Columbus Day Weekend event, held at the peak of fall foliage season, features three days filled with a breadth of exhibitors and activities that will keep everyone enthralled and entertained. Inside three large buildings connected by covered walkways with acres of free parking.
Info: http://bit.ly/FallParadiseCityNorthampton
Coupon: http://bit.ly/FallNorthamptonCoupon
Advance Tickets: http://bit.ly/TIX-ParadiseCity-F19

12, 13, 14, Saturday, Sunday, Monday – Harvest Scarecrow Festival Weekend at Sholan Farms, 10:00-4:00, 1125 Pleasant St. Leominster - Fun for the whole family! Apple picking, free wagon rides, food trucks Saturday & Sunday, scarecrow contest Saturday, entertainment Saturday & Sunday; DJ Earl Mazerolle Saturday, Big River Jazz Band on Sunday, Balloon Twister Saturday and Sunday. For more information visit sholanfarms.com.

12, Saturday – Gumboots: The Music of Paul Simon at Peterborough Town House, 8:00-11:00 p.m., 1 Grove St., Peterborough NH - Peterborough's own Gumboots will be at the town house for one big hometown show!! This 11-piece ensemble formed in the summer of 2018. "Gumboots" is a group of New England musicians with a shared affinity for the music of Paul Simon. They came together to play one show, and the response from audience and band members alike was overwhelmingly positive so they decided to continue making music together. For tickets and more information visit eventbrite.com.

12, Saturday – The Bull Run presents, The Larry Carlton Quartet, Doors open at 6:00 for dinner and seating. Show starts at 8:00 p.m., 215 Great Rd., Shirley MA – 19-time Grammy nominee, 4-time Grammy winner and all-time guitar great, Larry Carlton has performed on more than 100 gold or platinum albums. "It must have taken more than one lifetime of music to produce Larry Carlton, he is the sum and son of a long lineage, beyond time, and beyond rational explanations of dedication or practice, the work of his hands speaks grace and passion and timeless knowledge. Listen, learn and be profoundly moved." – Sting. For tickets and more information visit bullrunrestaurant.com. 

13, Sunday – Autumn Fest at Fruitlands Museum, 10:00-4:00, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard MA –Join us in a celebration of the Autumn season at Fruitlands Museum. Enjoy live music. Check out a beekeeping demonstration. Make a shaker quilt square craft. Play historic lawn games. All in the spirit of the season! We are thrilled to welcome Harvard Alpaca Ranch with a couple of their Alpacas. Community Harvest Project will be here with apples and cider. For more information visit fruitlands.thetrustees.org. 

October 4, 5, 6, 2019

Theatre at the Mount presents, Don't Dress for Dinner

“What’s Happening”

October 4, 5, 6, 2019

4 and 5, Friday and Saturday – Theatre at the Mount presents, Don’t Dress for Dinner, 8:00 p.m., 444 Green St., Gardner MA- Bernard’s plans for a romantic rendezvous with his mistress are complete with a gourmet caterer and an alibi courtesy of his friend, Robert. But when Bernard’s wife learns that Robert will be visiting for the weekend, she decides to stay in town for a surprise tryst of her own…setting the stage for a collision course of assumed identities and outrageous infidelities. The cook is Suzette, the lover is Suzanne, the friend is bewildered, the wife is suspicious, the husband is losing his mind, and everyone is guaranteed a good time in this hilarious romp through the French countryside. For tickets and more information visit mwc.edu. Repeats October 11, 12, and 13.

4, Friday – Fish Fry at the American Legion, 132 Williams Rd., Ashburnham – Tickets go on sale at 4:00 and dinner will be served from 5:00-7:00. Come and enjoy a great meal for $10.00. 

5, Saturday – Ashburnham Scarecrow Invasion at Winchester Park, Ashburnham - 11:00-2:00 – Come make a girl-scout-themed scarecrow at Winchester Park.

5, Fitzwilliam Fantasy Faire, Historic Town Green, Fitzwilliam NH, 9:00-3:00, Hear ye, hear ye! On October 5, 2019, Fitzwilliam, NH will host the 2nd annual Fitzwilliam Fantasy Faire on the historic town green. This day of medieval mischief and magic will celebrate community with live music & performances, tasty food, games and activities, & local vendors galore! FREE admission and parking! For more information and a list of vendors visit facebook.com/FitzFaire/

5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday – Pumpkin Patch Annual Open House, 10:00-4:00, 66 Paxton Rd., Spencer - Join us on October 5th and 6th from 10AM - 4PM for our annual open house in The Red Shed! We have several new crafters joining us this year and have been hard at work creating pieces that we know you all will love! We can't wait to see you all! 

5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday – OktoberFest at Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, 11:00-5:00 - This is the season for beautiful foliage, tasty beer and camaraderie among friends! Raise your steins and toss the empty kegs as you eat, drink and celebrate with live German music, contests, shows, craft and farmers' market vendors, and activities for the whole family. For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com.

5, Saturday – MassMouth all Stars Storytelling at The Bull Run in Shirley, MA – Doors open at 6:00 for dinner and seating. Showtime is 8:00. Come laugh, cry and be entertained by some of Boston's most engaging storytellers, Massmouth, Boston’s premier storytelling organization, is celebrating its 10th year of bringing people together through the art of storytelling. Come enjoy an evening featuring some of the area's most talented storytellers. For more information and tickets visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

5, Saturday – Albert Cummings at the Bull Run, Doors open at 6:00 for dinner and seating. Showtime is at 8:00. For more information and tickets visit bullrunrestaurant.com.

5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday – Kringle Candle Fall Festival, 220 South St. Bernardston MA, 10:00-6:00, Fall market with crafters/artisans, food, kids’ crafts and games, pumpkins, music, craft beer garden and more! For more information visit kringlecandle.com.

5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday – Applefest 2019 in Nashua NH, 10:00-5:00, Sullivan Farm, 70 Coburn Ave., Nashua NH - The Salvation Army of Nashua welcomes families and friends of all ages to our annual Applefest—a fun-filled, outdoor fall event located at the historic Sullivan Farm. Win fabulous prizes, eat delicious food, and come celebrate the most beautiful season of the year with us! This year’s Applefest will be the best yet, with tons of fun games and activities like apple picking, hayrides, scarecrow making, face painting, pumpkin painting, and much more. Demonstrations from local businesses and groups will take place throughout both days. Fresh cider, apple pies, Hayward's ice cream, hamburgers, hot dogs and other food will be available for sale.

5 and 6, Saturday and Sunday – Brattleboro Area Vermont Craft Council Open Studio Tour, 10:00-5:00, Brattleboro, Vt.: The Vermont Craft Council’s Fall Open Studio Tour Oct. 5 and 6 will include artists in thirteen studios and one gallery in Brattleboro, West Brattleboro, Dummerston and Newfane. Of those artists, seven are members of Brattleboro-West Arts. Participating studios will be open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, with many sites offering demonstrations as well as the opportunity to purchase art and talk to the professional artists who made it. The Brattleboro area offers a great diversity of artists, craftspeople and designers that have presented in art and craft shows nationally and internationally. Come savor the cultural richness and inspiration while getting a window into the creative process and the environments in which it happens. For a map and a list of artists visit vermontcrafts.com

6, Sunday – Apple Festival on Monument Square in Hollis NH, 2:00-4:00, On Sunday, October 6th, from 2pm to 4pm, come out to Hollis for the Apple Festival! It will be held outdoors on Monument Square in the middle of picturesque downtown Hollis. In the event of rain, the event will be held in the All-Purpose room of the Hollis-Brookline Middle School on Main Street / Rt. 122 just up the hill from Monument Square. The concert is free. The apple desserts are for sale. This event is put on by the Hollis Town Band in conjunction with the Hollis-Brookline Junior Cavaliers. Apple pies are made by the band members and apple crisps are made by the Junior Cavalier members. The band will provide the entertainment while the Junior Cavaliers sell the desserts. This is one of the big fundraisers of the year for both organizations so please come on out and support our groups in the great work that they do in the area. Music will include a medley of hits by Chicago, a medley of hits by the Beach Boys, a clarinet solo called "Viktor's Tale" played by Andrew Raibeck on clarinet and Lauren Mann on the accordion (accompanied by the band), "Meditation from Thais" with flute solo by Dave Deifik, along with marches, Broadway and Hollywood music and classics from the concert band world.

Ongoing – Old Sturbridge Village presents Sleepy Hollow, A Legendary Outdoor Experience, September 27-November 3 - The Sleepy Hollow Experience is an immersive, outdoor, musical theater experience that reimagines Washington Irving’s iconic 1820’s tale. 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 rain or shine. For tickets and more information visit osv.org.

What's Happening September 28 and 29, 2019

“What’s Happening”

September 28 and 29, 2019

28 and 29, Saturday and Sunday – 10^thAnnual BBQ Fest at Wachusett Mountain, 499 Mountain Rd., Princeton, 11:00-5:00 - There's BBQ and then there's good BBQ!  We've assembled some of the finest vendors in the area for this tasty event which also features live music, craft fair and farmers' market, contests and cooking demos. For tickets and more information visit wachusett.com.

28, Saturday – Craft Materials Free-For-All at Stevens Memorial Library, 20 Memorial Dr., Ashburnham, 11:00-2:00 - Put on by Wachusett Community Crafters! Connect with crafters who share your interest or can help you learn something new. Fabric, notions, yarn, needles, patterns, tools, vinyl, ideas and more! Clear out your clutter by fueling another's creativity! Gather ingredients and ideas for some fun new projects. Bring a bag and bring your family and friends! All are welcome to take materials whether they have items to donate or not.

28, Saturday – 43^rdAnnual Attic Treasure Sale hosted by Westminster Historical Society, 110 Main St., Westminster, 9:00-3:00, The Westminster Historical Society is holding its 43rd Annual Attic Treasures Sale. We're finding more and more treasures as we go through the barn.
Antiques, Antique Baby Carriages & Cradle, Furniture, Vintage Items, Mirrors, Iron Cookware, Household Items, & many other wonderful treasures will be sold this year. Donations are still being accepted by the Historical Society for the sale and can be brought to the Historical Society and left in the barn. Please call the Society at 978-874-5569 for more information.

28, Saturday – Muddy Ruckus performs at Hollis Hills Farm, Marshall Rd., Fitchburg, 12:00, This grungy Americana duo is a show you don't want to miss. For two people, they bring a full rock band sound with a suitcase drum kit. We are so excited to have them at the farm!
Check them out on YouTube https://www.youtube.com/muddyruckusand Spotify. PYO opens at 9 am and Muddy Ruckus starts at 1. Beer and food at noon, apple cider donuts and ice cream will be available all day! For more information visit hollishillsfarm.com. 

28, Saturday – 14^thAnnual Oktoberfest “Party in the Street” at Gardner Ale House, 74 Parker St., Gardner, 11:00-10:00 - Beer Garden, Beer Maidens, Food, Moon Hill Brewing Co. Beer, Live Music (4 Bands!), Lawn Games for Adults, Face Painting, Sidewalk Art & Bubble Fun for Kids, Ceremonial Tapping of the Keg & Debut of the 14th Oktoberfest Lager, 11th Annual Gardner Chair Luge, Free Admission. For more information visit gardnerale.com.

28, Saturday – 29^thAnnual Ashby Pumpkin Festival on Ashby Commons, 10:00-4:00 - Spend the day enjoying family fun activities and shopping at The Ashby Common! There will be live entertainment throughout the day, food and craft vendors, games and activities for children, a pumpkin decorating contest, a tractor parade, Friends of the Library Book Sale, and more! For information on reserving vendor space, please email: friendsofashbylibrary@gmail.com The Friends of the Ashby Free Public Library are a non-profit group of volunteers working together with local businesses and crafters to make this annual festival possible and who also support and fund the Library's educational needs. All off the proceeds from the festival support the educational programs at the Ashby Free Public Library.

28, Saturday – Hunt & Gather Vintage Market’s 4^thAnnual Flea Stock Junkin’ Event, 194 Worcester Rd. (Rt. 31) Princeton, 8:00-3:00 - Join us on the Princeton Massachusetts town wide yard sale day for Flea Stock! HGVM's 4th annual sale featuring a Junker’s paradise! Those of you who came the last three years know get here early to get first choice:) Items featured within the sale are an up cyclers dream! All year long we all scour barns, farms, shops, sales and so on. We don't always get to those projects or use those pieces that we've collected. To make room for new stock these items will be sold at flea market prices! This sale is all about liquidation! You will find doors, windows, tables and table bases, dressers, smalls, project pieces, and anything and everything between that you could want to up cycle. The sale will include our dealers’ small items set up inside the function room and an outside tent with larger pieces. All items will be priced to sell. This will be your chance to pick up some fantastic items for you to finish yourself or refinish. All furniture pieces are under $50 with most between $10 and $30. Again, if you came last year you know how awesome this event is!
Food will be on site and available for purchase at Monti Farms right here in site. 

28, Saturday – GrotonFest 2019, 75 Hillis St., Groton, 9:30-4:00, Grotonfest is a yearly celebration in Groton, MA. First launched in 1979, the Grotonfest was formed to celebrate the town’s small businesses, showcase the budding artists and their crafts, as well as introduce non-profit organizations around our community. It is primarily sponsored by the Groton Business Association, formerly the Groton Board of Trade. The Grotonfest is created through GBA’s vision and is launched as a part of the town’s local business development campaign. For more information visit grotonfest.com.

28, 29, Saturday and Sunday – Bolton and Harvard Open Studios, 10:00-4:00 Saturday, 12:00- 4:00 Sunday - Artists and Artisans around Bolton and Harvard will be opening their studios to the public! Last year we had over 30 artists in 10 locations in Bolton and Harvard. This year we hope to host even more artists. Grab a map this fall and enjoy driving around beautiful Bolton and Harvard to view the wonderful variety of local art, meet the artists and see their studio spaces, and perhaps start or grow your art collection! For more information and a map of artists visit openartstudios.org.

28, Saturday – 22^ndAnnual Winchester NH Pickle Festival, Downtown Winchester, NH – 10:00-4:00, An early fall festival to celebrate the Polish heritage of Winchester, NH. Started by Winchester resident Gary O'Neal and still going on today. Music, food, games. For more information visit winchesterpicklefestival.org.

28 and 29, Saturday and Sunday, Fall for Quilts – Bridge of Quilts 2019, Hosted by Cheshire Quilters’ Guild, 9:30-4:30 on Saturday and 10:00-3:00 on Sunday, Keene Recreation Center, 312 Washington St., Keene NH - Come see amazing member quilts, youth quilts, charity quilts and sewn items, raffle items, technique demos, featured artist trunk show, quilting vendors, and more! 100+ quilts will be on display! Tickets at the door.  

What's Happening September 20, 21, 22, 2019

“What’s Happening”

September 19, 20, 21, 22, 2019

19, 20 – Thursday and Friday – Fitchburg Open Studios at Creative Connections, 9:00-6:00, 56 Main St., Ashburnham MA-Creative Connections is pleased to participate in the 2nd annual Fitchburg Open Studios Tour! Artists Randy LeSage, Robert Maloney and Mark Setevdemio will be in the gallery on Saturday to demonstrate various printmaking techniques. Refreshments will be served! Fitchburg Open Studios is a free, self-guided, art discovery tour, which takes place over the Fall weekend of October 19th and 20th, 2019. This tour allows you to visit with as many artists and locations as you desire, with each stop offering its own unique and varied experience. Using the City of Fitchburg as the “core” of the tour, Open Studios branches off to include artists in several neighboring communities, all of which are within an easy drive of each other. Simply grab a map, plan your day, and enjoy a little “leaf peeping” along the way! Whether you’re an experienced collector, new to the art scene, or simply curious about art and the creative process, this is an incredible opportunity to experience first-hand the actual working spaces, exhibition spaces, and studios of some of the most accomplished artists in the greater Fitchburg area. You will have an open and welcoming invitation to meet the artists, network, watch demonstrations and techniques, ask questions, study their creative space and processes, and if you desire, purchase artwork right from the source! This is a unique opportunity and an inspirational event. It is a great way to meet people who share your passion for art, “talk shop”, and interact with them in their own personal studio and workspace.

21, Saturday – Annual Fall Bazaar at St. Denis Parish, 10:00-6:00 (Attic Treasures opens at 7:00 a.m.), 85 Main St., Ashburnham – The Harvest Booth, Chinese Auction, Books Down Under, Children’s Games, Attic Treasures, Themed Baskets, Silent Auction, Tim’s Food Booth, Jewelry and Crafts, Baked Goods, Homemade Pies, and more!

21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday, The Pro-Found Fall 2019 Vintage Market, Saturday 8:30-5:00, Sunday, 10:00-4:00, At Kalon Farm, Rt 117, Lancaster, MA - The The pro.found marketis located at Kalon Farm and Winery on a sprawling scenic landscape. Vendors with a vintage lifestyle look will showcase their products in individual tents for a unique collaborative shopping experience. Also enjoy local food trucks, brew, wine and live music for a festive weekend for the whole family. For tickets and more information visit theprofoundmarket.com

21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday – KidsFest at Wachusett Mountain,499 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA - 10:00-5:00 - This one's all about kids and families! Two days filled with entertainment, shows, giveaways, vendors, activities and more! No shortage of fun for everyone! For tickets and more information visit Wachusett.com. Frisbee Dogs, The Trampoline Show, The Reptile Show, Magic Steve, CharacterJ Rocks, Troy Wunderle, Gramma Potts, Juggles the Clown, Hanover Theatre Karon Shea Dance and Modeling, The Meltdown, Rock Wall, Mini Golf, Obstacle Course , Giant Jenga, Connect 4, Ladder Ball, Can Jam, Princess Elsa, Princess Ariel, Stuff a Bear, Captain Jack Sparrow, Petting Zoo, Giant Slide

21, Saturday – Harvest Jam at Hollis Hills Farm, 11:00 a.m.-11:00 p.m., 340 Marshall Rd., Fitchburg - Join us for an afternoon of fall activities featuring live music all day. Central MA favorites New Pond Fondle kicks off at noon, followed by the dynamic duo of The Maniac Loves You 3:00-6:00. Roots rock group Town Meeting closes out the night with their incredible lively performance. They hit the stage at 6pm! We'll have food, drinks, and all things apple cider (read: donuts), hay rides, and PYO. This day is friendly for all ages, but there is a $15 cover for ages 16 and up.

21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday – 9^thAnnual Craft Festival at Fruitlands Museum, 10:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturday and 10:00-5:00 on Sunday, 102 Prospect Hill Rd., Harvard MA - New England Artisans will fill the field at Fruitlands Museum for our ninth annual juried and handmade Craft Festival. Jewelry, pottery, glass, wood, fiber arts, photography, mixed media, henna art, specialty food, and much more! Join us for a great day out with family and friends. Stock up on one-of-a-kind gifts by 48 of New England's finest artisans and admire their craft. Enjoy live music by the Summertime Trio, Beer and Wine Garden by True West Brewing Co., food truck, and family lawn games. Museum exhibits and trails are included in the entry ticket. Admission: $5 for Members, $10 for Non-Members, Children 12 and under are free. The fee at the gate includes entry to the museum galleries, exhibits, and trails. The event is held rain or shine under the tent. For more information visit fruitlands.thetrustees.org.

21, Saturday – North County Land Trust - Hawk Migration on the Mountain, Wachusett Mountain State Reservation, 345 Mountain Rd., Princeton MA - 9:00-11:00 a.m., Hawk migrations are a majestic thing to witness and what better place than from the mountain top of Wachusett Mountain. Join Clay Hobart, NCLT's local bird enthusiast, on Saturday, Sept 21 as we turn our eyes to the skies in anticipation of seeing the hawks. This is a popular thing to do during this time of year so plan ahead to find parking. If you'd like, you can even go early and hike up the mountain to meet us there for a 9am guided viewing of these beautiful birds.For parking guidelines and more information about Wachusett Mountain please visit https://www.mass.gov/locations/wachusett-mountain-state-reservation.Bring your binoculars and your hiking shoes! It's sure to be a spectacular sight! Register now to reserve your spot.

21, Saturday –26^thAnnual Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival, Sat. 9-5, downtown Leominster - Featuringmore than 120 craft vendors and lots of great food (think apple crisp and candy apples), a petting zoo, pony rides, live entertainment and lots more. Free admission. And it’s all to celebrate the Leominster-born John Chapman, Johnny Appleseed himself.

21, Saturday – 2^ndAnnual Keene International Festival, 11:00-2:00, Keene Recreation Center, 312 Washington St., Keene NH - In 2017 a team of educators and community organizers met to establish the Keene International Festival. The first event, held in 2018, drew in over 500 people from around southwest New Hampshire and beyond.  In 2019, the city of Keene's Human Rights Committee became a partner of the event. Keene International Festival showcases and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the Keene, NH, community through activities that engage and connect people to each other.It is a free family-friendly event held on the third Saturday in September. Donations are welcome.  100% of funds raised go towards festival activities. For more information visit keeneinternationalfestival.org.

22, Sunday – The 5^thAnnual Johnny Appleseed Home crafters Handmade Fair at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster MA, 10:00-4:00, Featuring food, kids’ activities, entertainment, hayrides, and art and crafts for sale. 

22, Sunday – 2^ndAnnual Moose Jam 2019 sponsored by Ashburnham Conservation Trust– 1:00-6:00 at Crocker Farm, 64 Gibson Rd., Ashburnham MA - Music and fun to support the Ashburnham Conservation Trust! ACT's 2nd Annual Moose Jam features live music with performances by:  Jane Fallon, Ian Wilkins, Ward Bowne, Bradley James (aka Boston Piano Kid), and a surprise guest headliner who is nationally known performer! (Visit our website to find out who...or watch for hints on this event page!) ~~Sound provided by: Bobby Hamblett - Proceeds to benefit the Ashburnham Conservation Trust...with a portion to be put toward the protection of Crocker Farm, a 100 year old, three-hundred acre working farm, containing the peak of Jewell Hill in the towns of Ashburnham, Ashby and Fitchburg. Rain or Shine (large tents will be set-up). BYOB, BYO-Picnic, BYO-Lawn chairs. Refreshments and water* will also be available.  *Please bring a reusable water bottle...or purchase one at the event. Optional guided hike up Jewell Hill during intermission. 

Date Nut Bars

Maguire House Date Nut Bars

Date Nut Bars

1/3 cup boiling water

2 cups dates, pitted and chopped

½ cup butter

1/3 cup white sugar

2/3 cup brown sugar

2 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla extract

1 cup flour

¼ tsp. baking soda

¾ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. cinnamon

1/8 tsp. ground nutmeg

1 cup chopped nuts

¼ cup confectioners’ sugar

In a small bowl, pour boiling water over dates and set aside to cool. Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 10X10 inch baking dish.

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and brown and white sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the vanilla. Add the dates, including any water. Mix well.

Sift together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir into the date mixture. Stir in the nuts.

Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared pan and bake for 45 minutes. When cool, cut into bars and dust each with confectioners’ sugar.