The Heath Fair is one of the few country fairs still around that stays true to its agricultural roots. For over 100 years, it has offered events such as the ox draw, sheep shows, and various trade demonstrations to teach the community about agriculture in an engaging way. Every year the residents of Heath and visitors from surrounding towns look forward to this end of summer event. This year, the 101st Heath Fair will take place this weekend, Friday, August 17th to Sunday, August 19th.
It is truly incredible to see how a large event like this with a variety of activities comes together in such an organized way. It is because of the commitment of volunteers who run each of the events that the Heath Fair is so successful. This year’s lineup of events include the antique tractor pull, rabbit show, goat show, horse draw, truck pull, and sheep show. Bring the kids because there will be so much for them to do too like the zucchini races, wagon rides, demonstrations, and the parade!
Make sure you come hungry because there will be plenty to eat! Join the organized meals such as the Church Ladies Ham and Bean Supper on Friday, the Heath Firefighters Association BBQ on both Saturday and Sunday, or the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast on Sunday. There will also be a great group of vendors selling food, including Lucia’s Latin Kitchen, Kailash Kitchen, and of course Hager’s Farm Market’s fried dough and maple cream.
A country fair needs music and this year’s artist lineup is spectacular. On Friday night, check out Upstate Rubdown and then join in on the square dancing, led by Doug Wilkins. On Saturday, the music starts at 11 am with The Uncles of the Pioneers and continues through the day with The Green Sisters, Li’l BeeDee & The Doo-Rites, and The Whiskey Treaty Road Show. On Sunday, the Ageless Waves of Rhythm will kick off the day with their drumming, followed by the Shelburne Falls Military Band, and Banish Misfortune.
For the full schedule of events, visit heathfair.org. The Heath Fair is presented by the Heath Agricultural Society. Admission is only $8 or $6 for seniors and free for children 9 and under. See you at the Heath Fair!
This Saturday, August 11, marks the 40th Bridge of Flowers Classic Races in Shelburne Falls. Mike McCusker started the races in 1978 and the 3K Walk/Run and 10K Run have been staple events in the village ever since. Each year thousands of runners come out to compete on one of the toughest courses in New England. The infamous Crittenden Hill makes this course both a challenging and rewarding experience. For the first time ever, the 10K Run has been changed to an 8K, but the 3K Walk/Run remains the same. Online registration for the race has closed but you can register in person at the Friday night Spaghettifest at Buckland Shelburne Elementary School or Saturday morning before the race.
If you’re not running or volunteering, you can still be a part of the action by cheering on the runners. The course is a figure 8 loop, starting and ending on the Iron Bridge, making it a very spectator-friendly race. The 3K starts at 8:15 am and the 8K starts at 9 am. After the race, head down Deerfield Avenue to the Glacial Potholes for the Post-Race Party and awards ceremony. Runners will also get free pizza courtesy of Pondside Pizza and a free beer from the Blue Rock if they are over 21. Plus, don’t forget to purchase a race shirt to remember this special event.
This Saturday and Sunday, visit your local shops and take advantage of Massachusetts Tax Free Weekend. On August 11 and 12, the state’s 6.25% sales tax will be eliminated for all retail goods. Exceptions to this include meals, motor vehicles, motorboats, tobacco products, and any single item over $2,500. After two years without this holiday, Gov. Charlie Baker has decided to sign a bill that brings back this tax exemption.
In December, I announced that I would be part of a new housing project in Greenfield, Green River Commons. This project consists of seven sustainable, affordable, net zero ready, ground-level townhouses. Now, I am excited to announce that I will be hosting the first ever open house for Green River Commons this Saturday, 12 to 2 pm. Wright Builders will be present as well, as we introduce these seven, beautiful, low-cost condominiums, located just steps from downtown Greenfield. 
Celebrate with Shelburne as it turns 250 years old! There is a full weekend of events planned including dinner, dancing, farm tours, a parade, food and craft vendors, live bands, square dancing, children’s games, militia re-enactment, fireworks, book sale, and more. It is sure to be a great time for family, community members, and anyone else who wants to join in the celebration of this wonderful town.
The Pioneer Valley is a hub for the creative arts. It’s a place where many musicians, artists, performers, and creatives come to gain inspiration for their work and to find an artistic community where they can thrive. This is not only true for adults, but for children and teens as well. There are many opportunities in the Valley for kids to follow their artistic intuitions and to gain experience working as a team to create something wonderful. One opportunity in particular is right here in Franklin County, specifically in Charlemont. Since 2010, the 
This Saturday, June 9th, join me for a special open house for a spacious contemporary style home located on a dead end street in a desirable area of Northfield. The interior has a great floor plan with light filled rooms, beautiful maple floors, vaulted ceiling with skylight, and an attached 2 car garage. The first floor features a kitchen with attractive maple cabinets and breakfast bar; dining room; sitting/dining area that has sliding glass doors to the back deck; large living room; and a half bath. The second floor has a fabulous master suite with lots of closets and full bath and there is a bonus room with washer and dryer hookup that could be used as a large bedroom, exercise or family room. In addition there is a bedroom, full bath and another room that is perfect for office or playroom. This home has a full usable basement, 4 zone Buderus heating system, and the 1.15 acres has a great yard with plenty of room for gardens. This is a great location near the golf course and not far from the charming downtown.
You’re invited to view this charming antique Farmhouse this Saturday, June 2 from 12-2 pm. Admire the recently completed renovations. Well-known Integrity Builders rebuilt one end of the home and constructed a fabulous second floor bonus room that features a beautiful staircase, wood floors, cathedral ceiling and westerly views. This wonderful space is bright and cheery and perfect for a studio, bedroom, or home office. In addition a 1 car attached garage was added with new entry including a laundry area and tile floors. The main house has a large eat-in kitchen with Ashfield stone countertops, vintage sink, and new appliances. Dining room with built-in cabinet, 3 bedrooms one with walk-in closet, 1 ½ baths, wood floors, updated electrical panel, Buderus heating system and Comcast internet. It has a picturesque back yard, surrounded by nice landscape and lovely flowers. Conveniently located near downtown, library, park, bank, town swimming pool and less than 20 min to I-91 and Shelburne Falls.
Franklin County sales were down 11.8% and the median price went up by 9.7% in April, 2018 compared to April, 2017. The sales were also down and median price up in both Hampshire and Hampden County. 
