Every year, the artists of Colrain open up their doors to the public for gallery viewings, demonstrations, workshops, sales, and to meet and greet. Studio-goers are invited to print a map, hop in the car, and drive around to the various artists over the course of the weekend. This year, the Crafts of Colrain is coming to Shelburne Falls with a special pop-up event on Saturday, October 9th and Sunday, October 10th from 10 am to 4 pm. 

Go to Shelburne Falls this weekend to check out the works of various participating artists. The following artists will be included in this special pop-up event at 50 State Street in Shelburne Falls: Carole Adams, Peggy Davis/Joe Kurland, Kevin French, Cynthia Herbert, Jim/Jill Horton-Lyons, Inge Jockers, Jen Kapitulik, Al Ladd/Marilyn Beal, Bob/Helen Olson, Tony Palumbo, Sarah Schoedel, and Olga Solomita. Check out the variety of hand-crafted works made from new and reused materials, including woodburning, hand-crafted jewelry, lamps and lights, planters, accessories, and more.

If you love the pop-up event, you’ll really love the open studio tours next month - November 13-14. Check out the event website for more details at craftsofcolrain.com. Follow Crafts of Colrain on Facebook for event updates and to preview some of the artists' works.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

With cooler weather and beautiful autumn foliage, now is the best time of year to enjoy the wilderness in Western Mass. There are many ways to get outside and enjoy, including running, kayaking, and mountain biking. Why not do all three at the 6th Annual Great River Challenge Off-Road Triathlon in Northfield, Massachusetts! This event is happening this Saturday, October 9th, so act fast to get involved. 

Drawing its name from the longest river in New England, the Great River Challenge Triathlon starts with a paddle down a scenic stretch of the Connecticut River, followed by a run on single track trails and in the woods, and finished by a mountain bike ride on mixed single track and open trails. There are options for short or long courses which can be done either solo or as a relay team. 

If you want to be part of the fun but don’t want to participate, you can also register to volunteer. Volunteers help with parking, registration, water stations, and more. Sign up to volunteer here.

For 6 years, the Great River Challenge Triathlon has promoted the Upper Pioneer Valley’s cultural and natural resources, as well as a healthy and active lifestyle in our local community. This event benefits the signature programs of the Northfield Kiwanis Foundation for area children and families.

To learn more about the Great River Challenge Triathlon and to sign up, go to greatriverchallenge.com.

Photo credit: greatriverchallenge.com/gallery

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

The Big E is back! Also known as “New England’s Great State Fair,”  the Big E is the sixth largest fair in the nation. The events kick off Friday, September 17 and will run until October 3rd at the Eastern States Exposition in West Springfield. 

There are so many fun activities at the Big E - you’ll find something for everyone. Originally created as an agricultural fair, the Big E stays true to its history by continuing to host agricultural events. These events include livestock shows, 4-H demos, and craft/skill demonstrations. View the agricultural events schedule here.

Many people love to travel to the Big E for the exciting activities and entertainment it has to offer. The midway rides have all sorts of thrilling experiences. Check out the Big Parade, the Circus Spectacular, live concerts, and more. 

You can’t have a fair without delicious food and the Big E does not fall short. Of course there is the classic fried food, baked potatoes, and corndogs. But you can also find a variety of cuisine from around the world and some sit-down venues to dine as well. Then go for a drink at one of the several bars, saloons, beer garden, and cocktail bar.

Check out all the Big E has to offer at thebige.com. 

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

One of the benefits of living in Franklin County is having so many beautiful rivers to enjoy locally. Unfortunately, these rivers often suffer from pollution. Walking along the rivers or paddling down them can reveal certain areas where trash and debris has accumulated, interrupting the natural beauty of the river banks and harming wildlife. [...]

The 45th Annual Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is this weekend! This craft fair comes as one of a three-part series of fairs organized each year to benefit the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association and is the only outdoor show of the three. Head to the show this Saturday and Sunday, September 18th and 19th to browse the creations of over 100 artisans, and enjoy delicious specialty food under the food tent. You’ll also have a chance to create your own crafts at the free family craft table.

The Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival is located in Old Deerfield, just off of Route 5 in Deerfield, Massachusetts. Park your car for free and take a free shuttle bus from one of the marked lots off of Routes 5 and 10 at Yankee Candle Corporate Headquarters. Admission to the show is just $5 per person and children 12 and under go for free. Proceeds benefit the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, a non-profit dedicated to the preservation of crafts and the history of our surrounding Deerfield area.

Follow the fair on Facebook for a chance to enter to win free tickets and shopping certificates. You’ll also see which artists are attending this year’s show on their page. 

For more information, visit deerfield-craft.org.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

This weekend marks the 172nd Franklin County Fair in Greenfield, Massachusetts. From Thursday, September 9 through Sunday, September 12 the Franklin County Fairgrounds will be filled with fun for the whole family. This year’s fair features a great lineup of entertainment events and agricultural and craft shows. Be sure to check out the parade, power wheel demo, and demolition derby. Also returning this year is the Coleman Brothers Midway which offers fun and thrills. 

The Franklin County Fair started in 1848 with the purpose of providing agricultural education to the community at a time when many immigrants were fleeing cases of famine in European countries. The fair offered a way to both demonstrate skills such as quilt-making, pie-baking, or cheese-making, as well as flaunt new agricultural innovations or breeds of sheep. Many of the events from the original county fair still continue today, with livestock shows and a display of handmade works at the Roundhouse and Youth Hall.

For the full lineup of events and to purchase your tickets, visit fcas.com.

Photo credit: Franklin County Fair Facebook Page

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

The Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze will be open for the 2021 season on Saturday, September 4th! Corn mazes have long been a favorite fall activity in New England and we are lucky to have our own amazing local corn maze right here in Franklin County. You can easily find the Hicks Corn Maze on the Mohawk Trail/Route 2 in Charlemont, MA. 

A 5th generation farm in operation, Hicks will be celebrating its 11th year of the corn maze this year. Check out the scavenger hunt in the maze or play mini golf in the field. Plus, don’t miss the haunted weekends in October, Friday and Saturday nights from 7 to 9 pm. 

Visit the Hicks Family Farm Corn Maze Saturdays and Sundays from 10 am to 5 pm, September 4th through October 30th and the evenings during their haunted weekends. Tickets for the corn maze are $8 for children 12 and under and $10 for adults. 

For more information and to view aerial photos of past years’ mazes, visit hickscornmaze.com.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

Beautifully maintained classic c.1790 Colonial on 7.5 acres overlooking an open meadow and seasonal views of the hills beyond. This antique treasure has been loved and well cared for and represents the perfect balance blending the charm of yesteryear with modern convenience of today. Many renovations have been done, preserving the many period details complimented by a wonderful and spacious modern addition.

Upon entering you will find a welcoming entry, fabulous great room with cathedral ceiling and upper level sitting area, cheery eat-kitchen and an attached oversized two car garage. The main house features a dining room w/gas stove, living room with exterior access, master bedroom suite w/full bath, laundry, and sitting area, 3 additional bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths and office/den. High speed fiber optic internet is on its way! Listed in the National Historic Registry, conveniently located only 15 min to Shelburne Falls, 30 min to Greenfield, and near many recreational activities.

Tour the house virtually in the video below and check out the listing here for more photos and details.

Contact Wanda at 413-768-9848 or Wanda@WandaMooney.com for more information.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

A New-American Bakeshop in New England 

Lucy Damkoehler grew up in Bernardston, Massachusetts and has been working in bakeries since she legally could. She built a successful career outside of Western Mass, working in well-known establishments like Gramercy Tavern in New York City and other places overseas and across the country. After spending 12 years in Seattle working as Regional Pastry Chef at Bon Appetit Management Company and helping to open Hot Cakes Molten Chocolate Cakery, Lucy has brought her skills and experience back to Western Mass for all of us to enjoy!

Upon the opening of Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop, the place was instantly a hit. Currently, the business has an average 5 star rating on Google and was voted as #1 Bakery in the Recorder’s 2020 Franklin Favorites competition. 

As the shop’s slogan promises, the bakeshop offers “craveable high-quality pastries” which are crafted with the best local ingredients and without unhealthy preservatives, additives, and sweeteners. Lucy bakes up classic favorites like croissants, pain au chocolat, and cherry pie. But she also whips up some unique mouth-watering creations like smore’s donuts, sweet corn and brown butter donuts, and her famous raspberry cornbread.

The next time you’re driving down Route 5 in Bernardston, be sure to stop by Sweet Lucy’s Bakeshop at 7 South Street! Follow her on Facebook for updates and to find out what Lucy is making for #donutthursday. Visit sweetlucysbakeshop.com for more info and check out this video below to meet Lucy and get some helpful baking tips from her:

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog. 

The last weeks of August are a great time to explore the agricultural fairs around Western Massachusetts. The Cummington Fair, a local favorite country fair, is happening this weekend. The events kick off Thursday, August 26 for a weekend full of shows, workshops, entertainment, food, music, and more, finishing Sunday, August 29. 

On Thursday, fair-goers will be welcomed back with antique engine and tractor shows, a craft barn, a performance by the Shelburne Falls Military Band, and more - all leading up to a magnificent fireworks show. Then, all weekend long there will be a variety of events such as the Classic Car Show, Magic by Christopher, Sarah the Fiddler, the Youth Lawn Tractor Pull, Demolition Derby and more. Check out the full schedule of events here.

The Cummington Fair was started in 1868 but was initiated in 1883 as the Hillside Agricultural Society. Today, the Cummington Fair remains true to its agricultural roots with events based around livestock and tractors, such as the livestock shows, horse draws, and antique engine and tractor shows. 

For more information and to purchase tickets go to cummingtonfair.com.

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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.com/blog.