The time of year to pick your own apples has come to an end at many of our local apple orchards. But the good news is that now it’s time to do something with all of these delicious apples grown right here in Franklin County. Franklin County Cider Days is coming up soon - the first weekend in November - when the whole region comes together to [...]
October is the best month for apple picking in Massachusetts. Here in Franklin County we are lucky to have so many orchards which offer apple picking with some of the most delicious apples [...]
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 [...]
New England’s sugaring season is now in full swing. Around the Pioneer Valley, you’ll find sap buckets to tap the maple trees, steam coming out of bustling sugarhouses, and fresh maple syrup for sale in local farm [...]
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.
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.
The Greenfield Farmers’ Market opens this Saturday, May 1, 2021 at the Court Square in downtown Greenfield. Since 1975, the Greenfield Farmers’ Market has been a wonderful resource for community members, giving them easy access to beautiful, fresh, [...]
Massachusetts allow residents to burn brush between January 15th and May 1st. However, there are certain regulations for where and how you can burn brush, as well as who is allowed to do it. You can apply for an Open Burn Permit through your local fire department. Many towns in Franklin County use the online system for residents to submit applications. This online application can be found at fcburnpermits.com. If your town does not use the online system, you can contact them by phone to inquire about how to obtain permission to burn brush.
Go to fcburnpermits.com for a list of regulations around brush burning or for more specific information on how to get in touch with your local fire department. You can also go to mass.gov/service-details/open-burning-safety for more information on open burning and fire safety.
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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.
Sugaring season is in full swing in Western Mass and all the sugar houses in Franklin County are busy! The first boil for most sugar houses happens in early February so by now, the local sugar houses have already had a few boils. This year, the Lively Family at Sunrise Farms in Colrain is doing things a little bit [...]
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 102nd Heath Fair will take place this weekend, Friday evening, August 16th, and all day Saturday and Sunday, August 17th and 18th.
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, ADGA sanctioned senior goat show, ox draw, truck pull, and adult sheep show and more. Bring the kids because there will be so much for them to do too like the zucchini races, wagon rides, kids garden tractor pull, 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 at 5:30 pm on Friday, the Heath Firefighters Association BBQ on both Saturday and Sunday, or the Blueberry Pancake Breakfast on Sunday morning. There will also be a great group of vendors selling food at the lower food booth and upper food booth.
A country fair is not complete without music and this year’s artist lineup is spectacular. On Friday night, check out Mamma’s Marmalade, a Northampton-based newgrass band and then join in on the square dancing, called by Doug Wilkins. On Saturday at 10 am, Under the Tree Music Company will perform a kids show. Then throughout the day, there will be musical performances by Uncles of the Pioneers, Lonesome Brothers, Josh LeVangie and the Pistoleros, and Deadgrass. On Sunday, check out the Shelburne Falls Military Band at 11:30 am and the Gaslight Tinkers at 1:30 pm. At 3:30 pm, there will be a special performance, Amazing Magic Show for All Ages with Damian Odess Gillett.
For the full schedule of events, visit heathfair.org. The Heath Fair is presented by the Heath Agricultural Society. Admission is only $10 or $8 for seniors and free for children 10 and under. Parking is free. See you at the Heath Fair!
Photo credit: Heathfair.org
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