Franklin County is often celebrated for its thriving agriculture and abundance of local farms. The local orchards stand out as one of our agricultural gems, drawing in visitors to enjoy the annual harvest and partake in the fun of pick-your-own fruits. Warm autumn days are the perfect time to visit a local orchard to pick your own delicious, [...]
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 [...]
For over a decade the Great Falls Festival has been a signature fall celebration in Franklin County. Sadly, this year will be the 12th and final year for this fun local festival. Formerly known as Pumpkinfest, the Great Falls Festival takes place on Avenue A in Turners Falls and is free to the public. This year’s festival is happening [...]
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 [...]
Scarecrow in the Park is one of Western Mass’ most unique fall events. Presented by the Bernardston Kiwanis Club, Scarecrow in the Park is a fund-raising effort for the Scholarship Fund where contestants create a unique scarecrow to stand in Cushman Park. The scarecrows are judged in certain categories which this year includes Scariest, Funniest, Prettiest, and Most Interesting Use of Materials. The rotating category will be READING, which will be the theme in which classrooms are invited to compete for the prize of $100 and a pizza party.
Come to Cushman Park on Saturday and Sunday, October 15th and 16th, 2022 to see all the creative scarecrows displayed. In addition to the contest, there will be live music, artists booths, children’s activities, delicious food, the tractor parade, and more! The event will officially kick off on Friday evening, October 14th with live music under the big tent.
Check out the event page on Facebook 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.
Photo: Winner of the Scariest Scarecrow, "VooDoo", Heather & Deborah Scoble
Our local Western Mass corn mazes are open for the 2022 season. Corn mazes are a really fun activity in the fall and we’re lucky to have two really awesome mazes right here in Franklin [...]
The Ashfield Fall Festival returns this Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th, 2022. Foliage colors have already come out in Ashfield, so head over to the Ashfield Commons this weekend and join in the celebration of this wonderful [...]
The best time of year to harvest peaches is early August through mid-September. In celebration of these deliciously sweet and juicy stone fruits, Apex Orchards is throwing a party! Visit Apex Orchards and Farm Store in Shelburne, Massachusetts on Saturday, August 27th and Sunday, August 28th for lots of fun around [...]
Cider Days, Franklin County’s popular event for all things apple, happens every year during the first weekend of November. This fun and informative event brings together local cider producers and orchards to share their love for apples and apple products and to expand their passions outward into the community. This Friday through Sunday, November 5th to 7th, local cideries and orchards will open their doors to host workshops, demonstrations, and tours.
The events kick off Friday with a Pomological Exhibit at Ashfield Community Hall from 10 am to 5 pm. After the exhibition, there will be a cider makers gathering at Scott Farm Orchard in Dummerston, Vermont from 5-8 pm.
Then the events continue all day Saturday and Sunday at our local favorite orchards. Clarkdale Fruit Farms in Deerfield will host a cider pressing demonstration, an orchard tour, and several “Cooking with Apples” demos. Apex Orchards in Shelburne Falls will host a talk about Pollination for the Home Orchardist with Tim Smith. Pine Hill Orchards in Colrain is offering a workshop on pruning with David Shearer and William Shearer.
West County Cider in Shelburne Falls will talk about “Preserving and Increasing Our Botanical and Cultural Heritage” with Ben Watson and explore Wild Apple Foraging with Matt Kaminsky. Plus, New Salem Orchard in New Salem will host an outdoor presentation about the History of Cider in Early America with William Grote and show how to make bread overnight with Cider Lees. Historic Deerfield will also participate in the Cider Days fun with a Heritage Apple Workshop on both Saturday and Sunday.
There are 23 venues in total offering workshops, tastings, tours, and demos. View the Cider Day’s Trail Map and check out all the Cider Day’s events planned for this weekend at ciderdays.org/cider-trail-2021.
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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.
The Great Falls Festival, also known as Pumpkinfest, is back this year in Turners Falls! This Saturday, October 23, join in the fall fun on Avenue A. Bring your own carved and painted pumpkin to add to the display in front of St. Kaz from 10 am onwards. Costumes are encouraged, so come dressed up and bring your Halloween spirit.
It wouldn’t be Pumpkinfest without local pumpkin beer. Pioneer Valley Brewery brewed up a special Pumpkin Fest Pumpkin Ale just for this event. Hitchcock Brewery will also be there pouring their Nice Rumpkin Toasted Pumkin Ale. Try them both and decide who makes the better pumpkin ale. Berkshire Brewing Company, the first brewers to attend the original Pumpkinfest, will be under the beer tent too.
Pumpkinfest will run from 12 to 8 pm with lots of entertainment, food, games, and local craft beer. Entrance is free to the public, which means you can spend more on beer, food, and fun. Take advantage of the free shuttles from Turners Falls High School and Sheffield School.
See what else will be happening this weekend at Pumpkinfest by following the Great Falls Festival Facebook page.
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For more information about community happenings and real estate news visit Wanda's Blog at www.wandamooney.
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