Indonesian Digital News Archive: Events

Agricultural Fairs 2009

Taking the family to a fair is a great time. The rides are, of course, a treat for the kids, but there are so many more activities that most of these events offer, such as petting zoos/4H animal displays, horse or oxen pulling competitions, etc. Your kids will get a chance to hear music and dance. For me, it's exciting to turn my kids on to their first fried dough, first candy apple, first cotton candy, ferris wheel ride, pumpkins bigger than they are. I had a New England childhood filled with the fleeting sights and delicacies that define our seasons.

Tell your kids in advance exactly how much/how long of everything that they'll be getting so you don't get sucked into a "one more _____ (ride, treat, chance to behave...)" Decide what's best for their ages - maybe getting rides out of the way will deprive you of a bribe - or maybe it will allow your kids to focus on everything else that the fair has to offer. Many of these fairs have parades associated with them also.

I've included many fairs on my calendar posts, July 2009 Events & August 2009 Events. More will be listed for September 2009.

Here's my post on our visit to the 3 County Fair in 2008.

I'll also do a post on the Belchertown Fair (my local and the best around!)

A great list can be found at: Livin' in the Belch

Here are a couple of links that list Massachusetts Fairs:

Fairs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Fairs Association

September 2009

Summer Concert Series

3 County Fair, Northampton, MA

It will cost you a pretty penny, but you'll have an awesome time, too. Last year we paid for bracelets for the kids and it was so worth it. On the inflatable slide alone, which my middle son slid down about 700 times, we made our money back. There were tons of rides that both kids were tall enough to go on.

The food was good, the soda was cold. One child watched a puppet show with Grandma while I followed the other around. There were plenty of animals to look at, and in a special barn a children's paradise - from a toy tractor driving area, corn kernel sandbox, giant pig and horse, and goats, etc., a lasso game, a magnet board.... it was a really well done feature.

We found side street parking quite close - we were lucky that day. I believe you'll have to pay to park, but if you are willing to walk a bit, you can park free.

The dates for 2009 are August 28-30.

Three County Fair

Mud Spun Arts Center, Belchertown, MA

The studio at the Mud Spun Arts Center, settled with pink dust, decorated with works in progress, is a wonderful place to spend time with your children. It is a well- appointed workspace, with several wheels, open shelving for projects, canvas covered tables, and bright windows that open up the room. A blue kiln stands in the corner, a generous sink stands at the rear. It is a space that is prepared, a space where creativity has room to grow.

The space put me in mind of Reggio Emilia, a theme that seems to crop up continually in my exploration of truly great places for my children. This educational philosophy values playing with clay very highly and posits that clay itself, not play dough or silly putty, is an important aspect of kids' art experiences.

The proprietor and resident artist at Mud Spun is Becky Laliberte. Her gallery and studio here are labors of love that have expanded gradually over the past few years. With experience in both art and education, Becky is well suited to the task she's set for herself. From her website: Mud Spun strives to offer experiences in art that encourage exploration, discovery, and creativity.

On our visit there my children were offered clay, a wide variety of tools, and introductions to techniques like creating patterns, rolling out, and wetting the clay. On the potter's wheel the kids watched Becky center the clay and begin to form a vessel. They were able to touch the clay as the wheel spun, poke it with a tool, splash water on it. It was a thorough and much appreciated introduction to the medium.
Becky is an open teacher who interacted so well and so calmly with my guys, who can be revved up easily. She offers courses at the studio ranging from adult classes to summer camps, as well as birthday parties/get togethers. In the fall, look for a Mommy & Me class also - I will be!
Mud Spun

Intro to Clay for Kids

August 2009

Fireworks 2009

I'll edit this post with new displays as I find them. I haven't included the parades, etc., in each town - this is fireworks only.

Amherst, at UMass, July 4

Chicopee, Szot Park, July 4

East Brookfield, Connie Mack Field, July 11 (rain date July 12)

Easthampton, Sat. Jul 04 -- Stars Over Montauk by Grucci 9:00 p.m. Umbrella Beach Old Montauk Hwy. approximately 1/3 mile west of town Rain date July 5th

Greenfield, Beacon Field, July 5 (rain date July 6)

Holyoke, HCC, July 3

Monson, Quarry Hill School, June 27 (rain date June 28)

Monson, SummerFest, July 4

South Hadley, Michael E. Smith Middle School, July 3

Springfield, Memorial Bridge, July 4

Springfield, Court Square, July 4

Sturbridge, Sturbridge Village, July 4

West Springfield, Town Common, July 4

Westfield, Stanley Park, July 3

Hadley's 350th Anniversary Celebration

With a parade, farm tour days, lectures and more, and a comprehensive website, this celebration is gaining steam as the halfway mark of the year is passed.
The Valley, and Hadley in particular, have long agricultural histories. Farming as a way of life is alive here in a way that becomes scarcer as food production becomes homogenized and consumers are distanced from food sources. CISA- Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture
Among the many ways that Hadley is being honored this year is with scholarship. Several volumes on the area have been planned.

Tom Pelissier of Belchertown, MA, has written a concise and colorful history of his French Canadian ancestors and the community that they lived in- our community. Tom's background in anthropology lends his short commentary authority and structure, while extensive research into the geneologies of his families has provided Tom with a personal connection to his subject. Beautiful and original illustrations by local artist Nancy Haver, as well as antique photographs, enhance the book aesthetically.

The French Canadians of Hadley Massachusetts; Why They Came and Why They Stayed, will be available shortly at the Hadley 350th Souvenir Shop.

Feel free to email the author at tompelissier@charter.net for further details.

For all of us who share his interest in our region, I highly recommend this volume.

Odyssey Book Shop, South Hadley, MA

This is a fantastic bookstore and it does a lot for children. The children's book section itself is fun and well stocked. Additionally, the Odyssey hosts storytimes and in the summer, weekly saturday morning family entertainment.

I'll confess I don't go there often, I think I went to a reading by Jenny Boylan several years ago and haven't gotten back. I plan on returning soon, however. A local writer (and parent) named Samantha Wilde will be reading from her new, mommy-lit, novel at the Odyssey on June 25, 2009 - you can check out her website, linked below.

A South Hadley afternoon might include a visit to the Mt. Holyoke Conservatory, or the Art Museum. The Village Commons, where the Odyssey is located, is an interesting outdoor mall with businesses that include a delicious deli, movie theatres, and a few stores.

Odyssey Book Shop

Samantha Wilde

July 2009

Bonfire at Chestnut Hill, May 21, 2009, Belchertown, MA

BONFIRE ’09 ADDING MORE HEAT TO BELCHERTOWN ON A HOT THURSDAY EVENING Green Day Tribute Band ‘Dookie’ Scheduled To Play at 8pm at Chestnut Hill Athletic Fields
For Immediate ReleaseMay 20, 2009 Belchertown, MA – A huge bonfire and a live band known as ‘DoOkiE’, a Green Day Tribute Band that plays all over the nation, will take over the Chestnut Hill Athletic Fields on Thursday, May 21, 2009 from 7pm to 10pm. Great visuals from 7:45pm – 8:15pm for special prayer for a recent death of a Belchertown student’s father (Marc C. Sugrue), lighting of the bonfire, national anthem and student singing group performance before the entrance of the band. The Green Day band is famous for Boulevard of Broken Dreams (I Walk Alone), the 2006 Grammy Awards Record of the Year. Along with other hit songs like Longview, Basketcase and When I Come Around, Green Day is known for the song Good Riddance (Time of Your Life) which was the nostalgic musical end of the final episode of NBC’s Seinfeld . DoOkiE, will be performing all these hit Green Day songs and more. Gate opens at 7pm and food and lite fare will be available as well as some great raffle prizes. The Bonfire ’09 event is open to all friends, family and residents of the area and will have plenty of police and fire protection. All the fun will be for a new non-profit organization in Belchertown, MA, Future Leadership: Journey 2009. The new organization is in the process of applying for a State Non-Profit Certificate and will assist six Belchertown High School students in raising funds for educational travel to Europe and Africa this summer. Tickets are available for presale by calling Ms. Lori Brown @ (413) 323.6064 / lbrownma@charter.net or Ms. Elizabeth Taras @ (413) 687.3144 / elizabeth@marketmentors.net. Day of event prices are $20 for those 12 – 21 and $10 for adults over 21. Children under 12 are free.

Austin Brothers Valley Farm, Belchertown, MA

Austin Farm is a working farm, so it is not open to the public on a regular basis. However, this fall they plan to have a pumpkin patch, so you can get your pumpkin right here in Belchertown, if that happens to be where you live! They also had an Easter Egg Hunt this year - you can see pictures on the farm blog.

The Farm has been in the Austin Family for generations, and they are truly a farming family. On the day of my visit I watched Mama Farmer corral and feed the ponies, pushing Baby Farmer in her stroller; with a lead or a bucket in her other hand. Girl Farmer explained to my sons that her chore was to clean the fresh eggs and put them in containers. Girl and my boys happily romped all over the mulch pile, scenic road, playground equipment, chicken coops, and open fields.

All of the animals here were well cared for. A working farm is not particularly scenic up close, but having visited a few, it is clear to see when the land is loved. This land is loved.

Austin Farm has a shop that is open year round where you can purchase grass fed meats, including beef and pork. You can also find their booth at the Belchertown Farmer's Market (Thursdays from 2PM-7PM on the Belchertown Common).

Austin Brothers Valley Farm

Outlook Farm, Westhampton, MA

Outlook Farm was holding a special event on the day of our visit. Activities included a water balloon toss, free ice cream, face painting, tissue paper flowers. The shop is a deli/convenience/small grocer and a restaurant. Westhampton is quite rural, so this is a store-of -all-trades. Quite charming!

I was able to pick up a few plants for my garden at GREAT prices. This is not a regular spot I would take my kids, but I will definitely visit again anytime they are holding a family event like the one I attended yesterday.

Outlook Farm

June 2009 Events

June 4 - Ice Cream Social at the River Valley Market, Northampton, MA

June 6,7,13,14 - Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival

June 6 - NATIONAL TRAILS DAY - There are activities all over the region.
1. Wachusett Mountain

2. Ashfield - Come enjoy National Trails Day with some hard work in a beautiful area with good company. Ashfield Trails is coordinating a trail clearing day for the five-mile trail from Sanderson Academy to Bear Swamp. Crews will head north and south from the two trailheads at Bug Hill.
When: Saturday June 6th 9:00 am
Where: Meet at the top of Bug Hill Rd., Ashfield
Questions? Call Phil Pless at 628-3959

3.Little Tom Reservation, Holyoke
Saturday, June 6th 9-1PM
National Trails Day- Little Tom Trail Workday
Help staff and volunteers to develop and improve the visitor trail in preparation for the opening of Little Tom (in 2012). Extend the mile that has already been built while enjoying Little Tom’s beautiful woodlands. This event is coordinated with events being held on trails around the country. All tools provided. Please dress in long-pants, a work shirt and sturdy shoes. Bring gloves, snack, and water. Free. Pre-register at 413-532-1631 x 13 or pvregion@ttor.org for directions and logistics.

4. Tully Trail Blitz, June 6, 2009 - National Trails Day 8:30AM - 12:30PM Meet at Tully Lake Campground

This June 6th, National Trails Day you can have the opportunity to give back to a trail you adore, or to discover something new in a meaningful way. Our goal is to clear the entire 22-mile trail loop in one half day. We'll only be able to do it with your help, so bring your boots and your bug spray and come find out how good it feels to care for our connection to this amazing area.

5. At the Notch, from 10am-12pm. "This easy trail is perfect for all ages and abilities. My post.

June 6 - Farm Tours throughout Hadley, MA (Hadley 350th Celebration)
1. Mapleline Farm
2. Hibbard Farm (311 River Drive, 1:30 PM- 4:30 PM, 413-549-5684 for additional info.)

June 7 - Astarte Farm Tour, Hadley, MA. Tours at 11AM and 2PM.

June 7 - Pop Up Book Workshop:
There will be a pop-up bookmaking workshop given by artist Jeannie
Hunt on Sunday, June 7th from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Senior
Center in Chesterfield. Children ages 8 – 12, with one attending
parent or grandparent, will learn how to create simple pop-up books.
Refreshments will be provided. Space is limited; call Kester
Warlow-Harry at 413-296-8058 to register. The workshop is supported by
the Friends of the Chesterfield Public Library and grants from the
Cultural Councils of Chesterfield, Goshen, Westhampton, Williamsburg
and Worthington.

June 9- Children's Music Concert, Amherst, MA (Free)

June 10 - Children's Music Concert at Buttery Brook Park, South Hadley, MA

June 12, 13, 14 - Charter Days in Granby!

June 13- Book Festival at the Eric Carle Museum (my post) featuring children's music concert

June 13 - Volunteer Day at Red Gate Farm (Free)

June 13 - Kids Festival at the Christ Lutheran Church, Southwick (Free)

June 13 - Shelburne Falls Riverfest

June 13- Birch Hill Dam Recreational Area Hike (Free)

June 13 - Kids Ride FREE at the Essex Steam Train and Riverboat

June 14 -Hadley's 350th Anniversary Parade, Hadley, MA

June 16 - Children's Music Concert, Florence, MA (Free)

June 18-21 - Taste of Amherst

June 20, 21 - Playshop

June 20 - Storrowton Village Opening Day Celebration (Free)

June 21 - Fathers' Day Event at the Wisteriahurst Museum

June 27 - Family Bird Fest at Mt. Tom Reservation 1-5PM (my post)

June 27, 28 - Bryant Homestead, Cummington, 1–5 PM
I Spy! at the Bryant Homestead
207 Bryant Road, Cummington
Be a detective and discover the Homestead’s secrets on this self-guided walk using a hands-on spy pack. Trustees of Reservations members: Child $4; Non members: Child $6. Family rates. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Call 413-532-1631 x13 on weekdays or 413-634-2244 on weekends for information.

June 27 - Miller Tract, Peaked Mountain, Butler Road, Monson
10AM-12 noon
Wet and Wiggly: Pond Exploration
Join naturalist Kevin Kopchynski for an all-ages day of pond playing and muck making in Lunden Pond. We will look at aquatic macroinvertebrates, beaver lodges and more!

June 27 - Monson Fireworks!

June 29 - Stanley Park’s Friday Mornings for Children, Gary the Silent Clown, Beveridge pavilion from 10:00 am to 10:45 am.
For further information on the Friday Mornings for Children Series please call the park office at 413-568-9312.

May 2009 Events

Earth Week 2009, Western Massachusetts

I'll continue to add events that look good, as I find them.

At the Notch - (April 20) This is one that I'll definitely attend with the kids. I have always been pleased with nature programs here. (my post)

Review: We had a good time at this event. The leader, Ginny, was very welcoming and very prepared. The group was larger than usual and all the kids were excited about the program. Children searched for signs of spring and collected loose treasures in clear boxes that were provided.

At UMass - (April 22) Sounds like fun, with a petting zoo and other attractions. Parking might be hairy - but on a nice day, park in downtown Amherst and walk.

Review: We attended this event and found it fun. A collaborative painting on big planks of wood was set up, my kids rather liked the bubble machine, there was live music and free tea. This event could possibly have been a little better organized, (the main thing being that there was no petting zoo as promised...)

In Belchertown - (April 22) The Conservation Commission will be hosting a Nature Walk of Piper Farm on Earth Day.
Article in: http://www.belchertown-news.com/

In Belchertown - (April 25) Earth Day Celebration at the Clapp Library, 11-1. Sponsored by the Belchertown High School L.E.A.F. Club (Local Environmental Action Club)

At the Springfield Quadrangle - (April 19) Earth Day Festival. We attended last year and had LOTS of fun casting a fishing line, making paper, eating free ice cream, dancing to live music, and much more. (my post)

Review: We arrived around 12:30 and were able to enjoy the all of the above exhibits and activities, as well as visit the George Walter Vincent Smith Museum to make an elephant puppet (one kid), visit the Science Museum (the other kid). They do a great job on this event.

At Mt. Tom - (April 22) Earth Day for Families. Two times with different activities/age groups at each one. (my post)

Easter Egg Hunt, Heritage State Park, Holyoke, MA

From the Holyoke Merry Go Round website:

Saturday, April 11, Open 9-4.
Easter Egg Hunt 9-11am in Heritage State Park sponsored by Holyoke Parks & Recreation Dept.
Sunday, April 12, Easter Sunday, Open 12-4.
Easter Bunny visits 12-3pm and will give out treats, pose for pictures and take rides. Visitors wearing Easter finery, rabbit ears, whiskers, etc. receive a free ride.

For more information call 322-5620.

Heritage State Park

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