October 2008 - Events Calendar

Below is a list of what is going on in Johnny Appleseed Country during the month of October. If you are aware of an event that is going on in our region that is not listed here, email it to us, we will be glad to put it on for all our visitors to see!

2-5 Thursday – Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday 2 pm. Never Too Late at Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. Middle aged Edith and Harry discover they are going to have another baby, 24 years after their previous child was born. Yikes!! Meek Edith is now taking control and turning Harry's life upside down., with hilarious results. $14 adults, $12 seniors, $10 students, and $7 12 and under. Call 800-733-2096. Repeats Oct. 10-12.

3-4 Friday – Saturday, 8 pm. Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. Praise the Lord and pass the sequins! Those crazy Sisters of Hoboken have gone Vegas! In this all-new, 6th edition of the Nunsense series, a parishioner has promised The Little Sisters of Hoboken $10,000 for their school if they will go to Las Vegas and perform at a friend's showplace. After convincing Reverend Mother that "what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas" the Sisters are off on another hilarious adventure! Tickets $20. Call the Box Office at 978-632-2403. Repeats Oct. 10-12.

3-5 Friday – Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm. Full Treatment at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg.
See September 26 listing for details.

4 Saturday, 9:30 am – 5 pm. World Animal Day at Davis’ Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Performances by Jackie Landry. Admission $13.95 (children under 2 free; discount over 60). Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or younger. Call 978-422-6666; open weather permitting.

4 Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. 33rd Annual Horseshed Fair on Lancaster Common. Over 80 crafters and artists display their hand-made items. Food is available in several locations throughout the day: Tea Room serving muffins, soups and apple desserts, cookout, bake sale, home-made baked beans, Vermont cheese. Chinese Auction at 3:30 pm. Sponsored by the First Church of Christ, Unitarian. Call 978-365-2427. Free admission.

4 Saturday, 6 – 9 pm. Starry, Starry Night at Davis’ MegaMaze, 145 Redstone hill, Sterling. Experience the Maze at night, while gazing at the night sky through telescopes. Call for rates: 978-422-8888.

4 Saturday, 8 pm. Reduced Shakespeare Company: The Complete History of America (abridged) – Special Election Edition at Weston Auditorium, Fitchburg State College. 600 Years of History in 6,000 seconds! From Washington to Watergate, yea verily from the Bering Straits to Baghdad, from New World to New World Order, the three cultural guerillas of the Reduced Shakespeare Company will take you on a ninety-minute rollercoaster ride through the glorious quagmire that is American History. Tickets: $25; $22 for seniors; and $7 for students. call the Weston Box Office at (978) 665-3347.

4 Saturday, 8 pm. The Rampage Trio in concert at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. Formed in 1990, The Rampage Trio has rocked roadhouses, festivals and clubs from the mountains of Vermont to the seashores of Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Tickets $12 in advance, $16 day of show. Call 978-425-4311.

4-5 Saturday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Back Roads Studio Tour in Petersham, Barre and other communities. Weavers, potters, basket makers and other artisans open their studios to bring visitors an insider's view of the creative process. For a full list of the 16 studios and a map, visit backroadsstudiotour.com. Call North Quabbin Woods, 978-544-3332.

5 Sunday, noon – 4 pm. Opening Reception for The Allure of Italy, Photography, Fashion and Design since 1945, and Stephen DiRado's Dinner Series: How We Lived at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Call 978-345-4207.

9 Thursday, 7 pm. History In The Graveyard: Part Seven, “Masssachusetts’ Native American Burying Grounds” with Tom & Brenda Malloy at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. When the English began colonizing New England, the area was populated by the Algonquin people, a language group that spoke several related dialects. The historical background of some of these Massachusetts’ Native American groups will be discussed through a slide presentation of their burying grounds. Wine and cheese reception from 6-7 pm Slide presentation 7-8 pm Admission $3. Call 978-632-3277.

9-13 Thursday – Monday. Columbus Day Swap and Sale at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. Visit www.wachusett.com.

10-12 Friday – Saturday, 8 pm; Sunday, 2 pm. Full Treatment at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Ave., Fitchburg. See September 26 listing for details.

10-12 Friday – Saturday, 8 pm. Nunsensations: The Nunsense Vegas Revue at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. See Oct. 3 listing for details. Tickets $20 for evenings; $15 for matinees. Call the Box Office, 978-632-2403.

10-12 Friday – Saturday 8 pm; Sunday 2 pm. Never Too Late at Barre Players Theater, 64 Common St., Barre. See Oct. 2 listing for details. Call 800-733-2096.

11 Saturday, 10 am- 4pm. 7th Annual Scarecrow Festival at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Come build your own scarecrow or view and vote on your favorite. Enjoy free live entertainment, great food, numerous free, interactive children’s events and so much more at this fun family festival! Call 978-840-FARM or visit www.sholanfarms.com. Rain date, Oct. 18.

11 Saturday, 4:30 – 6 pm. Roast Pork Supper at FirstChurch of Templeton, on Templeton Common. The family-
style supper includes freshly prepared roast pork, vegetable, beverage, and a piece of homemade pie for dessert. Tickets are $10 adult, $5 child, with children under 5 free. For details or reservations, email FCsuppers@comcast.net.

11-12 Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Kindermusik at Davis’ Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Sing-alongs and music making with Pam Espinosa. Admission $13.95 (children under 2 free; discount over 60). Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or younger. Call 978-422-6666; open weather permitting.

11-13 Saturday – Monday. Shades of Autumn at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. Celebration of the fall harvest season, including taste-testing tours of the antique apple orchard, children’s crafts and a farmer’s market. Call 508-869-6111.

12 Sunday, 8 am – 3 pm. Celebrate the Harvest at Butterfield Park, East River Street, Orange. Flea market, big car show, parade, & lots of food! Call: 978-544-3426.

12 Sunday, 4 pm. Historical Piano Concert, The Orfeo Duo: Beethoven and his Students, at Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham.Performed on pianos from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Admission, $10 adults; children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.

12-13 Sunday and Monday, 10 am – 5 pm. Pumpkin Festival at Clearview Farm, 4 Kendall Hill Road, Sterling. Pull a wagon into the pumpkin patch to pick that perfect pumpkin. Call for carving demo times. Bakery is stocked with everything pumpkin, from whoopee pies to donuts. Hayrides, live music, apple picking. Call 978-422-0442 daily.

13 Monday, 10 am – 3 pm. Columbus Day Foliage Arts & Crafts Fair at the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel, 150 Royal
Plaza Drive. Admission $3. Screened arts, crafts, musical entertainment, concession. Visit www.millenniumcraftshows.com.

17-18 Friday-Saturday, dusk – 10 pm. Haunted Hayrides around Silver Lake in Athol, sponsored by the Athol Lions’ Club. Tractor-drawn wagon rides begin at Lake Street Park, off Peqoig Avenue, in Athol. For details, contact Dave Mallette, 978-249-4744, or David Flint, 978-249-9038.

18 Saturday, 9 am – 2 pm. Giant Flea Market at Holy Cross Church, 25 Lake Ave., E. Templeton. Collectibles, linens, dishes, cookware, books, small furniture, games and toys, baby items, large Christmas collection and much more. Coffee and snacks served throughout the day. Call Priscilla Valliere, 978-632-4062.

18 Saturday, 10 am. 2nd Annual Tully Lake Triathlon. A full day of activities, capped off with a 17-mile paddle/run/bike triathlon. Awards will be given to the top three finishers in each of the following categories: Individual—Women, Individual—Men, Team—Two Person, Team—Three Person, and Team—Four Person. For information call Keith Bockus at 978-840-4446 ext. 1901. Registration info: www.coolrunning.com.

18 Saturday, 10 am. Fitchburg Forge-In and Blacksmith Festival at Riverfront Park, downtown Fitchburg. Features include an artistic Blacksmith Competition, Great Pumpkin Carve, artists, crafters, live music, seasonal foods and children’s activities. Watch blacksmiths create works of art. Bring your carved pumpkin, or carve one at the festival. Free admission. Visit www.DiscoverFitchburg.com or call 978-345-9602.

18 Saturday, 10 am – 9 pm. Harvest Festival at Carter & Stevens Farm, 500 West St., Barre. Live music, pumpkin picking and decorating, haunted hayride, costume contest, free samples, outdoor BBQ and more. Free admission. Call 978-355-4940.

18 Saturday, 8 pm. The Hunger Mountain Boys in concert at the Bull Run Restaurant, Route 2A, Shirley. In five years, the Hunger Mountain Boys have released four full-length albums and one vinyl single on their own record label, toured from coast to coast, Canada, Europe and the UK, and have garnered a collection of accolades from USA Today to Bluegrass Unlimited. Tickets $14 in advance, $18 day of show. Call 978-425-4311.

18-19 Saturday–Sunday. AppleFest—Octoberfest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. Over 60 craft exhibitors, farmers’ market, family fun side shows. Visit www.wachusett.com.

18-19 Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Christmas at Farmland at Davis’ Famland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Decorate a Christmas sack, take a photo with Moo-Moo, the mascot. Tree lighting, hot chocolate for everyone. Admission $13.95 (children under 2 free; discount over 60). Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or younger. Call 978-422-6666; open weather permitting.

19 Sunday, 2 pm. Cast Iron Toys at Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, 21 Prichard St., Fitchburg. John Watson, a collector of cast iron toys, is the speaker. John produces his own toys in pewter. If you’re interested in toys and their history, don’t miss this program. $5 admission for adults includes program. Call 978-342-2809.

19 Sunday, 12:30 -3:30 pm. Family Day events at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Free with paid admission to the Museum. Call 978-345-4207.

19 Sunday, 1-2 pm. Stephen DiRado gallery talk at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Free with paid admission to the Museum. Call 978-345-4207.

19 Sunday. Interface: A Collaboration of Word and Image presented by Candace Curran (the only two-time winner of the prestigious Massachusetts Poet's Seat Prize) and bg Thurston at the 1794 Meetinghouse, off Route 202, New Salem. Call 978-544- 5200 or visit 1794meetinghouse.org. Free.

19 Sunday, 4 pm. Historical Piano Concert featuring Sarah Grunstein: Works by Chopin, at Ashburnham Community Church, Main Street, Ashburnham. Performed on pianos from the Frederick Collection of Historic Pianos. Admission $10 adults; children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.

21 Tuesday Evening, 7:00 P.M. Alaska Wilderness: An Incredible Journey into the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge at the Thayer Memorial Library. In June and July of 2001, Marcia and Mark Wilson spent nineteen days canoeing the Canning River on the western edge of the Arctic Refuge. The Wilsons navigated a 17-foot folding canoe to explore seventy miles of arctic wilderness. With stunning photos and passionate commentary drawn from this trip and 5 other visits to the arctic, the Wilson’s will open a window on the arctic summer. The Wilsons will bring a live snowy owl and one or two other owls with them. The Library is located at 717 Main Street in Lancaster and the phone number is 978-368-8928. Visit the Library’s website at www.thayermemoriallibrary.org for more information. This program is funded by the Rosemary Davis Memorial Fund of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

24 Friday, 6:30-8:30. Taste of Italy at the Fitchburg Art Museum, Merriam Parkway, Fitchburg. Sample regional wine and specialty foods. Call 978-345-4207 for information.

24-26 Friday, 1–5 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Orchid Show: Bewitched by Orchids at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Drive, Boylston. Thousands of blooming orchids in break-taking displays, with informative lectures and tours on growing orchids in the home. Plants and supplies for sale. Call 508-869-6111.

25 Saturday, 9 am – 4:30 pm. Harvest Fall Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church hall, Pleasant St., Baldwinville. Children’s area, baked goods, theme baskets, pumpkin patch, books, plants, Chinese auction and more. Lunch available. Dinner at 5 pm.

25 Saturday, 10 am – 2 pm. We’re Planting, Naturally! at Pierce Park, on the Doyle Reservation, 464 Abbott Ave., Leominster. Help the Trustees of Reservations continue to “grow” our garden, naturally, then share some light refreshments and a discussion of organic planting techniques.
Free. Call 978-840-4446 ext 1900.

25 Saturday, 2 pm. Alexander Who’s Not Not Not Not Not Going to Move! at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. The irrepressible Alexander faces his biggest challenge ever: moving—as he puts it—"a thousand miles away!" Everyone is packing, but NOT Alexander, who can't bear the thought of leaving his best friend Paul…his tree house…his soccer team…his babysitter…and everything else he considers home sweet home. Tickets, $5. Call the Box Office, 978-632-2403.

25-26 Saturday – Sunday. AppleFest – Celticfest at Wachusett Mountain Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. Visit www.wachusett.com.

25-26 Saturday-Sunday, 9:30 am – 5 pm. Halloween Costume Weekend at Davis’ Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Costume parade with Moo-Moo, our costumed mascot, pumpkin painting (additional cost). Admission $13.95 (children under 2 free; discount over 60). Adults must be accompanied by a child 12 or younger. Call 978-422-6666.

26 Sunday, noon to 5 pm. Bluegrass and Brews Festival at Nashoba Valley Winery, 100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton. Bring blankets and lawn chairs for a fun filled day of bluegrass music featuring “Southern Rail.” Great views, great foliage, great food, great brews and great wine make this a day not to be missed. Apple picking, apple pie eating contests and tasty caramel apples are all part of the fun! Call 978-779-5521.

31 Friday, 10 am – 5 pm. Psychic Readings by Ted Silverhand at Silver Hawk, 672 Spring St., Winchendon. Fifteen and 30-minute readings. For information, visit tedsilverhand.com. Cost, $45/$85. Call 978-297-383