Heirloom apple tasting
DUMMERSTON- Scott Farm orchard manager Zeke Goodband will open to the public the farm's packing barn on Sunday, Oct. 11, for Heirloom Apple Day, the farm's annual heirloom-apple-tasting celebration.
Goodband will offer tastings of a select group of more than 100 varieties of apples while sharing information and lore about the fruit.
Informational sessions will take place at noon and 2 p.m.
The farm is located at 707 Kipling Rd. For more information, call 802-254-6868 or visitscottfarmvermont.com/heirloom-apples/apple-tasting-day.
Grammar School goes Medieval
PUTNEY - The Grammar School in Putney is transforming anew into a 14th century Old English-inspired village on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., as it celebrates 27 years of its annual Medieval Faire.
The event, a fundraiser for the K-8 Grammar School Student Scholarship Fund, includes games, food, live music and vendors, all presided over by King Arthur and his royal court. Come one, come all, and feel free to dress the part.
Organizers say most activities will be geared toward children and families, including birds of prey from Southern Vermont History Museum, fencing demonstrations, a candy-throwing catapult, a climbing wall, haunted dungeon, archery and slingshot ranges, appearances by Merlin the Wizard and King Arthur, pony rides, giant chess, and other carnival activities.
Admission is free for all ages, and all-day passes are available for games and rides.
Guilford Church homemade pie sale
GUILFORD - A fall tradition, the Homemade Pie Sale of the Guilford Community Church will be held on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to noon, at the corner of Route 5 and Guilford Center Road.
In addition to homemade apple, pecan, raspberry, rhubarb, cherry, pumpkin, and specialty pies, the church's famous baked beans and potato salad will be sold. Proceeds go to support the work of the church in the community.
West Townshend hosts Harvest Festival, chili cook-off, and square dance
WEST TOWNSHEND - There will be a Harvest Festival, chili cook-off, and square dance at the West Townshend Country Store and Cafe on Sunday, Oct. 11.
Starting at 3 p.m., there will be cider pressing, scarecrow building, and pumpkin carving. Attendees can also make bags for shopping or trick or treating, out of clean but used t-shirts. Many of the vendors from the Townshend farmers market will be there, and there will be a used book sale.
At 5 p.m., there will be a chili cook off. All are welcome to bring a large pot of chili and enter the contest. People are also encouraged to bring cornbread, salads, or desserts. Beer, wine and pizza will also be available.
There will be live music all day by the Bondville Boys and other local musicians. At 6:30 p.m., there will be a square dance with Sally Newton, Michael Donahue, and friends in the church next door.
Mount Snow hosts Oktoberfest
WEST DOVER- The 18th annual Mount Snow Oktoberfest boasts an array of German-themed activities on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11.
Oktoberfest also features kids' activities, including arts and crafts, pumpkin painting, face painting, a hay pile, and the “schnitzel toss.” Adults can compete in the keg toss, horseshoe tournament, and stein holding.
An assortment of German-style beers and a wide selection of brews will be available for tasting and purchase.
All adults 21 and older will receive a souvenir pint glass and a free drink during the event.
Adult prices are $35 for a one-day pass and $45 for a two-day; one- and two-day passes for youths, seniors, and designated drivers cost $12 and $20, respectively.
Harvest Arts & Crafts Show at Mount Snow
WEST DOVER - The 42nd annual Harvest Arts and Crafts Fair at Mount Snow will feature the work of local artisans, specialty-food makers, and more.
Located throughout the Main Base Lodge, the free event features original works of art, handmade jewelry and furniture, and homemade fudge. The purveyors will be on hand to talk about their work and products.
The show will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Oct. 10 and 11. More information is available at Mount Snow, 800-245-SNOW.
Firefighters host Fall Foliage Festival
GRAFTON- The Firefighters' Fall Foliage Festival on Columbus Day weekend will feature a tag sale with furniture, toys, linens, books, recordings, jewelry, housewares, small appliances, and many other items.
The fire engines and rescue equipment will be on display, and firefighters will be on hand to answer questions.
A major fundraiser for the Grafton Volunteer Fire Department, the sale traditionally draws a great deal of community support, both in donations and buyers.
The Grafton Elementary School Parent Teachers Group will also offer a range of hot coffee and pastries, barbecued hamburgers, hot dogs, and other food specialties to benefit school initiatives.
The festival will take place at the firehouse at 711 Route 121, just east of Grafton Village on Saturday, Oct. 10, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Heritage Festival in Newfane
NEWFANE - The 45th annual Newfane Heritage Festival, one of Vermont's longest-running festivals, is headed for the historic Newfane Town Common on Saturday, Oct. 10, and Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
More than 90 vendors are slated to sell hand-crafted items - everything from quilts to photography to jewelry.
What sets the Heritage Festival apart, however, is the array of fresh-baked apple pies sold by the slice at the outdoor food booth.
There will also be hamburgers, hot dogs, chili, and chowder for sale. Newfane Congregational Church, which is sponsoring the event, is selling a baked potato and apple pie meal.
The festival builds to a close with Sunday afternoon's Super Raffle, which includes hand-pieced quilts, gift certificates, paintings, and much more, all donated by area businesses, Newfane residents, and festival vendors.
Proceeds benefit the church's missions, both locally and globally, to help the needy.
Hinsdale Lions serve harvest breakfast
HINSDALE, N.H. - The Hinsdale Lions will be putting on a Harvest Breakfast on Sunday, Oct. 11, at the Mill Stream Center on Main Street.
Serving time will be from 7 to 11 a.m. Tickets are $6 in advance, $7 at the door for adults, kids under 10 eat free. Menu includes scrambled eggs, sausage, pancakes, juice, toast, and coffee. Proceeds benefit the Hinsdale Lions Charities.
Tickets may be purchased from any Hinsdale Lions Club member, or at the Mill Stream Center, or contact [email protected].
Harvest festival at Putney School
PUTNEY - The 80th annual Putney School Harvest Festival is on Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The day kicks off with the 5K Red Leaf Ramble running race at 9 a.m. (registration at 8:30 in the Field House).
The International Cafe, with foods cooked by students from around the world, is open 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Putney Family Services will be grilling hot dogs and hamburgers, with proceeds from their food sales going toward an emergency heating fund for Putney families.
Games and races on the East Lawn (behind the Currier Center) commence at noon.
At 12:45 p.m., there's a parade, followed by contra dancing at 1 p.m. on the East Lawn. Join the students and staff for an all-school sing, featuring the Putney Community Orchestra, in Calder Hall at 2 p.m.
And all day long there are crafts booths, fresh produce, and community groups serving grilled food and baked goods, plus freshly pressed apple cider.
There will be a bouncy house, bouncy slide, and bouncy obstacle course for children. The Putney School is on 418 Houghton Brook Rd. Visit www.putneyschool.org for more information.
Guilford Historical Society needs food donations for bake sale
GUILFORD - The Guilford Historical Society will have a bake sale at the Vermont Welcome Center on Interstate 91 on Friday, Oct. 16, from 7:30 a.m. until everything is sold.
Donations of food are needed to serve the traveling public. Such foods as homemade baked goods, snacks, and fruit are needed by the society. Persons making these contributions are asked to leave them off the day before, on Thursday, Oct. 15, at the home of Nancy and Harry Evans at 121 Weatherhead Hollow Rd.
For more information, call Mary Sargent at 802-257-0004.
Townshend hosts Pumpkin Fest
TOWNSHEND - The Townshend Business Association will sponsor this year's Pumpkin Festival on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Common.
Several dozen artists and vendors from around the area will sell their wares alongside the main activities, including a pumpkin decorating contest at 12:30 p.m. and a contest for best apple pie at 1:30 p.m. Free pony rides will be offered from noon to 3. Admission and parking for the event is free.
For more information, visit www.townshendvermont.org.
Weston Craft Show runs Oct. 9-11
WESTON - The 32nd annual Weston Craft Show at the Weston Playhouse on The Green opens Friday, Oct. 9, and will run through Sunday, Oct. 11, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, featuring the work of 45 juried artisans from throughout Vermont.
Begun by a small group of local artisans in 1983, the show has grown to become one of the state's top fall attractions. Admission to the show is $8 and parking is free.
A lunch catered by the Weston Marketplace will be available in the Café at the Falls overlooking the West River.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the preservation of the historic museums in Weston, including the Farrar-Mansur House, the Old Mill Museum and the Craft Building, as well as Cold Spring Brook Park.
For more information, visit www.westoncraftshow.com.
Stratton's annual Brewfest to feature more than 100 craft brews
STRATTON - With Oktoberfest energy in the crisp fall air, Brewfest returns to Stratton Mountain's Columbus Day weekend, featuring more than 100 craft beer, cider, and mead varieties from 11 states and four countries.
Several craft brews hail from right here in Vermont, with tastes ranging from hoppy IPA from Long Trail Brewing Co. to hard cider from Stowe. There will be pumpkin ales to taste from the region's best breweries. Or step out of the box with “Barking Squirrel Lager” from Ontario, and the “Shark Bite” brewed in Killington.
Brewfest attendees with gluten restrictions can drink cider selections from across the country, including Vermont Woodchuck and Citizens Cider, both made with Vermont apples.
Brewfest will begin Saturday amid the Harvestfest celebration filled with hay rides, live music, gondola rides, Chili Cook-off, face painting and other family activities. The Brewfest continues Sunday, Oct. 11, with a pig roast and a live bluegrass band.
For a full list of Columbus Day weekend events, visit www.stratton.com/columbusday.
Christmas under the Tent event at the Chester-Andover Family Center
CHESTER - On Saturday, Oct. 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. the Chester-Andover Family Center (CAFC) will hold a Christmas under the Tent sale.
Holiday items for decorating, entertaining, and gift-giving will be available - toys, gifts, items for the holiday table, artificial trees, and decorations. Everything under the tent will be priced from $1 to $10.
CAFC volunteers will also present their famous bake sale. There will raffle tickets for sale for a braided rug created by CAFC volunteer Edie Brown. The rug is approximately 36 inches in diameter.
The Family Center, located at 908 Route 103 S in Chester, is a nonprofit, volunteer-run organization. In addition to their thrift shop and food shelf, they provide heating and utility financial assistance for Chester and Andover residents struggling to make ends meet. Proceeds from this event will support CAFC programs that contribute to the well-being of the community.
Chili cook-off in Chesterfield
CHESTERFIELD, N.H. - In the spirit of fun, friendly competition and bragging rights, organizers of the Chesterfield Chili Cook-off are looking for people to enter a chili in the second annual competition on Saturday, Oct. 17.
Organizers hope to make this year's event bigger and better this year. Trophies and other prizes, including door prizes, will be awarded.
Chili will be judged at 4:30 p.m. by a panel of local “celebrity” judges, and the public is invited to share in the meal as soon as all entries have been judged (about 5 p.m.) Tickets are $10 per person and include chili, salad, breads, chips, fixings, beverage, and choice of homemade chocolate dessert.
The cook-off and dinner will take place at the Town Hall at 504 Route 63 in Chesterfield, NH. Judging will begin promptly at 4:30. To enter the contest, or for more information email [email protected].