Medieval Faire in Putney
PUTNEY - On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Grammar School (TGS) in Putney will transform its campus into a medieval village once again as they host their annual Medieval Faire. This event has been a family favorite for 34 years.
Enjoy the festivities while the royal court presides over the Faire. Kids can ride a flying dragon, practice a joust, battle a knight, and more! Fairgoers can also shop for goods in the village market and enjoy a range of live entertainment. They may even be knighted by the King and Queen.
New this year are the Knights from Vermont Armored Combat, who will put on a live performance at 2 p.m.
Other highlights this year include birds of prey from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, artisan demonstrations, fencing, archery, wall climbing, Sir Lancelot's flying horse, pony rides, giant chess, games for younger children at Merlin's Midway, a candy-throwing catapult, and dragon treasure hunt.
In addition to the rides, games, and entertainment, this year food trucks will be on site. Tito's Taqueria and Dave's Tandoori will sell delicious foods, including vegetarian and gluten-free options. Their Marketplace will sell snacks and Medieval-themed gifts and crafts.
Admission to the Faire is free. Unlimited all-day ride passes are $25 and individual tickets are also available for sale.
Net proceeds from the Medieval Faire go toward our financial aid fund, which serves to make TGS affordable for as many families as possible. For more information, visit thegrammarschool.org/medieval or contact The Grammar School at 802-387-5364.
Cookout raises money for church's painting project
WESTMINSTER - On Saturday, Oct. 8, from 12:30 to 6 p.m., The First Congregational Church of Westminster will hold its fall cookout on the church lawn, 3470 U.S. Route 5.
On the menu are hot dogs, hamburgers, sausage grinders with peppers and onions, baked beans, and coleslaw, plus dessert. There will be outdoor and indoor seating, or you can take your meal home. Also on sale will be raffle tickets for a quilt or a gas card. A portion of the proceeds will go toward the painting of the church.
Before the cookout, stop by the Butterfield Library, which will be holding its book sale the same day behind the Westminster Institute (next door to the church, 3435 U.S. Route 5). Books will be available for $5 per bag.
Firefighters host 41st Fall Tag Sale
GRAFTON - Now in its 41st year, the Grafton Firefighters' Tag Sale has become well known in Southern Vermont for its variety and quality as well as the many bargains it offers, organizers say.
This year's sale will be on Saturday, Oct. 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., under the tents near the firehouse at 711 U.S. Route 121, just east of Grafton Village. The sale will go on rain or shine.
According to organizers, “locals and visitors alike line up early waiting for the fire engine air horn to signal the opening of the sale in order to search through the well-organized displays of furniture, housewares, tools, toys, linens, small appliances, books, recordings, and much more. People have been known to return and shop the next day when most everything is half price.”
The first day of the sale will also feature a food booth by the Grafton School PTG serving hot coffee, baked goods, burgers, and more. Fire engines will be on display and volunteer firefighters will be on hand to answer questions.
Scott Farm hosts annual Heirloom Apple Day
DUMMERSTON - On Sunday, Oct. 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Scott Farm Orchard, 707 Kipling Road, hosts its 19th Heirloom Apple Day, a celebration of apples of all shapes, colors, tastes, and their histories. Admission and activities are free. Visitors are asked to keep their dogs at home.
There will be apple and cider tastings, presentations, pick your own, kids' activities and games, food trucks and other vendors, and tours of the Stone Park.
Tastings and talks are scheduled at 11 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with apple lovers and social media stars Sean Turley (@therighteousrusset), a lifelong fruit enthusiast and amateur apple picker and sleuth, and Matt Kaminsky (@gnarlypippins), a self-described apple forager and cider maker who writes a blog under the same name. Kaminsky is also the author of The Wild Apple Forager's Guide.
Guests will also learn about the history of Scott Farm and some of its 130 varieties of ecologically grown fruits. There will be apple tastings after each talk. After the talk and tasting, guests can fill totes with the heirlooms they like best, to purchase and take home, along with freshly-pressed heirloom cider.
Gilfeather Turnip Day is Oct. 22
WARDSBORO - Come celebrate Vermont's state vegetable at Gilfeather Turnip Day on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Hosted by the Wardsboro Library Trustees, the event will take place at the Wardsboro Public Library, 170 Main Street. They will be serving the famous gilfeather turnip soup and will hold a Biggest Turnip contest.
This event will feature a video presentation and talk on the history of the gilfeather turnip, a bake sale, turnip seeds, cookbooks and themed gifts, plus games for all ages. If the turnips are ready to harvest, organizers hope to have turnips for sale as well. All proceeds benefit the Wardsboro Public Library.