Free Family Fun in Western Massachusetts: Ashfield Fall Festival
October 6-7, 2007, Columbus Day Weekend
Ashfield, MA 01330
United States of America
One of my favorite free family events in Western Massachusetts is the Ashfield Fall Festival.
There are many things to love about this local fall festival. Here are the reasons why you should treat your family to this truly New England Event.
A True New England Fall Event
The true New England fall festival celebrates the season, the harvest, and simple joys of Autumn, before an impending cold and snowy winter.
In the tradition of a New England Fall Festival, the Ashfield Fall Festival is tops. Held in the historic and rural downtown area of the town, festival goers will forget all about their iPhones, their PSPs, and other gadgets.
Festival Not Fair
A true fall festival is one that is a celebration of the last produce of the season, local artisans, and most of all, a way for a community to come together.
Even if that community is a bunch of strangers from different places, a true fall festival will bring festivalgoers together, as they enjoy the scenery together, the entertainment, and the local foods.
The Ashfield Fall Festival retains its simplicity as a true festival.
Unlike some other local and rural fall fairs, the Ashfield Fall Festival has not been over-commercialized. It's also missing the carnival aspect which many local fall fairs have happily incorporated into their local fairs.
Family Fun
The Ashfield Fall Festival is a very family-friendly event held in the center of Ashfield. There is no admission charge, which is always a family-friendly bonus!
Many of the events are geared toward young children, including the Pumpkin Games. Yes, they are games played with pumpkins. There are also games for children and live entertainment, including a juggler and the Wake Robin Morris Dancer teams.
Local Flavors
Families can purchase local produce at the "Fresh from the Farm" sale, which benefits the Franklin Land Trust, which preserves farms and open spaces in Western Massachusetts.
Also find homemade apple pies to buy and take home. Or enjoy a cup of hot mulled cider. If it's cold, you may really appreciate this cider!
Families will also find yummy products from local maple syrup producers.
Artisans and Handicrafts
Ashfield was founded was once known for its pottery production. This history is visible in the downtown area, and at the crafts show.
Even the crafts hall as the Ashfield Fall Festival is a notch above what you get at other fall festivals and fairs. Find hand-crafted items which may include hand-carved wooden bowls and other crafted wood items, ceramics, and handmade soaps. Artists selling paintings will also be in the crafts hall.
While You're There
On your way to this free family event, enjoy scenic fall vistas with colorful hills and open fields.
While in town, visit the Ashfield Historical Society for an eye-opening tour of the museum.
When is it?
The Ashfield Fall Festival is held annually on Columbus Day Weekend. In 2007 it will be held on October 6-7 from 10am until 5pm on both days. If you'd like more information about this event, call 413-628-4641.
Published by Pam Gaulin - Featured Contributor in Arts & Entertainment and Lifestyle
Pam Gaulin is a freelance writer, journalist (B.A., Journalism), new (and next!) media writer and artist. Associated Content named her 2007 Content Producer of the Year. "First for Women" magazine featured... View profile
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8 Comments
Post a CommentMaryrose, check with the Ashfield Historical Society http://www.ashfieldhistorical.org :-)
I went to the Ashfield fair many years ago and I remember an old building I toured. I believe it was a girls school or at least a school house.. Could someone give me some info. I think it was tied into the history of Quincy, MA. What a great day we all had there. I plan to go again...been way to many years.
Came to the festival in the a few times in early 90tys, it still remains for me one of the most quintessential memories of New England- a not commercialized NE-. I now live in Italy and around this season I miss Ashfield and it's beautiful mountains. Wish I could be there.
"festival goers will forget all about their iPhones, their PSPs, and other gadgets"
Because they won't work! LOL
I've lived in Ashfield my whole life, and one thing I truly love about it is that it's still rural enough to not have cell reception or cable tv. Yeah!
That sounds like a lot of fun.
I miss New England in the autumn, especially the Big E and the country drives to see the foliage.
I would love to go to this. Maybe I will....lol.. great article as always Pam
I adore festivals ;) Craving some pumpkin pie riiight now....