October 2009 - 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!

1 Thursday, 4-7 pm. Likeness and Presence: Icons in the Russian Visual Tradition lecture at the Museum of Russian Icons, 203 Union St., Clinton. In the twentieth century icons have moved from church altars to museum galleries. Traditional objects of Orthodox devotion, icons have become symbolic of Russian culture and of a distinctly Russian visual style. This lecture by Olga Litvak explores the evolution of the icon, from its origins in ritual and liturgy, to its rediscovery as an inspiration for modern Russian painting. 978-598-5000.

1 Thursday, 5:30 pm. The War Against Books in World History at Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. This lecture by professor Daniel Sarefield in observance of the American Library Association’s “Banned Books Week” will examine the intentional destruction of books in human history and explain when, how, and why books first came to be banned and burned; and why forms of censorship continue to endanger freedom of thought and expression today. Free.

1 Thursday, 6–7:30 pm. Cornerstone Performing Group at Rollstone Studios, 633 Main St., Fitchburg. Free live music, artist demonstration 4:30-6 pm. Free admission. 978-348-ART1.

2-3 Friday & Saturday, 8 am. Family Weekend at Fitchburg State College. A bit of everything—entertainment, sports, food and activities— for students, families, alumni and friends. Events on Friday include a parade, fireworks, and an outdoor movie. On Saturday check out soccer, football, a tailgate lunch, a fun fair, and an 8 pm show by comedian Rondell Sheridan from ”That’s So Raven.” Show tickets $15. Call 978- 665-3163.

2-3 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm. Forbidden Broadway at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. Forbidden Broadway spoofs show tunes, characters and plots of classic and current Broadway musicals. New York’s longest-running musical comedy revue skewers productions like Annie, Les Miserables, and more. Tickets $20; students $10. Repeats Oct. 9 – 11. Call 978-632-2403.

2-4 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday, 2 pm. “Translations”, a drama by Brian Friel A story about the Hedge Schools and the valiant effort of the Irish people to preserve their language and culture; Ireland, 1833. Barre Players Theater, 64 Common Street, Barre. 978-355-2096 or 800-733-2096. Repeats Oct. 9 – 11.

3 Saturday, 10 am – 4 pm. Horse Shed Fair at the Bullfinch Church (First Church of Christ), Route 70, Lancaster. The 34th annual Horse Shed Fair is held on the green and in the horse sheds behind the church, with handmade crafts and home baked items of sale, a cookout, tea room serving soups and desserts. Some 75 crafter are showcased each year. Free admission. Rain or shine. 978-365-2427.

3 Saturday, 1:30 pm. Tour of Historic Phillipston Sites at Phillipston Historical society, on the Phillipston Common. Drive to four historic locations. Call 978-249-8902. Free.

3 Saturday 6–9 pm. Moonlight Mazing at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Experience the Maze under the moonlit sky. Bring your flashlight and explore the Maze like never before. Admission $16.95 adults (kids 5 – 12, $12.95). Call 978-422-8888.

3-4 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. North Quabbin Garlic & Arts Festival at Forster’s Farm, 60 Chestnut Hill Road, Orange. Enjoy the bounty of over 100 amazing artists, farmers and organizations; strengthen communities by purchasing locally grown and crafted. Gain skills for interdependence: learn to grow garlic, press cider, mill lumber, make paper, coil clay, grind grain, do tai chi, go solar. Rockin’ music and incredible entertainment on two solar powered stages, workshops and garlic games galore. 5 per day for adults, $8 for weekend pass; kids 12 and under free. 978-544-9023.

3-4 Saturday & Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. Harvest Festival at Heifer International’s Overlook Farm, 216 Wachusett St., Rutland. Explore the homes in the Heifer Global Village to learn about traditional harvest celebrations in Peru, Poland, Kenya and more. Take a horse-drawn hayride to the gardens and enjoy other activities such as face painting, crafts and a hay maze. Purchase local pumpkins and browse Shop@Heifer that features fair trade and unique hand-crafted items from around the world. $5.00 per person / Children 12 &under, free. 508-886-2221.

3-4 Saturday, 2 & 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm. “Pride & Prejudice” at Cornerstone Performing Arts Center, First Parish Church, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg. Based on the novel by Jane Austen, the plot revolves around a young woman named Elizabeth, who is one of five daughters of a country gentleman. The estate the family lives on will be inherited by a male heir after the father dies, leaving the daughters under pressure to find gentlemen to marry for their own security. 978-345-2915. Visit cpacfitchburg.org. Repeats Oct. 9-11, 16-18, 23-25.

4 Sunday, 4 pm. Historic Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Rt. 12, Ashburnham. Thomas Pandolfi, piano. Music by Chopin and Liszt, played on the Erard, Paris, 1877. Admission $10 adults, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.

8 Sunday, 6 pm. History in the Graveyard at the Gardner Museum, 28 Pearl St., Gardner. Tom and Brenda Malloy will provide an overview of various early New England epitaphs, including topics such as occupations, matrimony, gender identification, infant mortality, and longevity. Wine and cheese reception from 6-7 p.m, slide presentation 7-8 p.m. $3. 978-632-3277.

8-12 19th Annual Columbus Day Ski & Board Sale & Swap at Wachusett Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. Bring in your used equipment to sell for cash or Wachusett credit! Buy new skis or snowboard with cash or the credit you earn! This is the perfect chance to upgrade your gear for the coming winter. Visit www.wachusett.com or call 978-464-2300.

9-10 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm. Harvey at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg. This Pulitzer Prize-winning comedy chronicles the exploits of Elwood P. Dowd, an avuncular tippler who lives with his sister, Veta and her bashful daughter. They hate his drinking, but what rankles them more is his faithful companion: A 6-foot-tall invisible rabbit named Harvey. A trip to a sanitarium results in mayhem and mirth. Tickets $12. Call 978-345-6066. Repeats Oct. 16-18.

9-11 Friday & Saturday, 7 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Pride & Prejudice at Cornerstone Performing Arts Center, First Parish Church, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg. See Oct. 3 listing for details. 978-345-2915 or visit cpacfitchburg.org. Repeats Oct. 16-18, 23-25.

9-11 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday, 2 pm. “Translations” at Barre Players Theater, 64 Common Street, Barre. See Oct. 2 listing for details. 978-355-2096 or 800-733-2096.

9-11 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Forbidden Broadway at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. See Oct. 2 listing for details. Tickets $20; students $10; matinee $15. Call 978-632-2403.

10 Saturday, 10 am. Pumpkin Weigh-In on Phillipston Common. Local farmers of all ages bring their pumpkins for the competition. Crafts, food, vendors on the Common. 978-249-9558.

10 Saturday, 10 am–5:30 pm. Scarecrow Festival at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Come build your own scarecrow or view and vote on your favorite. Free entertainment, great food, children’s activities. Rain Date, Oct. 17.

10-11 Saturday & Sunday, 9 am–2 pm. Flea Market at Holy Cross Church, Lake Avenue, E. Templeton. Rain or shine; no early birds. Collectibles, housewares, records, baskets, books, furniture, toys and games, Christmas items and other bric-a-brac. Refreshments available. 978-939-5508.

10-11 Saturday 9 am–6 pm, Sunday, 11 am – 4 pm. Sacred Heart Fall Festival, Sacred Heart School, 53 Lynde St., Gardner. Annual festival with games, rides, raffles, auction, entertainment, food, harvest items and more. Call 978-632-0950.

10-11 Saturday & Sunday 11 am–noon and 2–3 pm. Kindermusik at 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Kids sing-a-long by Pam Espinoza. Admission $16.95 adults (kids 5 – 12 $12.95). Call 978-422-6666.

11 Sunday, 4 pm. Historic Piano Concert at the Ashburnham Community Church, Rt. 12, Ashburnham. Gail Olszewski, piano. Music by Beethoven, Schubert and Schumann, played on a piano to be chosen from the Frederick Collection. $10 adults, children and students free. Call 978-827-6232.

15 Thursday, 5:30 pm. New England Writers Series: Chris Castellani at Kent Recital Hall, Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Includes a potluck dessert reception; bring a plate to share. Tickets $10. Call 978-665-3347.

16-18 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Harvey at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg. See Oct. 9 listing for details. Tickets $12. Call 978-345-6066. Repeats Oct. 23-25.

16-18 Friday 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday 2 pm. Pride & Prejudice at Cornerstone Performing Arts Center, First Parish Church, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg. See Oct. 3 listing for details. 978-345-2915. For dates and prices, visit www.cpacfitchburg.org. Repeats Oct. 23-25.

17 Saturday,10 am - 3 pm. Harvest Craft Fair at First Church of Sterling, on the Common, Sterling. 978-422-6657.

17 Saturday, 6–9 pm. Fright Night at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Geared to adults — join us if you dare! Find adventure in the Lost Tomb. Admission $16.95 adults (kids 5-12 $12.95). Call 978-422-8888. Repeats Oct. 24, 31.

17 Saturday, 10 am–dusk. 6th Annual Forge-In and Blacksmith Festival at Riverfront Park, off Boulder Drive, 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 achla.com or call 978-343-7475.

17 Saturday, 10 am–2 pm. Antiques Appraisal Day at Pilgrim Congregational Church, 26 West St., Leominster, MA. Wayne Tuiskula will give verbal appraisals for the cost of $10 for one item, $15 for two, and a limit of three for $20. Snacks and lunch will be available. Call 978 534-5165.

17-18 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Oktoberfest at Wachusett Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton. The first of two weekends of the annual Apple Fest, this fall festival includes over 70 craft exhibitors, farmer’s market, special family fun side shows both weekends! Kids’ entertainment and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. Tickets $9 adult, $5 junior, kids 5 and under free. Additional charge for SkyRide. Visit wachusett.com or call 978-464-2300.

17-18 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 6 pm. Daytime Halloween Maze at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Bring the kids to the not-so-scary Halloween Maze for fun and treats. Admission $16.95 adults (kids 5 – 12 $12.95). Call 978-422-8888. Repeats Oct. 24-25,31.

17-18 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm. Pumpkin Fest at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Fun Fall pumpkin activities and crafts. Paint your own pumpkin (additional charge). Admission $16.95. Call 978-422-6666.

18 Sunday, 11 am – 3 pm. Bolton Orchard Annual Food Festival, Bolton Orchard, 125 Still River Road, Bolton. Specialty food sampling from local and imported vendors, live music and more. Call 978-779-2733.

18 Sunday, 2 pm. Origami Airplanes at Top Fun Aviation Toy Museum, 21 Prichard Street, Fitchburg. Regular museum admission ($5 for an adult, which also admits one child free) includes the program. Most people have folded paper airplanes before, but these are a cut above your usual craft. Works of art created by intricate paper folding—and they fly, too! 978-342-2809.

19 Monday, 6:30 pm. Country Auction, held in conjunction with the Harvest Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville. Antiques, jewelry, glassware, household items, furniture and other treasures go on the auction block. Preview at 4 pm. Call 978-297-0280.

20 Tuesday, 3:30 pm. Harrod Lecture: Susan Wadsworth, professor of art, presents “Kandinsky and Hofmann: Theories of Abstraction in Twentieth Century Painting.” Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Free admission.

21 Wednesday, 7 pm. “People to People” at Phillips Free Public Library, on the Phillipston Common. Teens will learn about other cultures. Call 978-249-8902. Free admission.

23-25 Friday, 7 pm, Saturday & Sunday 2 pm. “Pride & Prejudice” at Cornerstone Performing Arts Center, First Parish Church,, 923 Main Street, Fitchburg. See Oct. 3 listing for details. 978-345-2915 or visit www.cpacfitchburg.org.

23-25 Friday & Saturday, 8 pm, Sunday 2 pm. Harvey at Stratton Playhouse, 60 Wallace Avenue, Fitchburg. See October 9 listing for details. Tickets $12. Call 978-345-6066.

24 Saturday, 9 am–6 pm. Harvest Fair at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 1 Forest Street, Baldwinville. Chinese auction, theme basket, crafts, baked goods, lunch, and more at this New England church fair. Call 978-297-0280.

24 Saturday, noon. A Game that Forged Rivals at the Doyle Estate, Lindell Avenue, Leominster. Authentic 1894 Leominster vs. Fitchburg Football Game played by rough and tumble rules of the day. Costumed players and historic local figures. Game tickets, Commemorative Football Program and Book available at www.forgingrivals.com. Call Leominster Historical Society for further information. 978-537-5424.

24 Saturday, 2 pm. Busytown at Theatre at the Mount, 444 Green St., Gardner. A children’s program based on the books of Richard Scarry. Vibrant singing and dancing. All seats $5. Call 978-632-2403.

24 Saturday, 2 pm. A Tribute to Benny Goodman at Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. Enjoy the sounds of the era with clarinetist Terry Myers and his renowned orchestra. From The Very Thought of You to Bugle Call Rag to Moonglow, Myers and the orchestra pay a fitting tribute to Goodman, the King of Swing, and the generation that made the music popular. Tickets $25; call 978-665-3347.

24 Saturday, 6 –9 pm. Fright Night at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Geared to adults — join us if you dare! Find adventure in the Lost Tomb. $16.95 adults (kids 5–12, $12.95). Call 978-422-8888. Repeats Oct.31.

24 Saturday, 7:30 pm. Lori McKenna performs at First Church of Christ, 925 Main St., Lancaster. Wachusett Music Series is in an intimate coffeehouse setting. Tickets $20 in advance, $25 at door. Visit wachusettmusic.com.

24 Saturday, 7:30 pm. “Elegance III” A Night of Chamber Music at Dukakis Performing Arts Center at Monty Tech, Fitchburg. Music of Bach, Haydn and Mozart performed by the Thayer Symphony Orchestra’s Principal Chairs and others. Audience will be treated to beautiful visual effects of Europa’s castles and palaces. Call 978-466-1100.

24-25 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–6 pm. Daytime Halloween Maze at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Bring the kids to the not-so-scary Halloween Maze for fun and treats. Admission $16.95 adults (kids 5 – 12 $12.95). Call 978-422-8888. Repeats Oct. 31.

24-25 Saturday & Sunday, 10 am–5 pm. Apple Fest continues at Wachusett Ski Area, 499 Mountain Road, Princeton, with a Celtic theme. The celebration includes the Flying Irish Dance Troupe, an old time lumberjack show, chainsaw carving, handmade crafts, farmers’ market, and family fun side shows. Kids’ entertainment and peak fall foliage viewing from the SkyRide. $9 adult, $5 junior, kids 5 and under free. Charge for SkyRide. Visit wachusett.com or call 978-464-2300.

24-25 Saturday & Sunday, 11 am–3 pm. Christmas at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Santa appearances and photo ops throughout the day. Make an ornament, decorate a cookie, decorate a pumpkin, join us for tree lighting with cocoa and caroling. Admission $16.95. Call 978-422-6666.

25 Sunday, noon–5 pm. Bluegrass & Brews at Nashoba Valley Winery, 100 Wattaquadoc Hill Road, Bolton, featuring “Southern Rail.” Call 978-779-5521 or nashobawinery.com.

25 Sunday, 2 pm. Classic Autos at Sholan Farms, 1125 Pleasant St., Leominster. Mid-State Antique Auto Club (www.midstateaac.org) welcomes owners of classic and antique vehicles to put their vehicles on display.

27 Tuesday, 5:30 pm. Art & Community: Gillian Christy, Sculptor at Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg. As part of her ongoing Water Street Bridge project, Gillian Christy will discuss her approach to creating public artwork. Free admission. Gallery talk with sculptor at 6:30 pm.

27 Tuesday, 7 pm. Opening reception for Sculptures Inside Outside at Campus Center Art Gallery (Hammond Campus Center), Fitchburg State College, 160 Pearl St., Fitchburg.

30 Saturday, 10 am – 5 pm. Orchid Show and Sale at Tower Hill Botanic Garden, 11 French Hill Road, Boylston. The Massachusetts orchid Society presents a show with thousands of blooming orchids in a variety of indoor displays. Participate in lectures and tours on orchid care and culture. Plants and supplies for sale. $10 adults, $7 seniors, $5 youth, under 6 free. 508-869-6111 or visit towerhillbg.org.

30-31 Friday-Saturday. Ted Silverhand at Silver Hawk, New England’s largest Native American store and gallery, 672 Spring Street, Winchendon. For over 40 years, Ted Silverhand has aided others in their search to integrate the spiritual into their everyday lives. His readings have assisted thousands working through difficult situations to live a more positive and productive life. Call 978-297-3830.

31 Saturday, 11 am–3 pm. Costume Weekend at Davis Farmland, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Costume and parade with MooMoo. Prizes in the haystack, games and crafts. Free with Farmland admission of $16.95. Call 978-422-6666.

31 Saturday, 6–9 pm. Fright Night at Davis Mega Maze, 145 Redstone Hill, Sterling. Geared to adults — join us if you dare! Find adventure in the Lost Tomb. $16. Call 978-422-8888.