It’s time once again for one of the Hilltown region’s biggest, longest-running and most popular events of the year – the Cummington Fair, hosted by the Hillside Agricultural Society.
This traditional small town fair has been entertaining and educating crowds since 1868.
From Thursday to Sunday, each day of the fair will feature livestock showings, horses, crafts, a display of antique cars, music, vendors, rides and amusements.
(A special section on the fair will appear in Tuesday’s Gazette.)
Some of the other things fairgoers can experience this year are as follows:
Opening day is Thursday, when gates will open at 4 p.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. There will be a youth giant pumpkin contest weigh-off at 6 p.m., a 4×4 truck pull from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and Old Country Road will be performing from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Friday gates open at 4 p.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. Friday will offer a women’s powder puff pulling event at 4 p.m., a spaghetti dinner from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., a children’s bicycle drawing in which 14 bicycles will be given away at 6:30 p.m., Zoë Darrow and the Fiddleheads will perform at 7:30 p.m. and the Stoney Roberts demolition derby will take place at 7:30 p.m.
On Saturday, gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 9:30 p.m. Saturday offerings include judging of 4-H and Youth Livestock at 9 a.m., two roast beef dinners, one from noon until 2 p.m. and one from 4 to 6 p.m., and square dancing with Doug Wilkens and the Fall String Band from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. The Stoney Roberts demolition derby at 8 p.m.
On Sunday, gates open at 7 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. The Western Mass. Lumberjack Championship will be held at 10 a.m., a Golden Wedding Contest will take place at 2 p.m., the antique car and tractor parade begins at 2 p.m. and turkey dinners will be served at 4 and 5 p.m.
Tickets prices are: adults $10 a day, seniors $8 on Sunday, youth ages 10 to 15 $5 a day, and children under 10 are free. Parking is $5. Fair officials remind the public that no alcoholic beverages are allowed on the fairgrounds and no pets are allowed except in the case of service dogs.
For more information on the fair or to see a complete schedule of events visit www.cummingtonfair.com.
On Sunday, the South Worthington Church will host Conwell Sunday, its annual gathering celebrating the church’s prominent place in the South Worthington National Historic District, and the life of Russell H. Conwell, a native of Worthington who was a well-known teacher, preacher and philanthropist. This year, the great-granddaughter of Russell Conwell, Dr. Priscilla Conwell Deck, will be the event’s featured speaker.
Deck is a graduate of Harvard Divinity School and former faculty member at Andover Newton Theological School, which was also her great-grandfather’s alma mater, when it was known as the Newton Seminary.
Russell Conwell is known for establishing The Academy, which is located across from the church and serves as the concert hall for the Sevenars Music Festival.
He also created the Conwell Theological Seminary, now known as Gordon College, in Wenham, as well as Temple University and its affiliate, Samaritan Hospital, and the renowned Baptist Temple, all in Philadelphia. This event will take place at 2 p.m. The South Worthington Church is located on Ireland Street just over the Huntington/Worthington town line off Route 112. Refreshments will be served at the end of the program.
On Sept. 18 at the Chesterfield Community Center, artist Gregory John Maichack will offer a painting workshop for adults 18 and over.
Maichack will provide insights into Georgia O’Keeffe’s life and painting methods, demonstrate how to use pastels and coach participants as they attempt their own pastel painting in O’Keeffe’s style, focusing on the calla lily.
All materials, including professional grade pastels, paper and pencils will be provided. The Chesterfield Community center is located at 400 Main Road. The workshop will go from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., is free and open to the public and is limited to 20 adults. To sign up contact Cindy Squier at: 296-4735 or email: chesterfieldpubliclibrary@gmail.com.
The event is funded in part by a multigenerational grant from Highland Valley Elder Services.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at Fryan.gazette@gmail.com.