GOSHEN — It has been 25 years since environmental artist Richard M. Richardson created the first of many gardens that now make up the Three Sisters Sanctuary, a unique combination of gardens, art and healing energy located in Goshen.
To celebrate this milestone, the sanctuary has some new additions to show off starting on Sunday, when it will officially open for the season.
It is easy to say that the sanctuary’s hottest new addition involves its giant dragon made of steel, wire mesh, cement, stone and glass. Once able to expel only smoke from its mouth, this iconic installation now has the ability to breathe fire — a first for the fanciful creature that was created in 2003.
“This dragon has always been part of the lore of the sanctuary,” Richardson said. “The fact that it can now breath fire 15 feet into the air is pretty exciting, and I think people like the idea of having a fire-breathing dragon right here in the Pioneer Valley.”
Billed as “healing gardens where art and nature merge,” the sanctuary features things like a wetlands preserve, a water garden, amphitheater, a concept garden with large standing Goshen stones, a meditation garden, a butterfly garden and a new temporary labyrinth that has been set up as the permanent structure is being built this summer.
Six artists will also be featured at the sanctuary, including James Kitchen, Robert Markey, Michael Melle, Sam Myers, Dana Salisbury and John Stritch.
Richardson said that this is a beautiful time at the property as it is awash in color from an abundance of phlox, making it his favorite time of year at the sanctuary.
“It’s breathtaking,” Richardson said. “Everything is now blanketed in phlox and the phlox connects one garden to the next. Now is the time to see it in bloom, because in another week it will be gone, but it will be replaced with wonderful green foliage.”
Sunday’s event will begin in the sanctuary’s butterfly garden where Richardson will welcome visitors, followed by a short ceremony to welcome the spring led by Hanna Grace.
This event goes from 2-4 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults and children under 12 are free. If this is not affordable, visitors are asked to please contribute what they can.
A rain date is scheduled for Sunday, May 27, from 2-4 p.m. The sanctuary is located at 188 Cape St.
For more information about this event, contact Richardson at 268-3677
To find out more about the Three Sisters Sanctuary, visit threesisterssanctuary.com,
CUMMINGTON — The Hillside Agricultural Tractor and Engine Club is hosting its 11th annual tractor ride on Sunday.
The roughly 30-mile round trip ride that travels from the Cummington Fairgrounds to Goshen and Chesterfield, and back is a benefit that raises money for the Future Farmers of America and the Berkshire and Hampshire counties 4-H fairs.
“Each year we try to give $500 to each organization,” said organizer Linda Judd.
Judd said that in the past they have had 30 to 50 tractors of all varieties, ages and conditions participating in the event.
The convoy of tractors will return to the fairgrounds around 12:30 p.m. for a chicken barbecue dinner.
Those wanting to participate in the ride can sign up the morning of the event. Tractors must have rubber tires and sport a slow moving vehicle sign. Passengers or items in tow are not allowed.
It is $35 to participate in the ride and barbecue, $30 for the ride only, and $25 for the barbecue only.
There will also be hot dogs and hamburgers available for purchase. The fairgrounds open at 6:30 a.m.
For more information, call Fran and Linda Judd at 268-3264
HUNTINGTON — State Sen. Adam G. Hinds will have his district aides available for office hours in Huntington Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stanton Hall, located at 26 Russell Road.
Residents are encouraged to participate in these sessions if they have an idea, question or comment about state government that they wish to share, or if they require assistance from the senator’s constituent services team.
Ideas for this column on life in the Hilltowns can be sent to Fran Ryan at fryan.gazette@gmail.com.