AMHERST — Amherst Rotary Fair is returning to a four-day schedule this year, with various amusement rides, carnival games and food coming to the Town Common starting on Aug. 27.
A staple for the community since the mid 1950s, though once held in the spring rather than late summer, the fair will run from 6 to 10 p.m. both Aug. 27 and Aug. 28, then from 1 to 10 p.m. on Aug. 29 and 1 to 6 p.m. on Aug. 30.
This year, a special opening ceremony, with a ribbon cutting, is set for the opening evening at 5:30.
Linda Michaud, a member of the Rotary, said this will involve Rotary President Robin Brown offering appreciation to The Fanelli Brothers for the years it has put on the fair, as well as information about the Rotary.
Other scheduled speakers will be Town Manager Paul Bockelman and state Rep. Mindy Domb, D-Amherst.
The rides will include a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round and a climbing wall. The Rotary Club of Amherst uses money from the fair to provide scholarships to local students and to assist nonprofits through donations and small grants.
Advance tickets can be purchased at https://fanelliamusements.com/events/16
First Day Celebration
Amherst, Pelham and Amherst-Pelham Regional schools students and families are invited to a First Day Celebration at Kendrick Park Monday at 4:30 p.m., an opportunity for families and students to connect with district staff and community organizations.
The first hour will be a sensory-friendly time, meaning no music or amplified sound.
Throughout the two-hour event, attendees can meet district leaders, connect with local firefighters, paramedics, police officers and Community Responders for Equity, Safety and Service, learn about community organizations, programs and resources, have a free ice cream or popsicle, practice boarding a school bus and participate in activities.
Annual breakfast
An annual breakfast marking the start of the academic year, bringing together the business community with civic leaders and higher education professionals, is set for Sept. 1 at 7:30 a.m.
The 59th annual Community Breakfast is co-hosted by the University of Massachusetts and the Amherst Area Chamber of Commerce and will be at the Student Union Ballroom, with food prepared by UMass Dining.
The breakfast is an opportunity to share common goals and learn about upcoming programs and events open to both on- and off-campus community members.
Tickets for the event are available in advance for $25 per person through UMass Hospitality until Aug. 31 at noon.
For information, contact the Office of Community Relations and University Events at 413-577-1101 or events@umass.edu.
Senior Sips
The next Senior Sips, a monthly gathering of town elders in a casual environment, takes place Aug. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Ginger Garden, 351 Northampton Road.
Those who come are responsible for paying for any beverage, but snacks are provided.
Town Hall Art Gallery
Works by Amy Dawn Kotel will be on display at Amherst Town Hall through the end of December, with a reception with refreshments Friday at 5 p.m.
Kotel is a multidisciplinary artist whose creative path spans dance, puppetry, education, and fitness.
Town Hall exhibits are coordinated by the Amherst Public Art Commission, with artists invited to apply by going to amherstma.gov/art.
Markey tours
U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, campaigning for reelection as he faces a Democratic primary challenge from U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton, recently campaigned in Hadley after stops at Holyoke Community College and in Northampton.
In a Facebook post, Markey is shown at Flayvors of Cooks, where he ordered a hot fudge sundae and had his picture taken near one of the farm’s dairy cows.
The other photos were at the Mount Holyoke Summit House.
“The Mt. Holyoke Summit House was everything I hoped it would be and more,” Markey wrote. “Amazing to view beautiful western Mass. from the tippy top.”
