Grafton firefighters host their fall tag sale
GRAFTON - The Grafton Firefighters' Tag Sale, now in its 43rd year of benefiting the local volunteer fire department, has become well-known in southern Vermont for its variety, its quality, and its value.
This year's sale takes place on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 13, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., under the tents near the firehouse at 711 Route 121, just east of Grafton Village. The sale will go on rain or shine.
Locals and visitors alike line up early waiting for the fire engine air horn to signal the opening of the sale and their chance to search through well-organized displays of furniture, housewares, tools, toys, linens, small appliances, books, recordings, and much more. The next day, most everything will be half price.
The first day of the sale will also feature a food booth by the Grafton Elementary School Parent Teacher Organization serving hot coffee, baked goods, burgers, and more. Fire engines will be on display, and volunteer firefighters will be on hand to answer questions.
Bellows Falls hosts second annual Tweed Ride on Oct. 12
BELLOWS FALLS - Bellows Falls joins a global community of people who enjoy a vintage-inspired biking event. The foliage this year aligns perfectly with the second annual Tweed Ride, sponsored by Bellows Falls Pride. Meet up on Saturday, Oct. 12, at 51 The Square in downtown Bellows Falls at 11 a.m. for an 11:30 a.m. departure.
Organizers say "this is not a race, no pre-registration or admission fee required. The Tweed Ride harkens back to an earlier time of enjoyable, casual outings that provided a chance for families and riders to come together." This round-trip route is accessible for everyone on a bike with no large hills, and the group will stop for anyone needing to catch up."
Contact Bellows Falls Community Bike Project for a loaner bike, Anastasia's Closet for the perfect costume, and upon return, join fellow riders at the Flat Iron Cooperative for tea and prizes. Vintage attire encouraged, but not required, and helmets are welcome. The ride will be led by Aaron Almanza, an experienced Tweed rider. More information can be found on Facebook and bellowsfallspride.com.
River Artisan Cooperative holds annual yard sale
BELLOWS FALLS - On Saturday, Oct. 12, the members of the River Artisans Cooperative will hold their annual yard sale along the sidewalk next to Ciao Popolo restaurant and lounge, at the intersection of The Square and Bridge Street. The Co-op members have been saving great stuff all year and they say visitors will find treasures galore.
As one of the oldest cooperatives in the state, representing more than 25 members, they invite everyone to stop in and enjoy browsing all the many items that will be on sale. If you make a purchase at the yard sale and mention that you saw this article in The Commons, they invite you to go around the corner and into their store at 28 Village Square to be given a free bookmark as well. For more information, visit riverartisanscooperative.com.
Scott Farm hosts 21st annual Heirloom Apple Day with guest John Bunker on Oct. 13
DUMMERSTON - Heirloom Apple Day, Scott Farm's biggest event of the year, will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 13. Now in its 21st year, the event welcomes visitors of all ages from near and far for a free one-day celebration of apples of all shapes, colors, tastes, and their histories.
This year, Scott Farm will be hosting orchardist, pomologist, and "apple explorer" John Bunker as the keynote speaker. An expert on American apples and their history, he is one of the founders of the mail-order nursery Fedco Trees, a division of the cooperative Fedco Seeds. For most of his life, Bunker has worked to preserve rare old apple varieties from across Maine and the New England region. In 2012, he founded the Maine Heritage Orchard in the town of Unity. The 10-acre parcel serves as a preservation educational orchard of Maine's historic apple and pear varieties.
Heirloom Apple Day will also feature apple tastings, Stone Park tours, a nonprofit fair, kids activities, food trucks, and live music. The Farm Market, Pippin's Café, and Pick-Your-Own orchards will be open as well for apples, Scott Farm's sweet and hard cider, homemade baked goods, and local products.
"We prepare all year for Heirloom Apple Day," Scott Farm General Manager Simon Renault said in a news release. "We have an absolutely stellar crop of apples this year, especially following last year's hard freeze, and we can't wait to share the bounty with the community and welcome John Bunker to our corner of Vermont. It really makes for a perfect Vermont Fall day."
The free event takes place rain or shine at Scott Farm, 707 Kipling Rd.
Medieval Faire in Putney
PUTNEY - On Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., The Grammar School will transform its campus at 159 Grammar School Lane off Hickory Ridge Road into a medieval village once again as the school hosts its annual Medieval Faire, a family favorite for more than 35 years.
Children can ride the flying dragon and Sir Lancelot's flying horse, take part in pillow jousting and foam-arrow archery, ride the swan swing, ascend the climbing wall, battle a knight, scramble for treats at the candy catapult, make their own crowns and wands, visit the fortune teller, get their faces painted, and take part in a dragon treasure hunt.
Young attendees can also complete a quest and be knighted by the King and Queen, who preside over the fair on their royal thrones. Assorted games for the youngest children are offered at Merlin's Midway. Fairgoers of all ages can shop for treats and medieval-themed crafts in the Medieval Marketplace and enjoy a range of live music and local food.
Admission is free. Unlimited all-day ride passes are $25; individual ride tickets are also available. Net proceeds go toward the school's financial aid fund, which serves to make The Grammar School affordable for as many families as possible. For more information, visit thegrammarschool.org/medieval or call 802-387-5364.
Adams Family Farm hosts Antique Car & Tractor Hoe-Down
WILMINGTON - The Adams Family Farm, 15 Higley Hill Rd., is welcoming all area vintage car, truck and tractor owners to mark their calendars for Saturday, Oct. 19, for their first-ever Antique Car & Tractor Hoe-Down.
"New England has a varied array of automobile classics and farm machinery tucked into its hillside garages and barns," organizers wrote in a news release. "It's time to get them out, dust them off and enjoy the colorful drive into the Green Mountains for an afternoon of showcasing these revered treasures along with joining in with some fantastic community fun."
The Antique Car & Tractor Hoe-Down is the season finale to the Adams Farm's Concert Series which began back in July. This event will also feature live music from 3 to 8 p.m. by a variety of acoustic musicians and bands, as well as local food trucks and a mobile bar.
The car, truck, and tractor show will begin at 2 p.m. Owner/operators and vehicles are encouraged to stay until 5:30 p.m., when prizes will be awarded to participants. Winners will be voted on by the audience. Pre-registration is required prior to the event. Entry forms or more information can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or call or text to 802-380-3573.
Windham hosts harvest supper on Oct. 26
WINDHAM - Windham's annual Harvest Supper and Square Dance returns for the first time since the COVID-19 shutdowns. The feast begins at 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26, at the historic Windham Meeting House, 26 Harrington Rd., at the corner of Windham Hill Road. Look for the tall white steeple.
The traditional dinner is hosted and prepared by the Windham Community Organization (WCO). They will be serving ham, butternut squash, baked beans, scalloped potatoes (plus a gluten-free version), a vegetarian Mexican cornbread casserole, salad, sweet breads, rolls, and assorted homemade pies and desserts. The cost is $15 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under, or $35 per family.
After dessert, Sally Newton will be calling the moves for a square dance. She will be accompanied by local musicians (many of whom are her relatives). Newton "is excellent with explaining the dance moves and creating a fun atmosphere," say organizers. Donations appreciated for the musicians and for the square dance only. All proceeds benefit Windham area residents through WCO.
This Special section item was submitted to The Commons.