The unofficial summer finale has officially passed. After Labor Day, everyone seems to think about the fall! Department stores sport long sleeve tops, plaids skirts, woolen jackets, and nearly everyone is subject to back-to-school ads.
Alas, for some of us, a type of mourning accompanies the changing of the seasons. It’s not so much we will miss the hazy, crazy, lazy days of this high-temperature time, some of us actually prefer cooler weather. Instead, many of us realize that a cold winter lies ahead. And, with the way winter has been revealing itself, we will likely need our coats, scarves, and gloves well into April.
Nonetheless, fall has so many attributes to celebrate, so let’s focus on one season at a time. It offers comfortable days, cool nights, and breathtakingly beautiful scenery. Instead of grieving summer’s departure, let’s rejoice in autumn’s arrival!
So, what’s there to do? Fall festivals undoubtedly spice up this period. Here are some local ideas.
- Blackstone Canalfest ‘11. No one is suggesting you hop a transatlantic flight to romantic Venice; still, you don’t have to! Worcester has its own dreamy canal district on Harding Street with a yearly festival to boot. This free to the public event takes place on September 10 and offers an exciting day for the entire family. Horse and buggy rides, musical entertainment, culinary fare from area restaurants, kayak journeys, raffles, historical data about the region and much more will be available. An added perk? Parking will be available to festival-goers at the Union Station Parking Garage for only $1!
- Harvard Fall Festival. This event began some 20-something years ago as a modest craft fair but mushroomed into a fabulous festival! It runs three consecutive days, September 16, 17 and 18, and is sure to please the toughest critic. For example, on 9/16 beginning at 5 p.m., local bands will be competing for the festival’s top honor. On 9/17, crafts, live music, food, etc., will be offered (did anyone say BBQ?). Nighttime enjoyment features Beatlejuice, food, and fireworks. The festival wraps up on 9/18 with a classic auto show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Yikes, it does sound like fun!!!
- stART on the Street. Want to visit the largest festival in Central Massachusetts? Then head over to stART on the Street located on Park Ave. in Worcester on September 18 from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. This popular ninth-year happening will again boast artists, crafters, food vendors, music, entertainment, etc. Information booths will be on hand should anyone have questions, and parking can be found on side streets and lots surrounding Park Avenue.
A number of other festivals are taking place in the Worcester area during the fall. For further information, go to www.centralmass.org.
Let’s be honest, despite the fact winter tends to overextend its welcome in these parts, it is undoubtedly charming, as well. Nevertheless, September 23 marks the official beginning of autumn, so let’s celebrate this soon-to-arrive season without sweating the cold stuff.
Next time we’ll look at some additional fall happenings. But until then, cider anyone?
