Area Towns Celebrate Foliage for a Week in September
by Gazette Staff and Judy Clifford, Community Journalist
NORTHEAST KINGDOM – From September 24 through October 1, the Northeast Kingdom Fall Foliage Festival folks in Cabot, Marshfield, Walden, Peacham, Barnet and Groton are planning a full week of open-town activities for residents and visitors to celebrate the most colorful time of the year.
Bright yellow fliers posted throughout the area give details and contacts for the events in each town. Festival events are held in memory of the late Betty Hatch of Walden, who was the festival chair for many years, and a past correspondent for the Hardwick Gazette.
The festival begins on Saturday Sept. 24, in Cabot with the Cabot Art Barn on Main Street, open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. There will be a take-out turkey dinner at the Cabot United Church from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., and live music by the Shugarmakers at The Den from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Marshfield hosts the festival on Sunday, Sept. 25, with a Harvest Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., featuring cider pressing, an art-making tent, field games, petting zoo and other free family-friendly activities. There will also be a book sale, horse and wagon rides, 50-50 raffle and vendors selling arts, crafts and locally-grown produce. Chillies, soups, stews and homemade bread will be available in the food tent from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Free music will include The Steppes from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m., Tom McKenzie, Patti Casey and Friends from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m. At 3 p.m., there will be a hike up the Marshfield cliffs. All activities will be held at the Schoolhouse Common.
A Walden tour packet will be available at the Walden Church in Noyesville Village on Monday, Sept. 26. The tours are self-led, open visitations to home crafters, studios and fields. Spots for foliage viewing will be listed. A barbecue beef supper will be available for take-out.
Exhibits at the blacksmith shop, Roller Barn and Peacham Historical House will be featured in Peacham on Thursday, Sept. 29. The Historic House will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. A library book sale will be held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lunch will be served at the Peacham Elementary School from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Northern Skies Observatory, near the school, will be open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. From 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., an Italian supper will be served at the Peacham Congregational Church.
A pancake breakfast begins the day on Friday, Sept. 30, in Barnet. Breakfast will be served at the Barnet Center Church vestry from 8 a.m to 11 a.m. A vendor market will be held on the lawn from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and a silent auction. A town map will be available identifying local businesses, events and scenic locations. The West Barnet Quick Stop will have free maple creemees with lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and there will be a European Coffee Hour from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the West Barnet Church. A free Hobo Stew Dinner will be served on Harvey’s Lake Beach beginning at 4 p.m., and a dance will be held on the beach from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Groton will have the Peter Paul Historical House open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 1. Also arts and crafts and food will be provided that day throughout Main Street until 4 p.m. There will be a Great Pumpkin Weigh-in at the Upper Valley Grill from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., and the annual parade begins at 1:30 p.m. The World Famous Chicken Pie Supper will be served for the 66th year at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. At 7 p.m. there will be an evening hymn sing at the Baptist Church.For more information on events, see nekchamber.com or email nekinfo@nekchamber.com.
