WESTHAMPTON — There is something for everyone at the Westhampton Fall Festival On Oct. 20. The possibilities are great, from a 5K road race to live fiddle music, cuddling with a therapy dog to cow pie bingo.
“The hope is always that the event is a fun time for families and people of all ages and that they can enjoy the festivities on a budget,” said Meaghan Schwelm, director of the Westhampton Public Library. “Activities are free of charge. The only costs are for food — many delicious options — and all proceeds benefit the Westhampton Public Library and Westhampton Elementary School PTO.”
Attendees can choose from a wide variety of activities suitable for all ages. For those who like hands-on activities, there will be corn husking, cider making, fiber spinning, sledgehammer throwing and potato cannons. Those who enjoy learning about activities without necessarily doing them can watch the axe throwing, lumberjack and blacksmith demonstrations.
“Some returning favorites are steeple tours, lumberjack display, cowpie bingo, and of course the Great Pumpkin Roll,” noted Schwelm. “If you don’t know about the pumpkin roll, children are lined up by age and height at the top of Stage Road. Local musician Jim Armenti sings a local favorite song The Great Pumpkin Roll to kick off the event. The kids then roll their pumpkins down the hill in small groups, trying to keep track of their pumpkins on the long roll down the hill. The pumpkin roll is a truly unique New England fall event. The Firefighter’s Brigade is a newer event that is especially popular with teens.”
Morely Cleary, the festival’s main organizer added, “Each year we strive to add a new activity and this year we have added pumpkin bowling and lawn checkers.”
For those just looking to learn a little bit and enjoy beautiful views there is the history museum and the steeple tours.
“I’ve only taken one steeple tour myself, but it offers a spectacular view of the town center and Mount Tom range in the distance from the steeple of Westhampton Congregational Church,” recalled Schwelm.
The festival, now in its 17th year, began as a fundraiser for the library’s current home, which opened in the fall of 2010.
“It has become the most popular event and fundraiser in town,” said Schwelm.
Parking will be available at Hampshire Regional High School and those who park there can take a tractor-pulled wagon ride up the hill to the event.
Run for the Hills, the event’s 5K, begins at 12:30 p.m. and runners can register on www.runreg.com for $20. The festival officially takes place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at the Westhampton Public Library at 1 North Rd. in Westhampton.
