Happy Vernal Equinox!

There are plenty of community events this weekend on which to blow your New Year’s resolutions, including an all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast in Ashfield, and a chili cook off in Hinsdale for lunch on Saturday. But no worries … you can get back on that resolution train by shaking your caboose with drumming and dancing in Shelburne Falls the next day.

Friday – 03/23

5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation every Friday evening. On the menu this week is Crawfish Pasta, Vegetarian Chili & Macaroni and Cheese. 413.628.4003 [Families] ($)

Saturday – 03/24

8am – PANCAKES! PANCAKES! – All-you-can-eat breakfast until 1 p.m. at the Ashfield Congregational Church on Main Street in Ashfield, MA. 413.628.4470. [Families] ($)

11am – CHILI! CHILI! – 3rd Annual Chili Cook Off t the Hinsdale Fire Station on Maple Street in Hinsdale, MA. Food, live musi, auction and raffle. [Families] ($)

9am – MAPLE FESTIVAL – (Rescheduled from last week) The 22nd annual MapleFest will be held in Chester, MA, from 9am-4pm in Old Chester Center. There will be old-time maple sugaring demos, local artisans, spinners, the Pioneer Valley Fiddlers, petting animals, a hayride, and more. 413.354.6315 [Families] ($)

5:30pm – ENCHANTED EVENING – Arcadia Wildlife Sanctuary in Easthampton, MA, is having an enchanted family evening until 9pm. Guided tours travel an enchanted forest trail to meet costumed characters from vernal pools, which are the only places where animals such as spotted salamanders, wood frogs, and fairy shrimp can breed. Meet some of these critters and learn about their lives through short animated and humorous skits. Indoors, learn more about vernal pools through games, slide presentations, and live pond critters. Call to register: 413.584.3009. [Ages 4-16] ($)

Sunday – 03/25

3pm – DRUMMING & DANCING – The Children’s Art Museum in Shelburne Falls, MA, will be hosting African drumming and dancing with Backa Niang and Abdou. [Families] ($)

3pm – GARDENING WITH YOUR CHILDREN – A free workshop will be offered at the Community House in Cummington, MA. Learn how to create a mini-garden, how to make gardening fun for young children, and how yards can be transformed into fun outdoor space. 413.238.5511 x155. [Families] (Free)

4pm – FAMILY MUSICALS – Raising Peacemakers and Children’s Theatre Company will be sponsoring their annual show at HCC in Holyoke, MA. Two family musicals will be performed: Stone Soup and Sneeches. 413.253.0751 [Families] (Free)

Tuesday – 03/27

2:30pm – PRINTMAKING MAGIC – A two hour printmaking class for school-aged children at the Children’s Art Museum in Shelburne Falls, MA. Drop-ins welcomed. 413.625.6826. [Ages 7-11] ($)

6pm – KNITTING CIRCLE – Knitting circle at the Shaw Memorial Library in Plainfield, MA. Drop-ins welcomed. [Parents] (Free)

Wednesday – 03/28

9am-ish – HILLTOWN PARENTS SOCIAL – Breakfast at Elmer’s! After dropping your children off at school, Hilltown Families invites you to head on over to Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, for coffee, tea and crumpets. Bring your lap tops and get some work done too. 413.628.4003 [Parents] (Free/$)

6pm – PARENTING WORKSHOP – A free workshop, “Beyond Praise and Punishment: How to Teach Children Self Esteem and Self Control,” at the Lilly Library, Florence, MA. 413.586.3653 [Parents] (Free)

6:30pm – GRANDPARENTING WORKSHOP – A free workshop, “Garparents’ Words of Wisdom,” will be offered at the Emily Williston Memorial Library in Easthampton, MA. Discuss traditional children’s books as wellas new favorites to share between grandparents and grandchildren. Child care available upon request. 413.563.7672 [Grandparents] (Free)

Thursday – 03/29

9am-ish – HILLTOWN PARENTS SOCIAL -Take a coffee break! On your way down from the hills into the valley, Hilltown Families invites you to drop in to Bread Euphoria in Haydenville for an a.m. social with other hilltown parents. Treat yourself to a cup of fair trade coffee or tea, an organic pastry, chat a bit, and be on your way … Make your day a little merrier! 268-7757 [Parents] (Free/$)

6pm – GIRLS ROCK CLIMBING – From 6-9pm at Westfield State College in Westfield, MA, there will be indoor rock climbing for girls. Learn safety, knots, belay techniques, while exploring rock climbing. Call for more information. 413.667.2299 [Girls 7 & up] ($$)

6pm – MEET THE DOULAS – Green River Doulas will be having a free talk at the Jones Library in Amherst, MA, to learn how doulas help make birth and postpartum easier. [Expecting parents] (Free)

Friday – 03/30

5pm – COMMUNITY DINNER – Elmer’s in Ashfield, MA, invites community members to come together to share dinner and conversation every Friday evening. Menu TBA. 413.628.4003 [Families] ($)

7pm – FULL MOON – Full Moon Hike. Red Gate Farm in Buckland, MA, will be hosting a full moon hike through moonlit woods and fields. 413.625.9503 [All Ages] (Free)