Discover fun and educational events happening this week in Western Mass, along with announcements, upcoming events, links, resources and the HFVS podcast.

SUGGEST AN EVENT

If you have a family friendly event or educational program happening in Western Massachusetts that you’d like to let us know about, post your event on our “Suggest An Event” page. The events below are “suggested.” Please take the time to confirm that these events are happening, along with time, place, age appropriateness and costs before attending.

Serving Western Massachusetts since 2005, Hilltown Families supports development and enhancement of our local economy and community! Local businesses, individuals, schools and non-profits are encouraged to support Hilltown Families through sponsorship and enhanced publicity.  Let us help get the word out about your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Deliver your message to thousands of families living throughout Western Massachusetts while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Click HERE to find out more.

BEST BETS

Starting today and going through the weekend, August 25th-28th  – CUMMINGTON FAIR: The 143rd Annual Cummington Fair happens at the Cummington Fairgrounds. With one of the most comprehensive agricultural presentations in the state, the fair is billed as “The Biggest And Best Little Fair in the Country”. This family friendly, four-day agricultural fair is packed with exhibits, family activities, delicious food, classic cars and live music. Truck, horse and oxen pulls headline the fair along with a demolition derby, and the Western Mass Logging Championship. And the fun doesn’t stop there-families can also enjoy midway, games, roving entertainers, live music, petting zoo, 4-H presentations, skid steer rodeo, square dancing and community dinners. Find a full schedule of events at www.cummingtonfair.com. 413-634-5091. Fairground Rd. Cummington, MA ($) [UPDATE: Cummington Fair gates close this evening at 6pm and will be closed on Sunday. Exhibitors can pick up their entries on Monday anytime between 9-11am or 5-7pm.]

On Saturday, August 27th from 12noon – 5pm – HARVEST CELEBRATION: Visit Red Fire Farm for their annual amazing Tomato Festival! The event begins with the Tomato 5K at 10:30, followed by live music, workshops, food from guest chefs, kids activities, vendors, and tomato tasting all afternoon! Local music, local artists, local food! 413-467-7645. 7 Carver Street. Granby, MA. (<$)

Later in the day on Saturday, August 27th at 5pm – BIRDS: Interested in learning more about the beaks, wings, feet, and nests of your feathered friends? You can at the DAR State Forest! The program, called All About Birds, will teach kids fun facts about bird life. 413-268-7098. 78 Cape Street. Goshen, MA. (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

MARK YOUR CALENDARS

On Saturday, Sept 3rd from 9:30am-5pm – HISTORY: Family Fun Days at Old Sturbridge Village take place this weekend!  The village is buzzing with fun activities and learning opportunities for families, and there will be fireworks tonight!  800-SEE-1830.  1 Old Sturbridge Village Road.  Sturbridge, MA.  ($)

Beginning next Sunday, Sept 4th from 10am-5pm – CORN MAZE: Visit Warner Farm’s corn maze- the one and only original!  There are tons of activities at the farm besides the maze, too!  413-665-8331. 23 South Main Street.  Sunderland, MA.  ($)

BULLETIN BOARD

CIRCUS ARTS CLASSES: A new session of weekday kid’s circus classes will begin on September 12th at SHOW Circus Studio in Easthampton. We will work on trapeze, fabric, juggling, tumbling, human pyramids, tight wire, rolla bolla, globe and more. Circus is a great way to increase self esteem, have fun, get in shape, improve focus and learn new skills. Classes for students new to circus will be held on Tuesdays (Ages 5-7, 4-5pm and ages 8+, 5-6pm). A teen class will be held on Thursdays (ages 12-15, 5-6pm). Continuing students are able to choose from classes on Thursdays (age 5-7, 4-5pm), Level 2 classes on Monday (ages 7-11, 3:30-4:30pm), or the Level 3 classes on Mondays & Wednesdays (ages 8+, 4:30-6pm). Registration is available online at www.showcircusstudio.com.

SPONSORSHIP & ADVERTISING: Reach thousands of families in Western MA while supporting the work of Hilltown Families. Let us help get the word out about your event, camp, workshop, fundraiser, business or announcement. Find out more about our Enhanced Publicity options and how we can help with your marketing.

PreK SOCCER PLAYDATE: Interested in a morning pickup soccer playdate for your preK kids during the weekday? Angela Mulkerin is organizing an informal soccer playdate in the Florence/Northampton area for kids up through 4yo and their parent/caregiver.  Once a week (beginning the week of Sept 5th) parents and their kids can come together to kick around the soccer ball, working on cooperation skills and “playing nice.” Anyone who is interested can email Angela at angelamulkerin@gmail.com.

Amanda Saklad writes, “I would like to start a clothing swap – any interest? or is there one already going somewhere? I have size 5 boys and size 8-10 girls clothes to offer, and I am needing size 12-14 boys and size 12-14 girls. any suggestions? I don’t (and can’t) buy new school wardrobes for the kiddos.” Leave comments HERE.

VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY: It Takes a Village is offering a volunteer training!  The organization works to help support families during their first three months with a newborn baby– It Takes a Village supports a community approach to raising children.  Volunteers are placed with families and make home visits once a week to help with household tasks like dishes and meals, spend time with older children, etc.  There will be two training sessions, both of which will have free childcare.  For more information, visit itavillage.com or call 413-634-5431.

HOME BUYING: Are you hoping to soon be a first-time home buyer?  Are you overwhelmed or confused by all there is to know about all the steps there are to take before a house is actually yours to call home?  The Hilltown CDC is hosting a series of free workshops for those interested in buying their first home- the workshops are intended to ease confusion and to help answer questions and boost home-buying confidence!  There will be speakers including a realtor, lender, home inspector, attorney, and an insurance agent- all of whom can offer a wealth of information!  The workshops will take place from 6-8:30 on September 13th, 14th, 20th, and 21st at the Cummington Community House.  To register, call 413-296-4536.

HILLTOWN FAMILY VARIETY SHOW: Guest DJ, Nick Deysher

Nick Deysher guest DJs the Hilltown Family Variety Show this weekend, spinning tunes by The Flannery Brothers, Livingston Taylor, The Jimmies, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Recess Monkey, Ivan Ulz, and many others, including music by his own band, In the Nick of Time.

Tune in every Saturday from 9-10am. Encore episodes are aired every Sunday from 7-8am. Families have several ways to tune in to the Hilltown Family Variety Show:

• Streaming Audio: Surf on over to ValleyFreeRadio.org on Saturday & Sunday mornings and listen to us live via streaming audio.
• On Your FM Dial: Tune in to WXOJ 103.3FM if you live near Northampton, MA.
• Podcast: Listen to the most recent episodes of the Hilltown Family Variety Show anytime you wish! Click here to see our current select of episodes, and be sure to subscribe to our podcast too!

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LIST OF WEEKLY SUGGESTED EVENTS:
Aug 27th-Sep 2nd, 2011

Saturday • Sunday
Monday • Tuesday • Wednesday • Thursday • Friday

Suggest an Event | Forecast | Museum Passes | Farmers’ Markets | Weekly eNewsletter

Events Happening in the Hilltowns | ♦ On-going Events

Saturday, Aug 27th, 2011

“I love to visit some of the wonderful farms and farmers in our area. A favorite day might include stopping at the Greenfield Farmers' Market to visit vendors and see friends, then heading on to Quonquont Farm in Whately to pick peaches. After that, a trip through Deerfield to visit Annie’s and look at pots and plants and see what’s coming up for fall, maybe the hayrides have started.” - Jessica Larkin (Bernardston, MA)

6-10am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) offers 4-hours of commercial-free family programing every Saturday, including the Hilltown Family Variety Show and Spare the Rock. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org

8am-9:30pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: It’s Old Fashioned Fair Day at the Cummington Fair!  Special events include a roast beef lunch, yo-yo and magic shows, live music, horse shows, an antique tractor parade, and kids’ activities! 413-634-5091.  97 Fairground Road.  Cummington, MA.  ($) [UPDATE: Cummington Fair gates close this evening at 6pm and will be closed on Sunday. Exhibitors can pick up their entries on Monday anytime between 9-11am or 5-7pm.]

8am-5:30pm – COMMUNITY CELEBRATION: Old Home Days on the Warwick Town Common. Tage sale, games, Chinese auction, parade (10am), open mic, hayrides, puppet show (at library at 5pm), church supper, and a labyrinth walk (71 Athol Rd.) Warwick, MA

9am – ASTRONOMY: The Connecticut River Valley Astronomer’s Conjunction is today at Northfield Mountain!  There will be tons of opportunities to learn about astronomy throughout the day, including a round table discussion (for older kids), a chance to view the sun through a specially filtered telescope, and nighttime astronomical observations (beginning at 8pm).  800-859-2960.  99 Millers Falls Road.  Northfield, MA.  (FREE)

9am – BIKE RIDE: Take a bike ride to the Dinosaur Footprints in Holyoke!  The ride begins at the Holyoke Farmers’ Market and is best for slightly older rides- it will be between 6 and 8 miles.  Don’t worry- you’ll be back in time to buy some local produce.  413-532-1631.  4 Open Square Way.  Holyoke, MA.  (FREE)

9am – NATURE STUDIES: Athol Bird and Nature Club will meet at the Millers River Environmental Center to begin an outdoor adventure to look for damselflies and dragonflies. Bring lunch, net, shoes to get wet. 978-413-1772. 100 Main St. Athol, MA (FREE)

10am – SEWING: To celebrate the opening of Stitch Lounge (launched by Smith and Sargent Handbags), there will be three free sewing classes!  Participants will learn to make one of three different bags at each class- this week’s bag is a grocery tote!  The class is technically for all ages, but kids must be able to use a sewing machine.  Pre-registration required.  413-320-5108.  97 Main Street.  Charlemont, MA.  (FREE)

10am-2pm – BACK-TO-SCHOOL: Celebrate back-to-school with Springfield Public Schools at Blunt Park!  Free backpacks and school supplies will be distributed to the first 3,000 students to attend.  There will be fun activities and a barbecue!  413-787-7908.  2460 Roosevelt Avenue.  Springfield, MA.  (FREE)

11am – BASEBALL: Celebrate minor league baseball month by seeing a game!  This evening, the Pittsfield Colonials take on the Newark Bears at Waconah Park.  413-236-2691.  105 Wahconah Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  ($) (Originally scheduled for 7pm. Move to early time due to Hurricane Irene)

11am-1pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURES: Explore the Chesterfield Gorge today with guides from the Trustees of Reservations!  Learn all about the things that live in and around the Westfield River!  Dress for getting wet.  413-532-1631.  River Road.  West Chesterfield, MA.  (<$)

11am-1pm – ART & POETRY: Visit the William Cullen Bryant Homestead this morning for a program on writing haiku and ink printing on rice paper before heading to the Cummington Fair!  Participants will use inspiration found in nature to produce writing and artwork.  Registration required.  413-634-2244.  207 Bryant Road.  Cummington, MA.  (<$)

12noon-1pm – GEOLOGY STUDIES: A rock is just a rock, right?  Wrong!  Learn all about what rocks are made of, how they are formed, and how to identify different types at Skinner State Park!  Meet at the picnic area at the Summit House.  413-586-0350.  195 Skinner State Park Road.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

12noon – 5pm – TOMATO FESTIVAL: Visit Red Fire Farm for their annual amazing Tomato Festival!  The event begins with the Tomato 5K at 10:30, followed by live music, workshops, food from guest chefs, kids activities, vendors, and tomato tasting all afternoon!  Local music, local artists, local food!  413-467-7645.  7 Carver Street.  Granby, MA.  (<$)

3-4pm – LOCAL HISTORY: The Summit House at Skinner State Park is located high atop a mountain.  Guests to the house didn’t want to carry all of their things up the hill, so they used a tram!  The tram is no longer there, but you can learn all about the history of the Summit House and the tram at the park this afternoon!  413-586-0350.  195 Skinner State Park Road.  South Hadley, MA.  (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

5pm – BIRDS: Interested in learning more about the beaks, wings, feet, and nests of your feathered friends?  You can tonight at the DAR State Forest!  The program, called All About Birds, will teach kids fun facts about bird life.  413-268-7098.  78 Cape Street.  Goshen, MA.  (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

5:30pm – GRANGE FAIR: The Shelburne Grange’s fair is this evening!  Experience some local culture and help support the Grange!  Little Mohawk Road.  Shelburne Falls, MA.  (FREE)

6pm – ARTS AND CRAFTS: Make some unique creations out of recycled materials at the Nature Center at the DAR State Forest!  There are no instructions- just use your creativity!  413-268-7098.  78 Cape Street.  Goshen, MA.  (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

7-9pm – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Sit around a campfire and hear (and tell) some great campfire stories at the DAR State Forest!  There will be an activity (best for kids ages 3-8) that includes glow-in-the-dark elements, so be sure to stay until it’s dark.  413-268-7098.  78 Cape Street.  Goshen, MA. (FREE) (CANCELED DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

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Sunday, Aug 28th, 2011

"I think I just had my favorite day! A chill morning at home with my little girls, then lunch at Musante (Leeds, MA) and some swimming/playing… then off to Scottie’s in Leeds for ice cream (we are trying to hit as many different ice cream places as we can this summer- and this was a new one for us- YUM!) and then some golf - very entertaining to watch a 4yo and a 7yo give golf a try- they did great! Home for dinner with fresh sun kissed faces. Yum again!" - Danielle Clough (Northampton, MA)

7-8am – FAMILY RADIO: Valley Free Radio (WXOJ-LP 103.3FM Northampton, MA) airs encores the Hilltown Family Variety Show every Sunday morning. Tune in on your FM dial, or listen live via streaming audio at www.valleyfreeradio.org

8am – WOMEN’S TRAIL RUN: Women of all levels are invited to a weekly trial run along the Westfield River. Walkers welcomed too. 413-296-4753 West Chesterfield, MA (FREE)

8am-8pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: If you haven’t made it to the Cummington Fair yet, today is your last chance!  Special events today include an antique car show, the tractor olympics, magic shows, a turkey dinner, horse shows, and more!  413-634-5091. 97 Fairground Road.  Cummington, MA.  ($) [UPDATE: Cummington Fair closed today due to Hurricane Irene. Exhibitors can pick up their entries on Monday anytime between 9-11am or 5-7pm.]

10:30am – HISTORY: See life through the eyes of a young shaker today at Hancock Shaker Village!  Kids will learn what life would have been like had they been Shakers- they will learn about everything from chores and school to games and entertainment!  413-443-0188.  1843 West Housatonic Street.  Pittsfield, MA.  ($) (CLOSED TODAY DUE TO HURRICANE IRENE)

8pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Watch “The Incredibles” outdoors on the memorial lawn in Dalton!  Enjoy the last of the warm summer evenings under the stars.  413-684-0260.  Dalton, MA.  (FREE)

PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT

8pm – THEATER: The Chester Theater Company presents, “Wittenberg,” a comedic combination tragedy and comedy.  413-534-7771.  15 Middlefield Road.  Chester, MA.  ($$)

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Monday, Aug 29th 2011

“Early morning hike with our three girls up to the radio towers on Mt. Tom, followed by breakfast at Sylvester’s (Northampton, MA). An afternoon of apple picking at an organic farm followed by a backyard fire and music.” - Eileen Hamel (Southampton, MA)

6:30pm – CHILDRENS’ CONCERT: Mister G will perform tonight at the Goodwin Library to celebrate the end of summer!  Mister G is a popular (and local!) children’s musician whose silly lyrics and upbeat songs are entertaining for the whole family.  There will be free treats and fun for all.  413-586-3031.  239 River Drive.  Hadley, MA.  (FREE)

7:30pm – GHOST TOUR: Explore The Mount… in the creepiest way possible!  The tour takes visitors through the most haunted parts of the mansion- you’re sure to be scared.  Reservations suggested, as tours frequently sell out in advance.  2 Plunkett Street.  413-551-5111.  Lenox, MA.  ($)  ♦

 MONDAY STORYHOURS

• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Hear some great stories with Ellie in the Forbes Library Children’s Department!  20 West Street.  413-587-1011.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE)  ♦

MONDAY ONGOING ACTIVITIES (call ahead to confirm)

• 3-5pm – LEGOS: Kids can participate in Lego BrickWars at the Forbes Library, the game that combines Lego building with a fantasy land of chaos and destruction.  Open to kids ages 7-10.  Materials provided.  20 West Street.  413-587-1011.  Northampton, MA.  (FREE) 
• 7:30pm – GHOST TOUR: Explore The Mount… in the creepiest way possible!  The tour takes visitors through the most haunted parts of the mansion- you’re sure to be scared.  Reservations suggested, as tours frequently sell out in advance.  2 Plunkett Street.  413-551-5111.  Lenox, MA.  ($)  ♦

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Tuesday, Aug 30th, 2011

"We’ve gotten great restaurant and u-pick farm information from Hilltown Families. And lots of great kids activities, too!" - Tanya Lieberman (Florence, MA)

4-9:30pm – TRANSPERFORMANCE: Northampton’s own Transperformance 2011 is tonight at Look Park!  Performers such as Prince, Duke Ellington, the Kingsmen, and Elton John will be covered by local musicians and Major Higgins will make an appearance as Lady Gaga!  Gates open at 3.  North Main Street.  Florence, MA.  ($)

6:30pm – LAWN CONCERT: Musical Moments in Amelia’s Garden with Cory & The Knightsmen Band. Bring the family, picnic and enjoy the beautiful garden. Held inside if rain. 413-568-2503. 21 South Broad St. Westfield, MA (FREE)

TUESDAY ONGOING ACTIVITIES (Call to confirm before attending)

• 10:30-11:30am – SCIENCE: Hands-on learning time about natural science at Kidleidescope, the Great Falls Discover Center’s weekly children’s learning program! There is a new theme each week. 2 Avenue A. 413-863-3221. Turners Falls, MA. (FREE) ♦
  
• 2:15pm – MOVIE: Baby-friendly movie screening at the Amherst Cinema. Amherst, MA ($) ♦

TUESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: The Northampton Parents’ Center’s playgroup will take place at the playground at Bridge Street School! 2 Parsons Street. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PLAYGROUP: The Easthampton Family Center’s summer playgroup will take place today at Nonotuck Park! In case of rain, playgroup will be moved inside to the Flywheel. 30 Lownds Avenue. 413-529-1440. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10-11am – PLAYGROUP: Childcare of the Berkshires’ Tuesday Preschool Group is a playground safari during the summer months! Children ages 2 ½ -5 are welcome to join in the fun, and the group will meet at a different local playground each week. Call the Family Resource Center to find out where this week’s meeting is. 413-664-4821. North Adama, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10am – PLAYGROUP: It’s Toddler Time at the North Adams Public Library! Bring your little ones for stories and playtime. 74 Church Street. 413-662-3133. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦

TUESDAY  STORYHOURS (call ahead to confirm)

• 10-11am – STORYTIME: Take pre-k kids to preschool story hour at the Greenfield Public Library! There will be stories, songs, and craft time. 402 Main Street. 413-772-1544. Greenfield, MA (FREE) ♦
• 11-11:30am – STORYTIME: Toddler Story Time for kids 2-3yo at the Lenox Library. Sing songs, finger plays and listen to stories. Play time follows the story half hour. 413-637-0197 x105 Lenox, MA (FREE)♦

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Wednesday, Aug 31st, 2011

“As a teacher who is so lucky to be home with my babies in the summer I constantly reaped the benefits of Hilltown Families with the weekly events that were highlighted! What a great resource to have at my fingertips, with all of the great things to do in the valley in one place!! Thank you, thank you, thank you!” - Kristy Dyer (Hatfield, MA)

WEDNESDAY ONGOING ACTIVITIES

• 11am – HOMESCHOOL: Join other homeschoolers in the Berkshires at the old Stockbridge Plain School Park (new town hall) for a day at the park. BYO picnic and equipment for a game of softball and tennis. Main Street. Stockbridge, MA (FREE)
  4:30pm – YO-YO: Yo-Yo School at A2Z. Come visit yo-yo school and learn to yo-yo for free with A2Z. Northampton, MA (FREE)♦
• 7-8pm – OUTDOOR CONCERT: Visit Lilac Park for live outdoor music! Bring your own seating, and maybe even a picnic! Main Street. Lenox, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 7:30pm – CONCERT: It’s Watermelon Wednesday at the West Whately Chapel! See performers from different genres every week. Conway and Williamsburg Roads. Whately, MA. ($$) ♦

WEDNESDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Informal playgroup at Pentigill Park (behind firehouse). Cummington, MA (FREE)

WEDNESDAY STORYHOURS (call ahead to confirm)

• 10am – STORYTIME: Preschool Storytime at the North Adams Public Library! 74 Church Street. 413-662-3133. North Adams, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Featured books, crafts and visitors for preK kids at the Leverett Library, lead by Georgie Schmid. 413-548-9220 75 Montague Rd. Leverett, MA (FREE)♦
• 10-11am – STORYTIME: Head to the Greenfield Public Library for Sunshine Storytime, which includes stories, songs, and playtime! 402 Main Street. 413-772-1544. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am – STORYTIME: Visit the Odyssey Bookshop for storytime! Picture books new and old will be read, and the stories will be followed by an activity. 9 College Street. 413-534-7307. South Hadley, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 4-5pm – STORYTIME: Head to the North Amherst Library for preschool storytime! 8 Montague Road. 413-259-3099. North Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦

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Thursday, Sep 1st, 2011

"When you travel you think to find out about all the interesting places to visit; sometimes you forget to look around in your own backyard. Hilltown Families is a wonderful resource that reminds me of all the fun things to do right here in the valley." - Heather LaPenn

5pm – PARENTS’ NIGHT OUT: Have dinner and see a show at Elmer’s!  Tonight’s dinner is pulled pork with slaw and salad(s), which pairs perfectly with the live music- Cajun fiddlers Joel Savoy and David Greeley!  The Savoys are well-known for their excellent fiddling- don’t miss this event!  Dinner is at 5, and the music begins at 7.  413-628-4003.  396 Main Street.  Ashfield, MA.  ($$)

THURSDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 9:30-11:30am – PLAYGROUP: Visit Look Park for the Northampton Parents’ Center’s informal playgroup! Meet at the playground for casual playtime. 300 North Main Street. Florence, MA. (FREE) ♦

THURSDAY STORYHOURS (call ahead to confirm)

• 10-11am – STORYTIME: Head to the Greenfield Public Library for Sunshine Storytime, which includes stories, songs, and playtime! 402 Main Street. 413-772-1544. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: Head to the Jones Library for preschool storytime! 43 Amity Street. 413-259-3090. Amherst, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11-11:45am – PREK STORY/CRAFT: Kids ages three to five can come to the Lenox Library Association for stories, songs and follow-along activities followed by a craft related to the story. 413-637-0197 x105 Lenox, MA (FREE) ♦
• 6:30pm – STORYTIME: Visit the North Adams Public Library for evening youth storytime and crafts! 74 Church Street. 413-662-3133. North Adams, MA. ♦

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Friday, Sep 2nd 2011

"Hilltown Families tells us the best places to go – we moved to the area almost two years ago and without this resource, we’d NEVER know the best places to go!" - Amanda Sakladt

9:30am – BREASTFEEDING – La Leche League of Northampton meets first Friday of every month. Topics cover breastfeeding benefits, nutrition and weaning, home care of your infant, and support. 413-570-0684 150 Main St. 3rd Floor. Northampton, MA (FREE)

11am – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: The Three County Fair begins today!  There are tons of things to see and do all day (and into the night) including an antique tractor show, racing pigs, a circus, the demolition derby, and battle of the bands!  413-584-2237.  Route 9.  Northampton, MA.  ($)

3-9pm – AGRICULTURAL FAIR: There’s tons of fun to be had tonight at the Blandford Fair!  Attractions this evening include an art show, petting zoo, giant pumpkin display, an organ concert, truck pulls, and live music!  413-848-0995.  10 North Street.  Blandford, MA.  ($)

5pm – NATURE STUDIES: Visit the DAR State Forest to learn all about monarchs, the king of butterflies!  Learn what the butterflies eat, the plants it lives on and around, and what its colors mean.  413-268-7098.  78 Cape Street.  Goshen, MA.  (FREE)

7pm – FAMILY MOVIE: Make some popcorn and head to the DAR State Forest for a nature movie!  413-268-7098.  78 Cape Street.  Goshen, MA.  (FREE)

FRIDAY ONGOING ACTIVITIES (Call to confirm before attending)

• 10am – TYKE HIKE: Family hike for families with kids ages 8yo and under at Mount Greylock State Reservation. Hike and story time. Wear appropriate footwear and clotheS. Bring snack and water. Meet at visitor center. 30 Rockwell Rd. 413-499-4262 Lanesborough, MA (FREE)♦
• 10-11am – OUTDOOR ADVENTURE: Join Owl and Raven for Talon Team, an hour-long adventure during which attendees will learn about ancient living that are still useful today and help us be more connected to the Earth. 2 Conz Street (Maplewood Shops). 413-341-3581. Northampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 1pm – ANIMAL STUDIES: Visit the Berkshire Museum for a special tour of the exhibit, “Geckos: Tails to Toepads.” The exhibit offers visitors the opportunity to learn all about geckos- and it fits nicely into PBS’s All About Lizards lesson plan. (Keep your kids learning all summer!). 39 South Street. 413-443-7171. Pittsfield, MA. ($) ♦

FRIDAY PLAYGROUPS

• 10am – PLAYGROUP: The Easthampton Family Center’s summer playgroup will take place today at Nonotuck Park! In case of rain, playgroup will be moved inside to the Flywheel. 30 Lownds Avenue. 413-529-1440. Easthampton, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 2-4pm – PLAYGROUP: Homeschoolers are invited to a playgroup at the Worthington Town Hall! Bring an activity to share and get ready for fun! Route 112. Call to confirm: 413-238-4424. Worthington, MA. (FREE)

FRIDAY STORYHOURS (call ahead to confirm)

• 10am – STORYTIME: Take little ones to pre-school storycraft time at the Stockbridge Library! 46 Main Street. 413-298-5501. Stockbridge, MA. (FREE)
• 10:30-11:30am – STORYTIME: Great Falls Discover Center hosts a story hour for kids 3-6yo. Held the 4th Friday of every month. 413-863-3221 2 Avenue A. Turners Falls, MA (FREE)
• 10:30am – STORYTIME: The Milne Public Library hosts story time for twos! The program lasts between 20 and 30 minutes (just right for little ones) and consists of stories, fingerplay, and music! 1095 Main Street. 413-458-5369. Williamstown, MA. (FREE)
• 11am – STORYTIME: Visit the Sunderland Public Library for preschool storytime! Ages 3-5 are invited to attend. Stories will be accompanied by crafts! 20 School Street. 413-665-2642. Sunderland, MA. (FREE) ♦
• 11am-12noon – STORYTIME: Mother Goose on the Loose lap-sit storyhour is this morning at the Greenfield Public Library! Kids under 3 and their parent(s) are invited to an interactive storytime that includes fun rhymes and songs to learn. 402 Main Street. 413-772-1544. Greenfield, MA. (FREE) ♦

FRIDAY SUPPORT GROUPS

• 6:30-8:30pm – POSTPARTUM: GROW (Gathered Resources of Women) holds a postpartum support group for mothers looking for a safe a confidential space in which to discuss their experiences. Held at the Readfield House Community Room. 48 Elizabeth Street. Pittsfield, MA. (DONATION) ♦