The annual Harvest Festival in Sturbridge was this past weekend. Live music, carriage rides, "Train" rides for the children, food from several restaurants in town, craft vendors, and of course, the famous Scarecrow Contest were all part of the festival. We went on both Saturday and Sunday, and although the weather was somewhat colder on Sunday, the chili warmed me up.
Annual events like the Harvest Festival are important for small towns. Timing is important, too. Traditionally, when the work of the planting season is over, and the harvest is done, we can let our hair down, relax, and enjoy the "fruits of our labor". This is why many country fairs occur at the end of summer, and in the fall.
Gatherings like this aren't so much to buy dried flowers from the vendors, or wind chimes made from whiskey bottles, they are a chance to reconnect with the village. The rush of the summer is over; vacations are memories, summer projects completed, and the kids are back to school. Finally, we can gather the clan, pile into the car and head to the Common to seek out those we have missed for the past few months.
One last meeting before the holidays creep in and take over our lives, and winter settles around us causing us to hunker down til Spring.
We met some folks that we had not seen in a very long time on the Common over the weekend. We caught up with what they've been up to, remarked how their children have grown, and celebrated their successes.
It was a good, and necessary break from the routine, and allowed us to restock on hand salve made from bee's wax, maple syrup made just up the street, and see friends we've not seen in some time.
Good times.
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