PETERSHAM — The town’s annual Old Home Day is set for Saturday, Aug. 25, on the Town Common, complete with activities from square dancing, a pumpkin weight-guessing contest and pingpong.
The event is organized each year to celebrate the community and bring residents together. For the first time, this year thanks to Cynthia Henshaw of East Quabbin Land Trust, starting at 11 a.m. a dozen local farmers will offer visitors various prepared tastings of their locally grown goods. Farmers include Rice’s Roots Farm from just down the street of the Town Hall, and Sidehill Farm in Hawley. Rose 32 Bakery of Hardwck will also donate fresh bread for people to enjoy.
Also new this year, Tim Van Egmond of Montague will lead square dancing starting at 2 p.m., organized by the Petersham Grange, while musicians play on the bandstand for some added fun. The event is open to beginners just learning to dance, to seasoned dancers looking to practice their skills.
Community members can also join in various field games on the South Common throughout the day, starting at 11 a.m. Organized by the Petersham Open Space & Recreation Committee, visitors can partake in some friendly competition of badminton, bocce and pingpong. The dunk tank will also make another appearance at Old Home Day this year. For younger residents, activities to join in will be spread around the common.
The Petersham Grange is again set to host their annual Horticultural Fair that judges everything from vegetables to flowers to jams. Those wishing to participate can drop off their entries between 8 to 10:30 a.m. to more than 24 categories with more than 75 classes. The judging will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the top winners will receive the Rev. Gordon Tate Award and the Harry Buell Award.
Grange member Bob Hayward also plans to bring a giant pumpkin for visitors to guess its weight — whoever guesses closest wins the pumpkin.
The Petersham Historical Society on North Main Street will be open during the event and will have a tent set up on the common for residents to peak through photographs, maps and other historical memorabilia. Check out this year’s exhibits and chat with local historians about the town’s history while enjoying all the activities the day has to offer.
The police department, Center School and Montessori School will also be on the common.