PHILLIPSTON – Residents of North Quabbin are invited to a day of celebration as the Congregational Church Phillipston hosts the 62nd Annual Phillipston Bazaar this Saturday, June 8. Festivities get under way promptly at 10 a.m.
There will be plenty of activities for the entire family taking place on and around the town common and nearby Phillipston Memorial School, where there will be what a release publicizing the event referred to as “a huge indoor attic-treasure flea market.”
“That’s always a big draw,” said Peter Haley, one of the event’s organizers. “We’ll be holding that in the school gymnasium.”
“One new event, a very important one,” said Haley, “will be the Ryan 5K Run/Walk, in memory of Ryan Twohey.”
Twohey, a graduate of Narragansett Regional High School, went on to attend Mount Wachusett Community College, the University of Oregon, and Harvard University. He later served on the Narragansett Regional School District School Committee. Twohey died in a car crash in January at the age of 27. An Eagle Scout, Twohey was also a member of the North Quabbin Lodge of Elks, and was co-owner of Lee’s Hot Dog Stand, a popular Baldwinville eatery.
“We’ve had a lot of positive response to the run,” said Haley. “It’s a special event mean to celebrate Ryan’s life. He loved running.”
Another new event, according to Haley, is a balloon drop from the church steeple. Each balloon will contain coupons and a surprise.
Other activities include a baking competition, an art show, and the “always fun” Wheels Parade. There will also be plenty for bargain hunters to enjoy with a book sale, coffee can auction, rummage sale, plant table, and “name your price” furniture, other assorted items, and plenty of toys to choose from. The Ladies Benevolent Society will display their quilt, which will go to the lucky winner of a raffle for the item.
No spring bazaar would be complete without food. There will be a bake table and a baking competition. Various items will be available at the Chuck Wagon throughout the event, and the ever-popular chicken barbecue will take place between 4:30 and 6:30 p.m.
Musical entertainment will help to bring the celebration to a close as Denise Daytonn and her Jazz Quartet play selections from the American songbook from 4:30 to 7 p.m.
There will also be plenty of games for the entertainment of kids of all ages.
“We really start planning this event in January or early February,” explained Haley, “but it really begins to take shape in late April. Actually, the featured jazz quartet was chosen in the fall. That performance is made possible in part by the town’s Cultural Council.
While Haley has been active, along with many other volunteers, in pulling the bazaar together, he said, “I guess you could say my sister Paula is sort of the unofficial chair person of the event, and I’ve been helping her out. My mother, Edna Haley, organized it for many years, but about 10 years ago or so she just wasn’t able to do it any more. Still, so many of the people who were involved then are still active.”
Haley has been a member of the church since he was a young child and currently serves on the Board of Deacons.
The church is served by long-time pastor Rev. Stephanie Flynn. Funds raised by the bazaar are used to support the operation of the church.
For additional details go to www.phillipston.com or contact Karen Gallant at 978.894.6322 or by email at bazaar@phillipston.com. For BBQ tickets contact Peter Haley at 978.697.0891.