Red Apple Farm Sunflower Festival

PHILLIPSTON – Sunflower season is one of New England’s brightest summer traditions, and there’s no better place to celebrate than Red Apple Farm’s Sunflower Festival Weekends. Held over two weekends, Aug. 8–9 and Aug. 15–16, the festival features live music, hands-on crafts, farm-fresh treats, and family-friendly activities that celebrate peak late-summer sunshine.

Guests can learn how to build the perfect sunflower arrangement during a special daily flower demonstration presented with MacMannis Florist & Greenhouses, design sunny keepsakes, hop into old-fashioned farm games, or listen to live music on both the Brew Barn and Cidery stages all day long.

Red Apple Farm has also added a Little Free Library. It’s a fun, cozy feature for community members of all ages, stocked with local book donations ranging from thrillers and fantasy to gardening guides and kids’ stories. Visitors are invited to bring a book, leave a book, and grab a special Red Apple Farm sunflower bookmark before finding a spot under the Cider Garden trees to relax and read.

Festival schedule

  • 10 a.m. – Festival begins
  • 12 p.m. – Sunflower bouquet demo with MacMannis Florist (Cider Garden)
  • All day – Live music on the Brew Barn & Cider Stages
  • All day – Family activities and Little Free Library reading spot

Other festival highlights include:

  • What Makes You Bloom Affirmation Wall
  • Wooden Bumblebee & Butterfly Coloring Station
  • Sunflower Rock Painting
  • Burlap Sack Races
  • Sunflower Coloring Pages

Open House Sunday: Learn about dragonflies

ATHOL – Come visit the Millers River Environmental Center on Sunday, Aug. 23, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Feel free to stop by to wander the halls of the MREC and view our museum and exhibits. Dave Small and Bonnie Benjamin will have a program about dragonflies with activities for children. Location: 100 Main St, Athol.

Early voting in Winchendon

WINCHENDON – In-person early voting schedule for the Sept. 1 state primary will be held in the second floor auditorium at Town Hall, 109 Front St., Winchendon as follows:

  • Saturday, Aug. 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
  • Monday, Aug. 24, 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  • Tuesday, Aug. 25, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Wednesday, Aug. 26, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
  • Thursday, Aug. 27, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.