Red Apple Farm New England Cider & Strings Festival
PHILLIPSTON – Red Apple Farm is hosting the New England Cider & Strings Festival on June 20 and June 21. As America approaches its 250th anniversary, the farm will host an event that celebrates New England’s history and traditions while highlighting the farm’s historic character. The goal is to give guests the opportunity to step back in time and experience a unique celebration of cider, music, craftsmanship and community.
Guests can spend the day exploring the orchard, enjoying live string music, and experiencing traditional demonstrations, including ox pulls, blacksmithing and timber framing. Visitors can also participate in a themed Hard Cider Passport, browse local vendors offering handmade goods, and enjoy historical presentations by Jane French.
In addition to the festival activities, guests can enjoy karaoke in the Cider Garden on Saturday, June 20, from 5–8 p.m. On Sunday, June 21 Red Apple Farm will host a one-day disc golf tournament on the farm’s newest attraction, offering visitors a unique way to experience the property.
Area resident named to Dean’s List at University of New England
Deanna Smith of Athol has been named to the University of New England’s Dean’s List for the spring semester 2026. Dean’s List students have attained a grade point average of 3.3 or better out of a possible 4.0 at the end of the semester.
Petersham Center School call for craft vendors
PETERSHAM – The 2nd Annual Petersham Center School (PCS) Craft Fair will take place on Saturday, Oct. 24, at the school, 31 Spring St., Petersham.
The craft fair raises funds to cover the cost of the fifth and sixth grade field trip held every spring. The next trip in 2027 will be to the Plimoth Patuxet Museum to learn about its history. The cost of the trip is approximately $3,500. The cost includes tickets, the bus and the expense of a required nurse for the trip.
PCS is looking for craft vendors to share their talents with the community. Organizers can offer the vendors both indoor and outdoor spaces, of which there are 30 of each. The space size is 10 feet by 10 feet and the space fee is $ 30. There are no electrical capabilities. The event will run rain or shine.
Vendors are able to set up either Friday evening from 6 p.m – 7:30 p.m. or Saturday morning as early as 7:30 a.m. Petersham students will be available to help vendors unload and set up if needed. Vendors must supply their own tables, but the school has chairs.
To receive an application, to find out more about the craft fair, and for any questions, contact Lynne Shaw at Lynneshaw@gmail.com.