Petersham Local NEWS

Planning the 4th of July

Our 4th of July Parade began as a neighbors' walk around the Old Maid's Mile and while it has been growing steadily for a decade, the parade remains an informal affair.

Beth Cummings, who started all of this, said this year's parade will form up in the driveway of the former Nichewaug Inn in time for a 9:45 a.m. or 10 a.m. parade start. Teams of driving horses, horse riders, floats, family groups, old cars and others are scheduled to parade along Common Street, down West Street, over Hardwick road past the elementary school, turn east onto Spring Street and finally north, onto Main Street and returning to the Common.

Larry Poulin of West Road and Roy Nilson from town will both be driving teams in the parade, Beth said. Rolling Thunder, motorcyclists, have called to say they will be in the parade and "I'm sure that others I don't even know about will show up," she said.

The Fourth of July Parade is the only one in the North Quabbin and has been growing in interest and popularity with each passing year.

Disposing of Flags that Have Seen Better Days

Members of American Legion Post 415 conducted a flag burning ceremony for worn out or damaged US flags on the Common recently. The event is held near the flagpole and is the correct way to dispose of old flags.

50th Annual Congregational Church Fair July 12

The Orthodox Congregational Church will hold its 50th annual church fair on the common on July 12 with a clothing sale, baked goods and an auction. The fair is a major fund raiser for the church as advertising is sold for the fair's program book.

Entertainment this year for the fair is Mark Shelton from Vermont. He is a gospel singer, who also sings 50 & 60's music and more. He also sings Elvis songs. He will be singing from 11:30 A.M. to 12:20 P.M. Auction will begin at 1 P.M. We start the fair off with a pancake breakfast for anyone who is hungry around 7:30. Hamburgers, hot dogs ,baked potatoes, wrapped sandwiches, and of course, strawberry shortcake. The many booths will open at 8:30A.M. Penny scramble at 11 for the children. new children's crafts, and the red dog moon jump. Come early, have something to eat and bring your chair to enjoy the entertainer and stay for the auction.

Celebrating and Remembering

IN THE ARCHIVES...

Crimson Acres Draft Horse Driving Clinic 4/24 - Photos

Berry, Liesiuk Finish Fifth in 45th River Rat Event

9th Annual Garlic & Arts Festival

The 9th Annual Garlic & Arts Festival in Orange was held Sept. 15 and 16 to help showcase North Quabbin organic, alternative energy and crafts enterprises. See the photos.

Old Home Day On the Common

The weather stayed cool and dry as Petersham turned out for Old Home Day on the Common and children and adults sampled fresh cider from local apples, visited the petting zoo and alpaca from Colonial Hill Alpaca Farm and caught up with the neighbors.

See More Pictures

49th Fair on the Common Was Bigger, Busier than Ever

The Common was packed with people all day July 14 for the 49th annual Orthodox Congregational Church Country Fair. By noon, people were lined up for hot dogs and hamburgers at the Lion's food trailer, knick knacks and bric a brac, a clothing sale, plants and flowers and used books drew shoppers.

Strawberry shortcake and pastries were on sale alongside activities like the Penny Scramble for kids.

The Fiddling Lasses took over the bandstand to provide music. Paul Varney served as auctioneer.

The Opinion Page | Conserving Land in our Region

Legislature's ’09 Budget Heads to Governor Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced July 3 that the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Conference Committee filed its report for consideration by the House of Representatives and the Senate in full formal sessions....MORE

Legislature's ’09 Budget Heads to Governor

Sen. Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre) announced July 3 that the Fiscal Year 2009 (FY09) Conference Committee filed its report for consideration by the House of Representatives and the Senate in full formal sessions....MORE