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Westfield on Weekends celebrates colonial harvest

By Katelyn Gendron

Reminder Assistant Editor



WESTFIELD Today's hustle and bustle of big box stores and restaurant chains in this city is a far cry from the quaint colonial town of Westfield founded in 1669.

For its first 150 years, this town was primarily devoted to agriculture until the evolution of industry in the 19th century. For the fifth consecutive year, Westfield on Weekends (WOW) will celebrate this city's agricultural heritage and embracing autumn during Colonial Harvest Day on Sept. 27.

From 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., a series of events will take place on and around the Green that will transform the area back to the colonial era.

"Colonial Harvest Day brings people of all ages together from throughout Westfield and the hill towns, helps to showcase the rich history of our city, the many creative and artistic talents we are so fortunate to have in our midst, and gives people a chance to celebrate the wonderful community spirit we have here in Westfield," Christopher Lindquist, co-chair of Colonial Harvest Day, said.

Lindquist noted this year is the largest event ever, featuring more activities for children as well as additional historical tours, and craft and food vendors.

The Green, or Commons as it was called in colonial times, will be home to a Revolutionary War encampment of re-enactors from the 25th Continental Regiment who fought at the Battle of Saratoga in 1777. The regiment will also be policing the area for unlawful citizens punishable by time in the stocks.

Colonial Harvest Day will also feature as series of performances on the grounds of the Athenaeum, including the Small Planet Dancers at 10 a.m., the Pioneer Valley Fiddlers at 11:10 a.m., Woodford Way at noon, the Blue Lights at 1:10 and 2:10 p.m., and the Two Main Trio featuring Matt Garstka and Jo Sallins at 3 p.m.

A multitude of other events will be taking place around the Green, including colonial craft demonstrations at With Heart and Hand, 51 Court St., horse-drawn hay wagon rides from the Athenaeum to City Hall, a historical walking tour of downtown at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., and tours of the Mechanic Street Cemetery from noon to 4 p.m.

The former Goose Lane Antiques at 47 Court St., will be the setting for several activities including a performance of "The Courage of Sarah Noble" by the Westfield Theatre Group at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m., as well as a talk about colonial tavern life titled "Taverns, Tippling and Gentlemen Topers."

The Boys and Girls Library will also have colonial craft activities for children and the "Captain Abner Gibbs Schoolhouse," will be hosting a variety of children's games from the period from noon 2 p.m.

After the day's finale of the Native American drum circle on the Green, the First Congregational Church, 18 Broad St., will be hosting a colonial harvest dinner at 5:30 p.m. Cost is 12 for adults at $6 for children.

"This is one of my favorite [WOW] events and this year it really has blossomed into a community event," Bob Plasse, president of WOW, said. "People can have a taste of all Westfield has to offer."

Lindquist noted that those attending events are also encouraged to come in their best colonial outfit as a prize will be awarded for the best dressed.

The autumn celebration will not end with Colonial Harvest Day, however. This day's events will serve as a kick off to Harvest Days in the District from now until Oct. 31.

For a complete calendar of events during Colonial Harvest Day and Harvest Days in the District visit WOW's Web site at www.westfieldonweekends.org.

In the event of rain, Colonial Harvest Day will take place on Sept. 28 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.