Is there anything that beats the fall in New England? Actually, I could say the same for every season here, except the unofficial mud season (but even that has its perks as it means spring is close).
And like every season in the Upper Valley, there are trends in events that show themselves. As strawberry supper summers fade, turkey dinners take their place. Fairs are nudged aside by holiday bazaars, farmers markets go indoors and musical performances switch from open fields to concert halls.
Lucky for us, this coming weekend meets all those needs and more.
One event that has particularly caught my eye is a “full moon rising” talk and demonstration taking place at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock. Area astronomer Rob Hanson leads the program, which is free to attend. Attendees can use a telescope and astronomical binoculars to view the moon after the talk.
Roast Beef Supper in Thetford:
Turkey Supper in White River Junction: Nov. 4, 4:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m. Turkey supper with homemade pie. Take-out is available. Call after 1 p.m. $6-$10. Preschoolers free. United Methodist Church, 106 Gates St. 802-295-7091.
Spaghetti Dinner in Piermont: Nov. 4, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Spaghetti, homemade sauce, bread, homemade dessert and a beverage. Hosted by the Piermont Village School 7th and 8th graders to fund their trip to Washington D.C. $5-$10. Piermont Village School, 131 Route 10. 603-630-5901.
Red Flannel Hash Supper in Woodstock: Nov. 4, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Red flannel hash, baked beans, coleslaw, dark breads, pickles, cider and pie. $6-$12. Unitarian Universalist Church, 7 Church St. 802-457-2557.
Ham and Bean Supper in Bethel: Nov. 4, 5 p.m. Benefits the church deacon’s fund. Take-out is available. $5-$10. The White Church, 129 Church St. 802-234-9852.
Pot Roast Dinner in Cornish: Nov. 4, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. All-you-can-eat traditional meal of pot roast, potatoes, gravy, red cabbage, another vegetable, rolls and dessert. $6-$12. Preschoolers free. United Church of Cornish, 403 Center Road. 603-542-8546.
Chicken Pie Supper in Canaan: Nov. 4, 5 p.m.-7 p.m. A fundraiser for the Cardigan Mountain Bobcats 4-H Club. $5-$10. 3 and under free. 4-H Clubhouse, Route 4. 603-632-4037.
Soup and Chowder Supper in Fairlee: Nov. 4, 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. A variety of soups, salad, rolls, beverages and desserts. Admission is by donation. Fairlee Community Church of Christ, Route 5. 802-333-9507.
St. Helena Community Dinner in Enfield: Nov. 5, 3:30 p.m. Includes a hot meal, vegetable, bread, drink and dessert. Free. St. Helena Church hall, 38 Shaker Hill Road. 603-632-4263.
“Christmas Market With a Difference” in Hanover:
Holiday Bazaar in Bradford, Vt.:
Weathersfield School Craft Fair: Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. A variety of local crafters and vendors. Weathersfield School, 135 Schoolhouse Road. 802-376-4033.
Craft Bazaar and Bake Sale in Dorchester: Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Work by local artists in everything from fiber to wood, as well as homemade baked goods and hot lunch ($5). All proceeds fund the Dorchester Grange holiday party for kids. Dorchester Town Hall, 24 Town House Road. 603-523-7658.
Christmas Bazaar in Plainfield: Nov. 4, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Corn chowder, baked beans, hot dogs, many raffle items and door prizes. Sponsored by Blow-Me-Down Grange. Plainfield Town Hall, 1079 Route 12A. 603-675-9137.
Cardigan Mountain Art Association Artisan Fair in Enfield: Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and Nov. 5, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Local artisans sell handcrafted wares including art, photography, stained glass, jewelry, wood carvings, quilts and cards. Raffle and baked goods sale. Enfield Community Center, 308 Route 4. 603-632-5026.
Holiday Vendor Fair in Pomfret: Nov. 5, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Shop over 15 vendors in direct sales and homemade goods. Prosper Valley School, 1071 Pomfret Road. 802-457-2067.
“Run for Pie” 5K Run/Walk in Grantham: Nov. 4, 9:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Run a 5K or walk two miles to fight hunger in the community. Bring a non-perishable food item donation. Registration begins at 9:30 a.m.; event starts at 11. Pre-register at runreg.com/run-for-pie-5k. $15-$36. South Cove Activity Center, 25 Road Round the Lake. 603-863-6772.
Smith Pond Inaugural Hike in Enfield: Nov. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Upper Valley Land Trust hosts a moderately strenuous hike on a new trail to the pond and back again. Bring sturdy boots, water and a bag lunch. Meet at the parking lot across from Shaker Farm B&B. Free. Smith Pond Shaker Forest Conservation Area, Route 4A. 603-643-6626.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
