Annual turkey raffle
The Harvard Fire-EMS Association will host its annual turkey raffle Friday, Nov. 14, 7 to 10 p.m., at the fire station, 13 Ayer Road. Free admission, and everyone who attends will be entered for the door prize. Participation is only 25 cents per round, and nearly 100 turkeys plus dozens of other prizes will be given away. This event is a small town tradition and perfect for every age group; arrive early to get a seat. Free cider and popcorn.
At the library
The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road. For the full calendar of events and to register for events, visit harvardpubliclibraryorg/services/events.
Children’s programs
Exhibit: “Celebrations Around the World” features the Mexican remembrance holiday of Day of the Dead. On view through November in the children’s room.
Sensory playtime, all ages, best for under 6. Saturday, Nov. 15, 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
Challenge trivia duels, families, ages 7 and older. Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.
Paws and read, grades K-6, Wednesday, Nov 19. Read to therapy dogs. Appointments at 3:45, 4:05, and 4:25 p.m.
Nutcracker story time, grades pre-K through 5, Saturday, Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m. Dancers in costume will read aloud “The Nutcracker.”
Teen programs
Teen after-school movie and treat, grades 6-12, Thursday, Nov. 20, 11:45 a.m.
Adult programs
Cookbook club, Tuesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m. Browse a cookbook and bring a dish for potluck.
Brown bag book club, Wednesday, Nov. 19, noon.
Children’s literature book discussion group for grown-ups, Thursday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. Book is “The Gate, The Girl, and the Dragon” by Grace Lin.
At Fivesparks
- Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.
- Exhibit “Overheard in the Orchard,” Ellen Harasimowicz, Linda Hoffman, and Ariel Matisse. On view through Nov. 15.
- Building with gingerbread, free demonstration. Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 to 3 p.m.
- Book event, Linda Hoffman and Ellen Harasimowicz will discuss “Overheard in the Orchard.” Saturday, Nov. 15, 4 to 6 p.m.
- Felt a snowman, Thursday, Nov. 20, 12:45 to 2:30 p.m. (school half day)
- Snapology: mining and building, Thursday, Nov. 20, 1 to 4 p.m. (school half day)
- Felt a fall scene, Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30 to 8:15 p.m.
- Upcoming exhibit “Becoming,” Judith Schutzman. Opens Saturday, Nov. 22.
- Make a stained glass gingerbread house. Sunday, Nov. 23, 1 to 3:30 p.m.
- Snapology: full day winter themed robotics, “Polar Express.” Wednesday, Nov. 26, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Miniature game day at Fort Devens Museum
Go back in time and rewrite history at the Fort Devens Museum, 94 Jackson Road, Devens, Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m. Join miniature war games depicting battles from history and fantasy, and see how your moves might affect the outcomes. Players of all ages are welcome; no experience necessary. See details at fortdevensmuseum.org/events.
Learn to process poultry
The Goose and Hen farm will offer a class on poultry processing Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 to 4 p.m., at 85 Old Littleton Road. Bring a bird or purchase one at the farm, or just come and observe. To sign up, send email to kerry.thegooseandhen@gmail.com.
Concert to benefit music festival
Pianist Judith Gordon and cellist Rhonda Rider will perform Sunday, Nov. 16, 6 p.m., at Fivesparks, 7 Fairbank St. Titled “Mid-Century, Modern, and More,” the program will feature works by Fauré, Arvo Pärt, Berger, Germaine Tailleferre, and Boston composer Yu-Hui Chang, and will benefit the Harvard Music Festival held in June. Suggested donation: adults $25, teens and seniors $15. For information and reservations, visit fivesparks.org/event/fivesparks-music-festival-2025-fall-fundraising-concert.
HCT annual meeting
The Harvard Conservation Trust will hold its annual meeting Thursday, Nov. 20, 6 p.m., at the Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road. At 6:30, a special guest panel from Commonwealth Fusion Systems in Devens will discuss how next-generation innovation in fusion energy can align with HCT’s mission to protect open space and strengthen community resilience.
Bromfield auction
The Bromfield senior class will hold a fundraising auction Friday, Nov. 21, 7 to 9 p.m., at the Bromfield School, with music by The Wednesday Night Project. Support class fundraising for the prom with an electrifying rock performance and auction of amazing items. Enter through front door and follow signs to the atrium. Tickets $5 per person.
Santa to visit Carlsons
Carlson Orchards, 115 Oak Hill Road, will host Santa Saturday, Nov. 22, 1 to 4 p.m. Come for lunch and a visit with Santa while avoiding the crowds. A professional photographer will be available for holiday photos.
Fair Trade Fair
The Harvard Unitarian Universalist Church will host a Fair Trade Fair at the Fellowship Building, 7 Elm St., Sunday, Nov. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The fair features the work of women artisans from developing countries. This is a wonderful opportunity to do some holiday shopping for beautiful handcrafts. Free and open to all.
Parker School fun run
The Parker School 5K fun run will be held Saturday, Nov. 22, starting at 10 a.m. at the school at 49 Antietam St., Devens. Walk, run, hop, or skip the course either in festive or typical 5K attire, and help celebrate Parker’s 31st year. Information and registration is at parker.school/run.
Christmas fair at St. Benedict Center
St. Benedict Center and the Immaculate Heart of Mary School will hold a Christmas fair Saturday, Nov. 29, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in MacIsaac Hall at 271 Still River Road. Experience the true spirit of Christmas with gifts, crafts, cookies, music, food, raffles, games, and old-fashioned cheer that you won’t find elsewhere. Free parking and admission.
OUT OF TOWN
Artisan fair in Bolton
Bolton Spring Farm will hold a holiday artisan fair Sunday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at 159 Main St., Bolton. Enjoy 70 local artisans, a strolling Santa, professional Victorian carolers, fire pits, and food, wine, and fun for the whole family. See details and a list of artisans at boltonspringfarm.com/holiday-artisan-fair.html. Admission $5, children free.
‘The Second Great Awakening’
On Sunday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m., the Lancaster Historical Society will sponsor a program on religious revivals in early New England, at the First Church of Lancaster, 725 Main St., Lancaster. The early 19th century was an age of religious revivals and doctrinal transformation. Experience a 20-minute historically costumed 1835 revival service originally delivered in Vermont, followed by a lecture examining the religious fervor that swept America at the time. Free and open to the public. For more information visit lancasterhistoricalsociety.org/events.
‘The Birding Dictionary’
The Sudbury Valley Trustees will host an evening with author Rosemary Mosco Thursday, Nov. 20, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Sudbury History Center and Museum, 288 Old Sudbury Road, Sudbury. Mosco, a science writer and naturalist, will discuss her newest book, “The Birding Dictionary,” a pocket-sized guide that celebrates the birding obsession with hilarious definitions and cartoon illustrations of terms that birders know and love. For more information visit svtweb.org/outdoor-voices-speaker-series.
