Cash and Dylan: Songs and stories
The Harvard Public Library, 4 Pond Road, will present musician/author Matt York with songs and stories of Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan Tuesday, Aug. 25, 6 to 8 p.m. In this outdoor concert, York will trace the careers of these two musical icons and the role their friendship played in the creation of Americana music out of its folk and country music roots. Bring lawn chairs and a picnic supper.
(HarvardPublicLibrary.org/about/programs/cash-dylan-songs-stories-matt-york).
At the library
The Harvard Public Library is at 4 Pond Road. For the full calendar of events and to register for events, visit HarvardPublicLibrary.org/services/events.
Children’s programs
- Saturday toddler story time, ages 1 to 3. Saturday, Aug. 29, 10:30 a.m.
- Baby and toddler disco party, ages 0 to 3+ and their grown-ups, Thursday, Sept. 3, 10:30 a.m. Dance and have fun with your child; includes flashing lights and noise.
Adult programs
- Tai Chi workshop, Saturday, Aug. 22 and Saturday, Aug. 29, 10 to 10:30 a.m.
- Monday afternoon at the movies, Monday, Aug. 24, 1 p.m. Rated PG-13.
At Fivesparks
Fivesparks is at 7 Fairbank Street. Visit fivesparks.org for the complete schedule, hours, and more information.
- Bounce and Burn fitness, Tuesdays and Saturdays, 9:30 to 10:15 a.m., to Aug. 29.
- Upcoming exhibit, “Marks of Distinction,” juried show by the Central Massachusetts Pastel Society. Opens Tuesday, Aug. 25.
Sacred fire
Old Frog Pond Farm & Studio will hold a community fire Friday, Aug. 21, 6:30 to 9 p.m., at the farm at 38 Eldridge Road. This is a monthly gathering facilitated by Christina Gravelle, a firekeeper trained through Sacred Fire. Bring a headlamp and anything else you need to feel comfortable, and arrive before offerings start at 6:30 p.m. Advance registration required.
(HarvardFires@SacredFire.org).
Classes at Goose and Hen Farm
The Goose and Hen Farm, 85 Old Littleton Road, offers classes in raising and preparing nutritious, sustainable food. (TheGooseAndHen.com/classes).
- Edible wild plants, Saturday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. $35 per person.
- Raising rabbits for meat, Saturday, Aug. 22, 2 to 5 p.m. $55 per participant, $45 per observer, plus rabbit.
VNA Care golf tournament
VNA Care will host a golf tournament Monday, Aug. 24, at Red Tail Golf Club, 15 Bulge Road, Devens. Come for a day of golf, networking, and friendly competition to benefit home health and hospice care for local patients and families. Registration and practice greens open at 8:30 a.m., with breakfast at 9 a.m., shotgun start at 10 a.m., and banquet at 4 p.m.
(VNACare.org/Golf).
Devens farmers market
The next Devens farmers market will be held Tuesday, Aug. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and will continue every other Tuesday through Oct. 20. The market offers locally grown fruits and vegetables, and is at the corner of Elm Street and Jackson Road, across from the Devens Fire Department. This week’s market includes a native plant sale sponsored by Grow Native Massachusetts.
(DevensCommunity.com/meetings-and-events).
Yoga on Rogers Field
IridESSENCE Community Health Collaborative will lead its last summer outdoor yoga class Wednesday, Aug. 26, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., on Rogers Field, Devens. Bring a yoga mat, water, sunscreen, and bug spray. Parking is available at the Bob Eisengrein Community Center, 100 Sherman Ave. Free; registration is required. (IridessenceCommunityHealth.org/events/free-outdoor-yoga-series-on-rogers-field-in-devens).
Fruitlands summer concerts
Fruitlands Museum, 102 Prospect Hill Road, will host The Love Dogs Thursday, Aug. 27, 7 to 8:30 p.m., in the last concert of its summer series. Bring a blanket, lawn chairs, and picnic fare, and enjoy stunning sunset views. Well-behaved dogs on leashes are welcome. Doors open at 6 p.m. (TheTrustees.org/FruitlandsConcerts).
Kite festival
Fruitlands Museum will hold a kite festival Saturday, Aug. 29, 1 to 4 p.m., at 102 Prospect Hill Road. Soak in the panoramic views as vibrant kites dance across the sky. Bring your own to join the spectacle. Kites Over New England will be on hand with stunning high-flying kites, expert tips for beginners, and unique designs available for purchase.
Free to members and children under 6; $10 for nonmember adults. Space is limited and preregistration is encouraged.
(TheTrustees.org/event/446642).
Yoga with alpacas
The Harvard Alpaca Ranch will hold a yoga session Sunday, Aug. 30, 9:30 a.m., at 58 Old Mill Road. Resident yogi Krista Schepanovsky will lead yoga for all ages and abilities, joined by the alpacas. $32 per person, bring a yoga mat or beach towel and a water bottle.
(HarvardAlpacaRanch.com).
Fire truck muster
The 99th annual Wachusett Fire Truck Muster will be held Sunday, Aug. 30, 11 a.m., at 1 Still River Road, at the foot of the Common. Firefighters from Bolton, Harvard, Holden, Princeton, Rutland, Sterling, and West Boylston will go head-to-head in exciting, fast-paced fire muster competitions while showcasing beautiful antique fire apparatus and a proud fire service tradition. Come celebrate nearly a century of muster tradition and cheer on the local team.
Community fair
Scouting America Harvard Pack 10, Troops 1 and 7001, will hold a community fair Sunday, Aug. 30, 3 to 6 p.m., on the lawn at the Harvard Public Library, with prizes, ice cream, and food. All community members are welcome to participate in relay races, tug-of-war, crafts, orienteering, scavenger hunts, lashing challenges, and bursting boomerangs, all organized by Harvard Scouts. Free.
Popsicle picnic for kindergartners
Parents with kindergartners starting at Hildreth Elementary School this fall are invited to the HES playground Monday, Aug. 31, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., for popsicles and playground time and to meet other kindergartners and their families. This free event is open to all incoming HES kindergartners and their families and is sponsored by the Harvard Schools PTO.
Harvard Community Connections
The Harvard Girl Scouts will hold Harvard Community Connections Thursday, Sept. 3, 5 to 7 p.m. at Hildreth Elementary School. Attendees may explore the many organizations, clubs, and community resources that make Harvard a special place to live. Learn about upcoming local activities and events, find opportunities to get involved, and connect with neighbors. Free and open to all.
Save the date
- Thursday, Sept. 10: SPARC tour at Commonwealth Fusion Systems
- Saturday, Sept. 19: Lions Club Fall Festival
- Saturday, Sept. 26: Harvard Conservation Trust Community Harvest Project volunteer day.
Out of town
St. Mary’s Mediterranean Festival
St. Mary’s Syriac Orthodox Church, 1 Industrial Drive, Shrewsbury, will hold its annual Mediterranean Festival Friday, Aug. 21, 5 to 11 p.m., Saturday, Aug. 22, noon to midnight, and Sunday, Aug. 23, noon to 8 p.m. The celebration of Mediterranean and Middle Eastern culture and community offers authentic food, sweets, coffee, drinks, live entertainment, Dabke, cultural performances, and a welcoming festival atmosphere.
(StMarysMediterraneanFestival.com).
Summer sing-along at Wolbach Farm
The Sudbury Valley Trustees will host an evening of participatory singing Thursday, Aug. 27, 6 to 8 p.m., at Wolbach Farm, 18 Wolbach Road, Sudbury. Enjoy your favorite campfire songs and share stories of carefree summer days, while making s’mores. Free. (svtweb.org/programs).
Tour Shirley Shaker Village
Guided tours of the site of the Shaker village in Shirley will be held Sundays, Sept. 13, Sept. 27, and Oct. 11, starting at 12:30 p.m. The property is part of the state prison system and can only be accessed by special arrangement. The tour will begin inside a Shaker building with a brief illustrated lecture on the history of the Shakers and the Shirley Shaker Village and continue to two other Shaker buildings, with travel by prison van.
Reservations for this unique opportunity are required and $20 per person paid in advance at the Shirley Historical Society. (978-425-9328, or mail@shirleyhistory.org).