Salisbury prepares for autumn festival

SALISBURY — The Salisbury Fall Festival, a weekend in the historic villages of Salisbury and Lakeville, offer visitors a wide variety of special events and activities on Columbus Day Weekend, Oct. 5, 6, and 7.

On Main Street, visitors will find attic treasures, home-baked goods and previously loved books and jewelry in the local churches, a quilt show, Greek pastries and local honey, freshly baked bread and many outdoor booths and special sales. Exhibits in the art galleries and the Historical Society, book sales at the library and bookstore, and a scarecrow contest are all party of the day’s events.

On Oct. 6, the day begins with a 5K run along the rail trail. Local artisans will be selling hand-made jewelry, pottery, textiles, leather goods, candles and artwork. Also featured will be robots from the high school Robotics Team, and food such as hot dogs, chili and cornbread, baked potatoes with toppings, and mac 'n cheese, along with delicious apples, popcorn, donuts and fresh cider.

Children’s activities include pumpkin decorating, face painting, crafts, games, magic shows and old-fashioned hay rides. Live music is performed throughout the afternoon. Later in the evening, a roast beef dinner is scheduled at the firehouse, and local inns and restaurants in both villages will be open for visitors. Enjoy the music at the Twelve Moons Coffee House.

On Sunday, visitors can attend the annual pancake breakfast, exhibits, and sidewalk sales; enjoy the Pet Parade, featuring a variety of pets with and without costumes, which begins at the Community Field in Lakeville. End the weekend at the Beer-Fest at the ski jumps with views of the Litchfield Hills and Berkshire mountains. For information, go to www.salisburyfallfestival.org.