Celebrating all things Ashby
Art festival to showcase town’s creativity and tradition
To celebrate the rich tapestry of creativity that makes Ashby and its surrounding communities so special, the Ashby Free Public Library has received a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council to host a festival to kickoff the summer season.
The inaugural Ashby Arts Festival will be held from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, June 24, on the Ashby Town Common.
The festival will feature local artists and farmers selling their wares, along with children and adult exhibits, music, delicious food, children’s games, and more.
“We are thrilled to celebrate local artists and farmers who will selling their wares, and we will also have an exhibit area for children and adults to showcase their best work in art, writing, STEM, and performance,” said Heather Perry, Library Director, Ashby Free Public Library. “We are excited to give children the opportunity to participate in their own age group, as well, and be recognized for all of their accomplishments.”
Everyone is invited to participate.
“The festival will host artists, artisans, farmers, makers, and creatives of all kinds whose handcrafted works add to the enjoyment of our surroundings,” said Perry. “Artists, farmers, and crafters are invited to reserve a table free of charge to showcase and sell their products.”
Perry said they are also looking for volunteers.
“Whether you want to help plan festival events, judge the art exhibits, paint children’s faces, or help set up tables we are happy to have all the help we can get,” she said.
“This festival promises to be fun for everyone,” said Perry. “Along with the artists, crafters, and farmers, we will also feature musicians, food trucks, baked goods, children’s game, and what would a summer kick- off be without ice cream.”
The festival will be kicking off the library’s summer reading program — with the theme “Finding your Voice”.
“I couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate this theme than engaging with people who have found their voice through a wide range of creative expressions,” Perry said. “I hope that the festival will encourage everyone to find their authentic voice.”
Perry added that that her wish is that this festival will bring back memories of fairs in the past, “where whole communities would come out to showcase their works and win a blue ribbon for the best zucchini,” she said with a smile. “We hope that it can become a yearly tradition. If you remember the Ashby Grange Fair of years ago, I hope that we can recapture the spirit of that Ashby tradition.”
For more information, or to register for a table or be a volunteer, call the library at 978- 386- 5377; email ashbyartfestival@ gmail. com; or Heather Perry at hperry@cwmars. org. The library’s website is ashbylibrary.org.