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Weekend Outlook: Fresh Grass, Autumn Equinox, and More

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
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There are a variety of events this weekend, including festivals, autumn equinox celebrations, live music, and more. 
 
See a list of Farmer's Markets here.
 
Editor's Pick 
 
Freshgrass Festival 2024
Mass MoCA, North Adams
Time: Friday-Sunday
 
The Massachusetts Museum of Contemporary Art will be hosting its annual Fresh Grass Festival this Friday through Sunday. Thousands are expected to be in the city during the three-day event.
 
There will be live music throughout the grounds and at Joe's Field, including performances by Molly Tuttle And Golden Highway, Shakey Graves, The Devil Makes Three, and many more. 
 
There will also be plenty of vendors on site selling merchandise, food, and drinks. A three-day adult pass is $194; see more on ticket prices here
 
More information here
 
Multiple Days
 
Whitney's Farm Pumpkin Fest
Whitney's Farm, Cheshire
Sept. 23 until Oct. 29 Every Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., 
And starting Sept. 27, Every Friday, 2 to 5:30 p.m. 
 
It's pumpkin season! Whitney's Farm brings back its local favorite, Pumpkin Fest, this Saturday,
 
Pick pumpkins, ride on a hay wagon, get glitter tattoos, walk through a corn maze, and more every weekend through Halloween. 
 
The event also features a new scarecrow shooting gallery, a giant slide, jumpin’ pumpkin, a bounce house pumpkin, and a new playground. 
 
More information here
 
Connecticut Renaissance Faire
Lebanon (Conn.) Country Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Road
Time: weekends from Sept. 21 to Oct. 20, 10:30 to 6
 
The 26th annual fair features armored combat, jousting, demonstrations, marketplace, feasting, performances and music. Admission $10 to $16, children 6 and younger free. 
 
More information here
 
Friday 
 
DJ BFG at The Stationery Factory
63 Flansburg Ave., Dalton
Time: 8  to 11 p.m.
 
There will be drinks, a large dance floor, funky/fun seating, and DJ BFG so attendees can dance, relax, connect, and enjoy with friends and family. 
 
Tickets are $11.63. More information here
 
Big Wigs Performance
The Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield 
Time: 7:30 p.m. 
 
Drag queens Kasha Davis and Aggy Dune will impersonate iconic divas, including Judy Garland, Liza Minnelli, Barbra Streisand, Celine Dion, Bette Midler, Adele, Reba McEntire, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, and more. 
 
Tickets are $30. More information here
 
Dance Party
Methuselah Bar and Lounge, Pittsfield 
Time: 9 p.m. 
 
Say goodbye to the summer season and welcome fall with a dance party featuring a live set by DJ Champ, light displays, and food and drinks. More information here
 
Live Comedy
Bounti-Fare Restaurant, Adams
Time: 8 to 9:30 p.m. 
 
There will be a stand-up performance by Dan Geurin and Juan Pantaleon, hosted by Charlie Nadler. Tickets are $15. More information here
 
Night of Standup Comedy 
The Inn at Stockbridge
Time: 7 to 9 p.m. 
 
Join the inn for a night of laughter with comedians Rob Christensen and Henrik Blix. Tickets are $15. More information here
 
Classic Films from 1930s to 1960s 
Adams Theater, Park Street
Time: 7 p.m.
 
Throughout September and part of October, the theater will show classic films that represent some of the greatest achievements in film. This Friday, the theater will be showing 1942's "Casablanca" with Humphrey Bogart and Ingrid Bergman. 
 
Tickets are $8. More information here
 
German Dinner
Zion Lutheran Church, Pittsfield
Time: 5 to 7 p.m. 
 
The church will be serving beef rouladen with egg noodles and red cabbage with chocolate cherry cake for dessert. 
 
Can't stay for dinner, no worries takeout is available. Beer and wine is available for purchase for those who choose to dine in. 
 
Adult meals are $20, children 12 and younger are $10. Purchase tickets online or by calling 413-442-3525. 
 
More information here
 
Fall Equinox Witches Night Out
Optimal Healing, North Adams. 
Time: 6 to 8 p.m. 
 
Celebrate the season of release and welcome the blessings of fall with fire cider and elderberry syrup for immune system support, tea, and a fire ceremony to let go of what's no longer serving us. Tickets are $44. More information here
 
Saturday
 
Springside Park Fall Cleanup
Springside, Pittsfield
Time: 9 to noon. 
 
The nonprofit Springside Park Conservancy will hold its annual fall cleanup, which will include food and music. More information here
 
Fall Fling Kind of Thing
Goose's Trailside Treats, Cheshire
Time: 3 to 6 p.m. 
 
The event features an afternoon filled with live music, treats, and activities for all ages. 
 
There will be live performances by Austin Honig and Felix Sun, drinks from Poseidon Coffee, and sweet treats like ice cream and s'more making from Goose's Trailside Treats. 
 
In addition, various activities will be held, including corn hole, pumpkin decorating, a scavenger hunt, pumpkin ring toss, and reading sessions for children. 
 
More information here
 
Witches' Walk  & Reception
Dean Road Bridge, Pownal, Vt.
Time: 12:45 p.m.
 
The Solomon Wright Public Library and Pownal Historical Society are hosting their second annual Witches' Walk honoring the Widow Krieger. Gather at the bridge at 12:45; walk starts at 1 and costumes are encouraged. Reception to follow at the library at 97 Main St. at 2 to celebrate the Historical Society's 30th anniversary. 
 
More information here
 
Karaoke
Mountain Club, Adams
Time: 7 to 10 p.m. 
 
There will be a wide variety of songs attendees can choose from to sing their hearts out. More information here
 
Birdwatching for Beginners
Greylock Glen, Adams
Time: 8 to 9:30 a.m. 
 
Bring your own binoculars or borrow a pair at the outdoor center to bird watch. Greylock Glen is a great bird-watching place because of its forests, meadows, and wetlands. 
 
The Outdoor Center offers a bird-walk experience suitable for beginners. It includes a presentation by a Mass Audubon naturalist and a guided walk along the Glen Meadow Loop trail. 
 
More information here
 
Cheese Festival 
High Lawn Farm, Lenox
Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. 
 
The Massachusetts Cheese Festival is returning to High Lawn Farm and will feature local cheese and charcuterie from Massachusetts and beyond.
 
There will be a curated collection of artisanal cheese makers and pairing partners offering samples and products for purchase, including charcuterie, wine, beer, honey, and chocolate.
 
More information here
 
Mullett: '80s Hair Band Rock Tribute
Colonial Theatre, Pittsfield 
Time: 7:30 p.m.
 
Experience the nostalgic '80s rock 'n' roll concert experience with the 80s tribute band Mullett, who will perform songs from icons like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Van Halen, and others.
 
Tickets are $30. More information here
 
Scenic Summit Tours
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 1 to 1:30 p.m. 
 
These short tours feature talks along easy walking paths with a park interpreter, exploring the cultural landscape and unique ecology of Mount Greylock. 
 
Meet at the Mount Greylock summit contour map. More information here
 
Sheep Hill Birding: Fall Migration
671 Cold Spring Road, Williamstown
Time: 7 to 9 a.m. 
 
Join former Audubon chapter president Tommy Richey for a birding experience. The event will start at the farmhouse and include birdwatching around Josiah's Pond, the wetlands boardwalk, and the Sheep Hill trails. 
 
More information here
 
Autumnal Equinox Meditation Celebration
Naumkeag, Stockbridge
Time: 4 to 5 p.n. 
 
Meditate in the gardens at Naumkeag, surrounded by the Berkshire mountains, with mindfulness-in-nature facilitator Sandrine Harri. Tickets are $25. More information here
 
Yoga
North Adams Public Library 
Time: 10 a.m. 
 
There will be a free hatha yoga session. More information here
 
Sunday
 
Autumnal Equinox Meditation Walk
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge
Time: 11 a.m. to noon 
 
Celebrate the start of the fall season with a morning meditation walk in the gardens. More information here
 
Domingo Brunch Featuring K&R
Dotties Coffee Lounge, Pittsfield
Time: 10 to noon 
 
The New York-based jazz duo will be performing. No cover charge. More information here
 
Tunes for Tone
Bounti-Fare, Adams
Time: 1 to 6 p.m. 
 
There will be a benefit concert for the Antonio Cardeno Scholarship. There will be performances by by Sample the Cat, The Liquid Courage, Greg Caproni, The Made in Memphis Band, and more. 
 
Tickets are $25 for adults and $15 for children 12 and under. Tickets include a spaghetti dinner. More information here
 
Autumn Equinox Walk 
Mount Greylock, Adams
Time: 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. 
 
There will be a mindful Autumn Equinox Walk in the forest, incorporating forest bathing, meditation, and mindful breathing. More information here
 
Autumnal Equinox Family Hike
Thomas and Palmer Brook Reserve, Great Barrington 
Time: 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.
 
In celebration of the Autumnal Equinox, there will be a child-led walk of the Meadow Loop. During the walk, participants will explore the trail, disperse their own seeds, and say farewell to summer.
 
More information here
 
Guided Apple Picking
Hilltop Orchards, Richmond 
Time: 9 a.m. 
 
The orchard's cider master David will show attendees how to properly pick the best apples. Tickets are $25 per person. More information here

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McCann and Taconic Awarded CTI Grants

Staff Reports
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced $525,482 in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants awarded to two organizations in the Berkshires to train 80 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors in the region. 
 
In North Adams, McCann Technical School was awarded $344,871 to provide training to 60 participants for Automotive Technician, Advanced Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with T&M Auto Sales Inc., Berkshire Bridge & Iron Co. Inc., Haddad GMC, Haddad Subaru, Bedard Brothers Auto Sales Inc., Lenco Armored Vehicles, TOG Manufacturing, Sinicon Plastics, Adams Plumbing & Heating Inc., and Gills Point S Tire.
 
"We are excited to be working with our MassHire team to continue to address our workforce needs and build talent pipelines and career pathways in Advanced Manufacturing, Welding and Automotive Technician," McCann Superintendent James Brosnan said. "This CTI award will provide hands-on training and support as we continue to expand our skilled talent pool for employers in the Berkshires."
 
In Pittsfield Taconic High School was awarded $180,610 to provide training to 20 participants for Metal Fabrication and Auto Technology positions. They will partner with O.W. Landergren Inc., Lenco Industries Inc., Bedard Brothers, Haddad's Auto Group, and RW's Auto Inc.
 
"Pittsfield Public Schools is incredibly grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Commonwealth Corporation for the CTI award to Taconic High School. This grant will have a significant and lasting impact on our community by providing skilled technicians to address critical shortages in Berkshire County," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis. "We are excited to partner with Lenco Industries, Haddads, Bedards, RW Auto, O.W. Landergren, Northeast Fabricators, and the MassHire Berkshire Career Center. These partnerships will serve as a catalyst for positive change, ensuring that our trainees are well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century workforce, while simultaneously strengthening our local economy."
 
The CTI grant program, a state-funded workforce initiative, partners with career and technical education schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The program transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become "Career Technical Institutes" that run after dark programs in the construction/trades, manufacturing, and skilled trades career pathways. 
 
"Addressing our workforce needs and building talent pipelines and career pathways in construction, trades and manufacturing sectors is a priority for this administration," said Governor Maura Healey. "CTI offers hands-on training that will support our jobseekers, workers and employers. We're proud to expand the CTI awards to these two schools in the Berkshires to strengthen our workforce and grow our economy throughout the state."  
 
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