Happening this Week
This week we travel across cultures, countries and across the Berkshires - celebrating the food, lives and history that define us all.
4,000 MILES ACROSS AMERICA:
MEET THE MAN WHO WALKED TO LISTEN
September 21st, Thursday 7-8PM
At age 23 Andrew Forsthoefe set out on foot to walk across America wearing a sign around his neck that bore the words "Walking To Listen." This book is the story—really the stories—of his journey and encounters with those of all ages, races, religions and political inclinations. The result is what the New York Times called "the ideal antidote for even the strongest bout of national doubt..." Come meet the author and listen to a man who was able to recognize that the best healing of all is in listening. $5
Oliver Wolcott Library. 160 South Street. Litchfield CT. 860.567.8030
FOOD-FUELED CYCLING AND A COUNTRY FAIR:
FARM TO FORK FONDO
Country Fair: September 23rd-24th, All Day
Rondo: September 24th, Sunday, All Day
Certainly the most compelling way to arrive at Hancock Shaker Village’s Annual Country Fair—the Farm to Fork Fondo is an event that highlights and celebrates the Berkshires physical beauty, its historical significance and its cultural identity. Cyclists travel through the countryside (selecting a suitable distance from 12-89 miles) and stop for chef-prepared bites at farms along the way. Riders depart early Sunday morning—aided by No. Six Depot’s “Fuel-Up Station”—for their culinary cycling journey that concludes at Hancock Shaker Village’s Annual Country Fair. The Fair and its location are emblematic of that rich cultural history of the area, celebrating farm-fresh food and human industry. There are so many ways to enjoy this Sunday—between the Fondo itself, a 12-mile “Ramble Ride” (suitable for adults and children), the Post-Ride BBQ or the Fair itself—make sure to save the date in your calendar!
Hancock Shaker Village. 1843 West Housatonic Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.443.0188
A DIFFERENT COUNTRY FAIR: JOURNEY TO INDONESIAN ISLANDS
September 23rd, Saturday 10AM-8PM
Quite a different celebration of culture in the Berkshires, this journey through Indonesia is happening at the brilliant new outdoor sculpture park Turn Park in West Stockbridge. The 16-acre property will be transformed into an Indonesian archipelago highlighting the country’s six main islands. Upon arrival, travelers will be handed a “Passport” with six empty circles, and tourists will “island hop” to collect six stamps from six costumed tour guides. Learn about the wealth of Indonesian culture and society through food, dance, music, arts and crafts and young Indonesian artists themselves.
Turn Park. 2 Moscow Road. West Stockbridge MA. 413.232.0275
While in West Stockbridge discover our favorite things!
WELCOME TO THE MOON AND OTHER PLAYS: STAGED READINGS
September 24th, Sunday 2PM
Enjoy this staged reading of John Patrick Shanley’s Welcome to the Moon and Others Plays a collection of six short plays by the Pulitzer Prize and Academy award-winning playwright, screenwriter and director. The stories take the audience on a journey from the Wild West all the way across the country to Central Park at night. The uniting factor? A dream so big that it makes you brave…willing to reveal yourself and risk being ridiculous to achieve this dream. $5
Berkshire Community College. Small Theater (Room K-111). 1350 West Street. Pittsfield MA. 413.443.9279
THE LAY OF THE LAND: BERKSHIRE GROWN HARVEST SUPPER
September 25th, Monday 6-8PM
Another way to celebrate the richness of our area’s relationship to farming and food and to ensure its legacy, Berkshire Grown’s 19th annual Harvest Supper raises money to help protect our local farmers. Berkshire Grown member chefs are committed to creating their menus using food grown on Berkshire farms; the dinner offers an opportunity to sample their creations and eat fresh and local! Don’t miss offerings from local standouts Allium, Prairie Whale and John Andrew’s Farmhouse. $40-85.
Ski Butternut. The Upper Lodge. Route 23. Great Barrington MA. 413.528.0041
While in Great Barrington discover our favorite things!