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Weekend Outlook: Crafts Fairs, Arts, and Early Holiday Fun

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff
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The holiday season is officially upon us and folks can get in the spirit with craft fairs, celebrations, and music weekend.

Editor's Pick

Festival of Trees Opening Party
Berkshire Museum, Pittsfield
Time: 6 to 8:30 p.m.

The Nostalgia Soiree on Friday kicks off the return of the decades-old celebration with trees decorated by community members, businesses, and institutions with ties to the community. The Festival of Trees will be at the museum from Nov. 18 to Jan. 7.

The event includes hors d'oeuvres, an open bar, and a performance by special guest songwriter Paul Williams.

Admission is $65; children 3 to 13 is $40; members are $45, and members' children are $20.

The festival is included in regular museum admission beginning Saturday. More information can be found here.

Great Barrington Fire Department's 15th Annual Turkey Roll
Great Barrington VFW Post 8348
Time: 6:30  to 9 p.m.

The Great Barrington Fire Department is holding its 15th annual Turkey roll on November 17th, 2023.  Attendees can win all the fixings for Thanksgiving Dinner plus untraditional items everyone loves to include such as hams, pork roasts, lobsters and much, more.

Admission is free with all proceeds benefiting the Great Barrington Fire Department's Scholarship Fund. More information here.

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 that attendees can dance, relax, connect, and enjoy with friends and family. Sponsored by Berkshire Roots; must be 18 years of age or older to attend.

Saturday

United Methodist Church Holiday Craft Fair
6 Holmes Road, Lenox
9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
United Methodist Church will hold its craft fair featuring local crafters and artisans, silent auction, baked good and the Salvation from Hunger Cafe.  Admission is free.

More information here.

St. Stanislaus Christmas Bazaar
108 Summer St., Adams
Time: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
 
St. Stanislaus Kostka School will hold its annual bazaar including crafts, raffles and Polish food available.
 
More information here.
 
Holiday Craft Market
Mount Anthony Union High School, Bennington, Vt.
Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
The high school will hold its first annual holiday market with items from local businesses, direct sales, food and homemade/craft vendors. This is a chance to find unique gifts for friends and family.
 
Festive Holiday Market at Greylock Works
508 State Road, North Adams
Time: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
 
Festive holiday market returns for its sixth year with100 vendors and artisans. More information here.
 
An adults only preview on Friday, Nov. 17, from 5 to 8 for $25; tickets limited. More information here.


Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Market
Housy Dome, 1064 Main St., Housatonic
Time: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
The South County market will feature locally grown and produced foods. Admission is free and mask-wearing is encouraged.
 
The next market is Saturday Dec. 16. More information here.

HairBallz '80s Party
Bounty Fare, Adams
Time: 8  to 11 p.m.

A night of the decade's favorite hair band hits from Bon Jovi, Poison, Def Leppard, Motley Crue and more. 1980s attire is highly encouraged.

Nightwood
The Mount, Lenox
Time: Nov. 17 through Jan. 6

An innovative and immersive sound and light experience set against the backdrop of Edith Wharton's historic home. Wander the illuminated 3/4-mile route through the woods and gardens for an otherworldly experience that evokes wonder and awakens the imagination.

Children under 12 are free, children ages 13 to 18 are $12, and adults are $25. More information here.

Sunday

Berkshire Grown Winter Farmers Markets
Greylock Works, North Adams
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
 
The North County winter farmers market will have locally grown and produced foods found in the Berkshires. More information here.

Food and Music At Balderdash
Balderdash Cellars, Richmond
Time: Noon to 5

Gina C will be playing music at the winery and the Fat Frog's food truck will be on site.

Film and Wine at The Garden
Berkshire Botanical Garden, Stockbridge
Time: 4 to 6:30 p.m.

Join Berkshire International Film Festival and BBG for an afternoon of film and wine. A screening of Living Wine, directed by Lori Miller, will be presented followed by a wine tasting of organic and biodynamic wines. Ticket sales will help support both Berkshire International Film Festival and Berkshire Botanical Garden.

Tickets are $35 for members and $40 for non-members. More information here.

Sing for Your Slumber
Tourists, North Adams
Time: 8 p.m.
 
Antique guitar gods Rich Remsberg and Mark Mulherrin play music from the era of 78 rpm records. With a repertoire ranging from Hoagy Carmichael and Duke Ellington to the Sons of the Pioneers and Ukulele Ike, the duo draws its repertoire primarily from Remsberg's collection of 5,000 78 rpm records.
 
Admission is free but goodwill donations are encouraged. More information here.


Outside the Area

Saratoga Comic Con
Saratoga Springs City Center
Time: Saturday 10 to 6; Sunday 10 to 5
 
Largest pop culture event in Upstate New York. Actors and voice actors, celebrities, gamers and comics writers and illustrators. Gaming tournaments, cosplay contests and more. Tickets at $17 and up. 
 
More information here

 


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Pittsfield Superintendant Warns of Prohibited Toy Guns

By Brittany PolitoiBerkshires Staff

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — The district has been alerted of a concerning trend that is prohibited on school grounds: Orby or Orbeez gel guns.

The toy guns shoot gel or water beads and are said to pose a risk of physical harm and being mistaken for a real firearm. They are a violation of the Pittsfield Public School's code of conduct and could result in a suspension of 11 days or more.

"Though these may appear as simple toys, it's crucial to recognize the potential risks tied to their usage. By raising awareness, we aim to educate our community about the possible hazards associated with these items, emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and responsible behavior," said Superintendent Joseph Curtis in a memo to the Pittsfield Public School community on Friday.

Last fall, someone used a similar gun to target cross-country students and a coach from Lee High. No one was injured in the incident. 

Given the frequency of school shootings nationwide, Curtis said schools cannot afford to accommodate anything that even remotely that resembles a firearm. The toy guns and gel beads are secured behind a locked case in Walmart on Hubbard Avenue, many indicating that they are for ages 14 and older.

"The Pittsfield Public Schools firmly maintains that Orby toy guns and any associated pellets should not be brought onto school premises, including both indoor and outdoor areas. This directive is in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, staff, and visitors within our educational environment," he wrote.

"We stress the significance of following this directive to prevent any potential hazards or disruptions that may arise from the presence of these items on school grounds. By upholding this standard, we aim to cultivate a secure and conducive learning environment for everyone within the Pittsfield community."

The superintendent listed three potential hazards of the water-bead guns in the schools:

  • Physical Injuries: The guns have the capacity to propel projectiles at considerable speeds, posing a risk of injury to the eyes, skin, and even teeth, particularly when fired in close proximity.
     
  • Misidentification Risks: Due to their realistic appearance, some Orby guns may be mistaken for genuine firearms. Such misidentification could result in confusion and potentially perilous encounters, especially if law enforcement or bystanders perceive them as real weapons.
     
  • Public Disruption: The act of firing Orby guns in public settings can be highly disruptive and alarming to others. Such behavior may instill fear and panic among individuals nearby, potentially leading to charges of disorderly conduct or harassment.
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