PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Hancock Shaker Village will hold its 16th annual Country Fair on Sept. 28 and 29.

 

The harvest celebration weekend will feature local food, handcrafts, fresh produce, antique farm equipment, oxen demonstrations, pie contests, a bluegrass band, and more.

 

In addition, children can participate in pony and wagon rides, face painting, farm-related games under the children's tent and chicken races.

 

"The Country Fair displays a mix of the old and new," said Director of Farm and Operations Bill Mangiardi. "We employ sustainable practices that long ago worked for the Shakers, and incorporate those lessons and techniques into how we operate as a farm and living history museum today. The fair has a little something for everyone."

 

The theme of old and new blended together runs through each of the Country Fair’s major activities. In large tents filled with vendors, traditional crafts are offered next to contemporary artisans' work. The Farmers Market boasts heirloom produce from area farms as well as new. There will also be an opportunity to sign up for next season's CSA program.

 

Featured events include:

 

Second Annual Chicken Races: Held at 11 and 2 daily, the event showcases heritage breed chickens, making their way down a straightaway to reach a treat at the finish line. Kids can select a chicken and get prizes if it wins.

Eighth Annual Pie Contest: Enter a homemade pie from scratch for a chance to win. Fillings can either be the baker's own recipe, or Shaker Cranberry Pie or Shaker Apple Pie from The Best of Shaker Cooking by Amy Bess Miller. This year's judges are Berkshire Eagle contributor Judith Lerner, Berkshire Museum director of communications Lesley Beck, and Joshua Needleman of Chocolate Springs in Lenox. Guidelines for entry and registration forms are available at here.

A Harvest of Quilts: The Round Barn will host the exhibits and quilting demonstrations; selected quilts will be available for purchase with a portion of the proceeds helping to support village programs. Prizes will be presented on Sunday at 4:30. Submissions can be either owned by or made by the exhibitor, but should not have been previously exhibited at the village. Information: Connie Logan at 413-528-9941 or go here for registration forms.

 

Country Fair admission is free to Hancock Shaker Village members and children 12 and under. Admission for adults is $18 and youth visitors, ages 13 to 17, is $8.

 

For more info on activities and events, visit the Hancock Shaker Village website.