Central Berkshire Record Show Returns October 2

DALTON, Mass. — After a successful inaugural event in the spring, the Central Berkshire Record Show is returning this fall at the Stationery Factory.

Hosted by Berkshirecat Productions, it will feature two dozen vinyl dealers, CDs, cassettes, music memorabilia, food truck fare, local craft beer and drinks, and consistent DJ sets.

Organizer Andrew Garcia said the first show in May was "super successful" and exceeded expectations. He aims to recapture the spirit and success of that event and make it a set standard.

"The place all day long was busy with activity and lots of smiling faces," Garcia said.

 "And what was cool was to see younger people as well as your standard record collector, so families brought their kids who were just kind of getting into collecting but there were also some seasoned collectors who came early for the VIP part and it was neat to see people stick around and take advantage of the bar and food, which we also had."

The event will run Sunday, Oct. 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. General admission is 3$ at 10 a.m. and VIP admission is $10 at 8:30 a.m. for those who want a first look.

Garcia is a longtime musician and owner of Berkshirecat Records on the second floor of the factory. He created the first event as a "premium record show experience" in an airy light-filled venue rather than a cramped, dark hall that allows people to make a day out of it with multiple activities.

He is a native of New York and has lived in Dalton — and taught music in the town — since the 1990s.  Before opening Berkshirecat, Garcia would sell media and records at tag sales.

He plans on continuing to do two shows a year, one in the spring and one in the fall.

"I feel very grateful to have the space at the Stationery Factory available," Garcia said.

"You want it from the customer side but you also want it on the vendor side, a successful day."

He pointed out that the factory’s passenger elevator that was under construction for the last event is now operational.

DJs include Tim Dupree as Pup Daddy Productions and Michael Keleher as DJ Ketchabone.

Biggins Diggins food truck will be serving fare and a full bar with craft beer and more will be available.  To enjoy the offerings, there are comfortable places to sit as well as free wi-fi.

The Stationery Factory is wheelchair accessible and has ample on-site parking.

Tickets are available at the door and in advance through Eventbrite.

Dalton Board Signs Off on Land Sale Over Residents' Objections

By Sabrina DammsiBerkshires Staff
05:50AM / Tuesday, December 23, 2025

Residents demanded the right to speak but the agenda did not include public comment. Amy Musante holds a sign saying the town now as '$20,000 less for a police station.'

DALTON, Mass. — The Select Board signed the sale on the last of what had been known as the Bardin property Monday even as a handful of residents demanded the right to speak against the action. 

 

The quitclaim deed transfers the nine acres to Thomas and Esther Balardini, who purchased the two other parcels in Dalton. They were the third-highest bidders at $31,500. Despite this, the board awarded them the land in an effort to keep the property intact.

 

"It's going to be an ongoing battle but one I think that has to be fought [because of] the disregard for the taxpayers," said Dicken Crane, the high bidder at $51,510.

 

"If it was personal I would let it go, but this affects everyone and backing down is not in my nature." 

 

Crane had appealed to the board to accept his bid during two previous meetings. He and others opposed to accepting the lower bid say it cost the town $20,000. After the meeting, Crane said he will be filing a lawsuit and has a citizen's petition for the next town meeting with over 100 signatures. 

 

Three members of the board — Chair Robert Bishop Jr., John Boyle, and Marc Strout — attended the 10-minute meeting. Members Anthony Pagliarulo and Daniel Esko previously expressed their disapproval of the sale to the Balardinis. 

 

Pagliarulo voted against the sale but did sign the purchase-and-sale agreement earlier this month. His reasoning was the explanation by the town attorney during an executive session that, unlike procurement, where the board is required to accept the lowest bid for services, it does have some discretion when it comes to accepting bids in this instance.