Fairs, Fun and Festivals – August in the Berkshires!
By Ann Claffie
July 2008
I don’t know about you, but I am really enjoying the Berkshires this summer! There are so many top notch activities to choose from that being a couch potato is best saved for a quieter season. My family and I have August day trips well in hand.
For starters, the 34th Adams Agricultural Fair opens the month August 1-3, with a real bang-up agenda featuring monster truck demos and a demolition derby. The fair includes youth contests with sheep, goats and cattle, plus magic shows, music, a firemen’s muster and of course plenty of food venders.
“Mom, we have to see the demolition derby,” said son Robert. “It’ll just be like the movies, remember Herbie?”
Okay! Since we missed this fair last year, we’ll plan to go this year; it’s only $5 for adults and a $1 for kids. What a bargain!
We’ll also attend Pittsfield’s Annual Ethnic Fair, Sunday, August 3 from noon to 6 p.m. The first two blocks of North Street will be cordoned-off to allow over 50 food venders, performers and the public to enjoy an afternoon of ethnic diversity. 
Scottish highland and Irish step dancers, salsa rhythms, African music and dancers, a Yiddishkeit Klezmer Ensemble, even a Polka band will take to two stages throughout the afternoon. Ethnic foods served include Irish corned beef sandwiches, Italian sweet cannolis, Polish kielbasa, kapusta and pierogis, Caribbean and Indian cuisine, Mexican burritos, Greek pastries, cuisine from Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil, and of course, American favorites—hot dogs and hamburgers. And by the way, the Ethnic Fair is free and there’s plenty of free parking in lots surrounding North Street.
“OK Mom, It’s my turn to write. I found this way cool festival called a Zucchini Festival and it takes place in the town of West Stockbridge,” stated Robert.
On Saturday, August 9th, the West Stockbridge Cultural Council will host the 5th Annual Zucchini Festival in the town center. The Festival is for families in the community and visitors alike to gather together for lots of fun! Zucchini activities will include decorating zucchinis, racing zucchinis, a recipe contest, finding the biggest zucchini, live music and entertainment and food booths featuring—zucchinis! The fun begins at 10 a.m. (rain or shine) and lasts until about 9:30 p.m. when fireworks and dancing in the streets round out the day. Attendance is free, with small fees for tickets at game booths. Visit www.weststockbridgetown.com for a complete schedule.
Another very cool festival to attend is the 3rd Annual American Indian Pow Wow, August 30–Sept. 1 at Eastover Resort, Lenox. Native American Indian singers, dancers, drummers and storytellers representing various tribes and styles will perform. 
Because of the participation of professional musicians, there will be an admission charged. Also included are American Indian food vendors, contemporary native arts and crafts, children’s activities and a special American Indian Art Market during the three-day Pow Wow.
“So Mom, how did I do writing about family activities in the Berkshires? (Said the expert)
For the first time, I have enjoyed working with a co-author for this article—my 10 year old son, Robert. Hey Robert, did we miss anything?
“Mom, It’s time for picking blueberries at our favorite place,” and he smiled a BIG smile.
“We need to tell the readers of this column to check local newspapers for farms offering ‘pick your own’ blueberries or raspberries. It’s really fun! Do what I do. Pick a little. Eat a little. And then have your Mom make blueberry pancakes for supper! Sweet!”
About Ann Claffie
A Berkshires native, Ann grew up in Dalton as the oldest of five children who were encouraged to use their imaginations for fun and play. Today, married and living in Pittsfield, Ann and her husband enjoy family fun and adventure with their nine year old son. She has been on staff at the Berkshire Visitors Bureau for more than ten years.