On Columbus Day Weekend, plenty to discover

Tuckaway Tree Farm, site of inaugural Open House and Artisan Weekend on Saturday and Sunday.

Before the cold climes of late October and November push us increasingly indoors, a cornucopia of outdoor events this Columbus Day Weekend will bloom brilliantly one final time.

They range from artisan fairs in Lebanon to an Indian powwow in Milton to a street festival in Rochester. Here’s a rundown.

1) The inaugural Open House and Artisan Weekend will be held at Tuckaway Tree Farm. Some 15 artisans from all over Lebanon and surrounding towns will be exhibiting and selling their handiwork at the bucolic farm in West Lebanon. There will also be bluegrass music, hayrides and homemade food. 

When: Saturday and Sunday, 9-4

Where: 301 Shapleigh Road (at the corner of Dixon Road) in Lebanon.

2) McToberfest:  McKenzie’s Farm will hold its annual McToberfest Weekend featuring live music, trailor rides,  press your own cider, barbecue pork and, of course, plenty of apple picking. The Milton farm always puts on a great event and this is sure to be the same.

When: All day Saturday and Sunday

Where: 71 Northeast Pond Road, Milton

3) 17th Annual Abenaki Powwow: This is a must-see event with a grand entry Native American ceremony at noon both weekend days. There’s Native American made crafts and food plus a dance circle anyone is welcome to join.

Kendall Parker, who is of Comanche heritage, said at last year's event that it's all about dancing, music and friendship. (Lebanon Voice file photo)

Where: Mi-Te-Jo Campground off Townhouse Road, Milton.

When: Saturday and Sunday, 10-5

4) Rochester will holds its annual Octoberfest on Saturday on Hanson Street, Central Square and Factory Court in the downtown. There will be pie and doughnut eating contests, pumpkin painting, a petting zoo and Butterfingers Da Klown. Downtown merchants will also have their wares out on the sidewalk for visitors to peruse. There will also be live entertainment and a pie contest.

When: From 10-4 on Saturday

Where: Hanson Street, Central Square and Factory Court in downtown Rochester.