The songs of birds have returned to Harvard, and with them the traditional signs of spring. As Mother’s Day fast approaches on May 10, Harvard residents are fortunate to have yet another way to celebrate it—the Apple Blossom Festival, traditionally held the day before, and a good way to jump-start the maternal celebrations.
Revelers can browse the festival’s offerings on the Common Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rain date is May 10). The Rotary Club of Ayer, Devens, Harvard, and Shirley (www.ayerrotary.com) is sponsoring the event, and proceeds from booth rentals, food, and the Ducky Wucky River Race contestants will go to local nonprofit groups. Parking and admission are free.
“Even with this economy, we’re optimistic that this year’s sales—between the food, the vendor booths, and the Ducky Wucky race—will bring in $10,000,” says Rotary Club member Bill Spacciapoli. “It’s important that people know that all of that money will be given out locally.”
Vendors will come from all over. Local vendors include Harvard’s own Eileen Maher Kronauer (www.appleofyourpie.com), who will be selling her cookbook, Apple of Your Pie, filled with apple lore and recipes, as well as gourmet cookware and gadgets—“everything to make a pie,” she says.
Devens resident John Lindbeck (www.JohnLindbeck.com) will be selling oil paintings of New England landscapes and still lifes. Raising funds for the Ayer Rotary’s Mario J. Barba Scholarship Fund will be Stow Family Chiropractic www.stowfamilychiropractic.com), whose representatives will be providing free trigger-point massages to passersby, and, in the process, talking about natural health, wellness, and chiropractic. This annual merit-based scholarship goes to deserving seniors from the local Rotary Club communities who are seeking to further their education. Spacciapoli says that the club hopes that this year’s event will top last year’s $6,000 in scholarship awards.
The Cute Critters (www.cutecrittersonline.com) booth will have items for the pet who doesn’t have everything—handmade pet coats, hats, and accessories.
There’s much more, too—silk scarves; handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry; pottery; Shaker boxes and candles, plants, baskets, and more.
Adding to the festive spirit of the day, musical entertainment will be provided by the Still River Band, Bromfield student groups, and students from Ayer. And there will be food—hot dogs, hamburgers, and more.
The culmination of Apple Blossom festivities will be the Ducky Wucky River Race at 4:30 p.m., in which the grand prize winner gets dinner for two anywhere in the world, along with airfare and accommodations. Floaters-up get a wide range of prizes. Sponsors of the race are North Middlesex Savings Bank, Gervais Ford, and Nashoba Valley Medical Center.
Tickets for the foodie’s Ducky Wucky dream getaway are on sale at the General Store, Harvard Dry Cleaners, and Devens Day Spa, and can also be purchased from a Rotary member, including Dave Poutry, Bill Spacciapoli, Chris Lilly, Roy Pastor, Peter Warren, Charlie Nikopoulos, or Greg Schnipke. Tickets will also be sold all day Saturday on the Common. Tickets are $5 each, or five for $20.
“You can’t lose,” says Spacciapoli. “A scratch ticket gives you a dream for one night, but with the Ducky Wucky race you can’t lose. All the money gets spent in the local community.”