Autumn Celebrations: Embracing the Vibrant Spirit of Taunton and Beyond

As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, Taunton and its surrounding towns come alive with a vibrant array of fall-themed events. From traditional harvest festivals to captivating car shows, there's something for everyone to enjoy and celebrate the changing of the seasons. Whether you're looking to support local businesses, immerse yourself in history, or simply revel in the joys of autumn, these events promise to deliver an unforgettable experience.

Discover the Essence of Autumn in Taunton and Beyond

Liberty and Union Day: A Glimpse into Colonial America

Step back in time at the Liberty & Union Day festival in Taunton, a celebration of the town's rich history. On Saturday, October 19th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., visitors can witness captivating historical reenactments and demonstrations that transport them to the era of colonial America. Organized by the Old Colony History Museum, this free event offers a unique opportunity to learn about the region's past through hands-on crafting activities and engaging presentations. Attendees can also enjoy family-friendly games, a musket firing demonstration, and a marching display, all set against the backdrop of the charming Church Green in Taunton.

Autumn-Fest: A Vibrant Celebration in Bridgewater

Bridgewater's 35th annual Autumn-Fest, taking place on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises a day filled with fall-themed festivities. Located next to the Boyden Hall building at Bridgewater State University, this free event caters to all ages, with a petting zoo, a beer garden for those 21 and over, a police K-9 demonstration, and live music performances. Organized by the Bridgewater Business Association, Autumn-Fest offers a delightful blend of family-friendly activities and adult-oriented entertainment, making it a must-attend event for those seeking to embrace the spirit of the season.

Sip and Stroll: Harvest Celebration in Middleboro

On Saturday, September 14th, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Middleboro will host the Sip and Stroll: Harvest event, a celebration of the autumn season. Held on the Middleboro Town Hall lawn at 10 Nickerson Avenue, this free event promises an array of food trucks, live music, vendor stalls, and exciting raffles. Attendees can indulge in local flavors, browse artisanal products, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere as they stroll through the picturesque setting.

Berkley Beer Company Octoberfest: A Taste of Tradition in Taunton

The Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to present an Octoberfest celebration at the Berkley Beer Company in Taunton on Wednesday, September 25th, 2024. This ticketed event, priced at $50 for non-members, offers attendees the opportunity to immerse themselves in the rich traditions of the German festival. Held at the Berkley Beer Company's facility located at 10 Ingell Street, this event promises an evening of craft beer, live entertainment, and the chance to connect with the local business community.

Elliot Farm Harvest Festival: A Taste of Autumn in Lakeville

Lakeville's Elliot Farm is hosting its fourth annual Harvest Festival on Sunday, October 13th, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Visitors to this event, located at 202 Main Street, can enjoy a petting zoo, food trucks, a bouncy house, and the opportunity to indulge in classic fall treats like apple cider and caramel apples. Tickets are priced at $5 for adults and $2 for children, providing an affordable and family-friendly way to experience the joys of the harvest season. Attendees can also take advantage of the on-site farmstand to purchase fresh produce from the Elliot Farm.

Family Fair and Car Show: A Celebration of Wheels and Community in Dighton

The Prince Henry Society of Taunton is organizing a car show on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the Dighton Town Hall located at 979 Somerset Avenue (Route 138). This event promises a unique blend of automotive enthusiasts and community spirit, with cars competing for prizes such as "Best Domestic" and "Best of the Show." Alongside the car show, attendees can indulge in delicious Portuguese cuisine, enjoy face painting, and browse the craft fair, making it a truly multifaceted celebration of the fall season.

Lakeville Lions' Fall Family Festival: A Quintessential Autumn Experience

The Lakeville Lions' Fall Family Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 14th, 2024, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers a quintessential autumn experience. Located at 170 Main Street in Lakeville, this free event invites visitors to enjoy popcorn, face painting, live music, and the timeless joy of a hayride. Organized by the Lakeville Lions, this festival provides a delightful opportunity for families to immerse themselves in the spirit of the season and create lasting memories.

Harvest Fair at Soule Homestead: A Celebration of Farm Life in Middleboro

Soule Homestead in Middleboro is hosting its Harvest Fair on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This event, located at 46 Soule Street, offers a unique glimpse into life on the farm, with activities such as hayrides, a sheep dog demonstration, and a cranberry exhibit. Tickets are priced at $25 for non-members, providing access for up to five people. Attendees can also enjoy live music, hot food, and craft beer from a local brewery, creating a well-rounded celebration of the autumn harvest.

Salina's Garage Museum Showcases the Extraordinary and the Bizarre

The latest exhibition at The Garage in Salina, Kansas, is a captivating exploration of the most unique, unusual, and even downright weird vehicles ever created. "Oddities" offers visitors a chance to witness the extraordinary, from a replica of the iconic 1960s Batmobile to a DeLorean with a functioning flux capacitor and an "invisible" Boatmobile straight out of the animated series "Spongebob Squarepants." This exhibition promises to challenge perceptions and delight the senses, showcasing the quirkiest and most unconventional modes of transportation that have ever graced the roads.

Unveiling the Extraordinary: A Curator's Perspective on "Oddities"

Embracing the Weird and Wonderful

Matthew Miller-Wells, the director of education at The Garage, has been instrumental in curating this one-of-a-kind exhibition. He describes the process as one of the most enjoyable experiences, as the team delved into the world of the obscure and the bizarre. "There's just some weird, obscure stuff here," Miller-Wells enthuses, his passion for the subject matter evident in his words. From the 1995 "ChewBaru," a Subaru Boxer covered in dental tools, dentures, and toothbrushes, to the rare and out-of-style vehicles like the 1983 Chrysler LeBaron, each item on display holds a unique story and a captivating charm.

Polarizing Perspectives: The Subjective Nature of Oddity

Miller-Wells acknowledges that the "Oddities" exhibition is likely to elicit a range of reactions from visitors. "I think 'polarizing' could absolutely be one," he says, recognizing that what one person finds strange and intriguing, another may find confusing or even off-putting. The beauty of this exhibition lies in its ability to challenge preconceptions and encourage visitors to embrace the subjective nature of what constitutes "odd" or "weird." As Miller-Wells points out, "what is strange is subjective. Someone may think it makes no sense that a K-Car is in here, because they remember a time when they were everywhere."

Celebrating the Rare and the Remarkable

The "Oddities" exhibition not only showcases the bizarre and the unconventional but also celebrates the rare and the remarkable. Miller-Wells is just as excited about the 1983 Chrysler LeBaron as he is about the floating Amphicar, because these are vehicles that have become increasingly scarce on the roads. "The (K-Car) '83 LeBaron that's over there excites me just as much as like the (floating) Amphicar, because you just don't see those anymore," he explains, highlighting the museum's commitment to preserving and showcasing the automotive relics of the past.

A Unique and Immersive Experience

Visitors to the "Oddities" exhibition at The Garage can expect a truly unique and immersive experience. From the moment they step through the doors, they will be transported into a world where the extraordinary and the bizarre coexist, challenging their perceptions and igniting their curiosity. Whether they are captivated by the sleek lines of the DeLorean or the whimsical charm of the "Spongebob Squarepants" Boatmobile, each visitor is sure to leave with a newfound appreciation for the creativity and ingenuity that can be found in the most unexpected places.

Practical Information and Admission Details

The "Oddities" exhibition is now open at The Garage in Salina, Kansas, and is accessible to the public. Daily general admission to the museum is $15, with discounted rates of $12 for seniors, students, and military personnel. The museum is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Memberships are also available, starting at $45 per year, which include unlimited admission and other exclusive benefits.