This Labor Day weekend fair has plenty of thrills for visitors. Page D2
THREE COUNTY FAIR
208TH
THREE COUNTY FAIR
Demolition
derbies, ‘extreme’ thrills — and plenty of midway fun — await visitors to Labor Day weekend fair
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
Crowds watch a show during a past Three County Fair in Northampton. This weekend’s fair begins Friday at 4 p.m. and continues through Monday.
If thrills are what you are looking for this weekend, then look no further than Northampton’s Three County Fair. America’s oldest ongoing agricultural fair begins on Friday at 4 p.m. and continues through Labor Day, with thrills that are dangerous and others that are simply just “thrilling.”
(THE REPUBLICAN / FILE PHOTO)
Above, Lincoln Iovanna poses with a snowball cone and Mario face paint, and, at right, a sheep greets visitors during last year’s Three County Fair in Northampton. (SOPHIE MARKHAM / SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN)
WMass’ Bromantics keep people on their toes
George Lenker
LIVE WIRE
WITH A LOT OF cover bands, you know what to expect from song to song. They tend to stick to a style, an era, or a type of sound.
While The Bromantics do adhere to certain stylistic constraints (playing largely new wave/alternative rock), they also aren’t afraid to
Camping is encouraged at this music festival
By P eter T uohy
Special to The Republican
MONTAGUE — The woods of Montague will be filled with the sounds of heavy metal music from Aug. 29-31 as the RPM Music Festival, a staple of the Western Massachusetts heavy music community for the past 11 years, returns.
RPM Fest has gathered in the typically sleepy Pioneer Valley woods for one big end-of-summer blowout since 2014. This year’s event features bands that stretch both US coasts and even traverses the Atlantic Ocean with the doom metal band CONAN arriving from Liverpool. At the helm of the operation
color outside the lines to keep audiences on their toes (and on their feet dancing).
“Not many bands will play Cheap Trick and then something by The Jesus and Mary
are
John Gulow.
Westbrook, owner and audio engineer of PDP Productions, had been playing shows for Gulow’s company Promotorhead Entertainment at the 13th Floor Music Lounge in Florence when the two joined forces.
“We just wanted to have one big end of the summer show with all of our friends, family and bands we liked booking and playing with,”
Westbrook said. “Things kind of grew from there.”
For the inaugural RPM Fest, Westbrook’s mother suggested they just do it in
Chain and then go into an Elvis Costello tune,” guitarist and band founder Jim Danko said in an interview with The Republican. “We balance popular songs with deeper cuts while always keeping the show entertaining.”
The Bromantics, who also play some original songs, are revving up for a busy fall.
Brian Westbrook and
Hailing from Liverpool, heavy metal band CONAN will play this weekend’s RPM Fest in the woods of Montague.
Above, clockwise from top left, some of the new foods coming to The Big E this year are: a new “Espresso” cream puff flavor; Famous Asian Sticky Ribs; Whiskey Bread Pudding; and a Strawberry Dubai Cup. The 2025 Big E runs Sept. 12-28.
BIG EATS ARE COMING TO THE BIG E
Ice cream ‘chicken nuggets?’ Shrek’s Swamp Water? Here are some of the foods coming to The Big E this year
By N ick O ’ M alley nomalley@masslive.com
The Big E is just around the corner — and we got a sneak peek at what food craziness is coming to the fair in 2025.
Western Massachusetts’ very own deep-fried Narnia is back with another lineup of creative and bonkers foods. Were these foods served anywhere else, you’d be viewed as crazy for trying them.
But in the confines of the West Springfield fairgrounds, it’s all fair game. Here’s a rundown of some of the new foods we spotted at this year’s Big E preview event:
MooNugs & Ronnie Pops
From Moolicious (On Springfield Road and West Road)
Imagine a chicken nugget — but made out of ice cream. That’s the MooNug. It’s a hearty brick of maple ice cream that has bacon mixed in. That’s then covered with white chocolate and a coating of frosted corn flakes.
On the fresher side of things, we’ve also got the new Ronnie Pops. These are artisanal popsicles made with local ingredients. It’s the perfect pick for something relatively healthy on a hot September afternoon.
Whiskey Bread Pudding
From Steaming Tender (On the Craft Common)
The Steaming Tender in Palmer is a bit of a hidden gem in Western Massachusetts that’s famous for its bread pudding. Now it’s available at The Big E. Bursting with unbelievable caramel flavors, this is a musttry if you haven’t had it yet.
This year’s new cream puff flavor: Espresso
From The Big E Bakery (Multiple locations)
The Big E continues its annual rotation of specialty flavors for its signature cream puff. This year, it’s a puff that tastes a lot like an espresso martini.
Famous Asian Sticky Ribs
From NOLA Cajun Kitchen and Raw Bar (On New England Ave.)
In terms of pure meaty flavor, this ranks among some of the best at The Big E. The ribs come with a punchy crack of sweet and spicy flavor.
Shrek’s Swamp Water
From W.A.V.E Mocktail
Cark (In The Front Porch)
Why yes, I will take something crazy-colored and silly. This has pineapple juice, sour
mix, blue curaçao, lemon-lime soda and is topped with a gummy frog.
No word on whether we’ll see talking donkeys.
White Christmas Martini
From The Spirited Christmas Bar (In the Young Building)
V-One Vodka is changing up its specialty bar at The Big E. What was once a speakeasy is now a Christmas-themed bar. This tart, tasty cocktail comes served in a Christmas ornament.
The Blushing Dragon Cocktail
From The Smoking Dragon (In the Young Building)
Thanks to some well-implemented dry ice, we’ve got ourselves some smoking cocktails. This one is flavored with, you guessed it, dragon fruit juice.
Warm Apple Maple Creemee Sundae
From Ferrindino Maple (In the Better Living Center and at the Craft Common)
Apple pie filling and maple creemee is a match made in heaven — and also Vermont.
Lobster Nachos
From New England Craft Beer Pub (On the Avenue of States)
These “nachos” are deepfried kettle chips smothered in cheddar sauce, lobster sauce and buttered lobster. The cheese sauce alone makes these awesome. The lobster takes it to another decadent level worthy of a splurge at The Big E.
Deep Fried Chile Relleño & Al Pastor Street Tacos
From Macho Taco (On East Road)
We’ve got another inductee into the “Giant Foods on a Stick Hall of Fame.” This time, it’s a deep-fried poblano pepper that’s filled with beef, cheese and jalapeños.
The Al Pastor Street Tacos aren’t as wacky as some of the other new foods, but they are delicious.
Hot Honey Tango Colossal Shrimp
From Harpoon Beer Hall (On New England Ave.)
These shrimp are enormous and tasty. They’re sweet, spicy and have a fun little zing from a dusting of Tajín.
The Paprika Schnitzel Sandy
From Wurst Haus (On Commonwealth Ave.)
I’m not sure the picture truly captures the sheer scale of the schnitzel cutlet that comes served on this pretzel bun. It’s like a Frisbee’s worth of fried pork. I highly recommend this. Broccoli Tempura
From Broccoli Bar (On Springfield Road)
The Broccoli Bar is back and moving from behind the Vermont Building to a more prominent spot on Springfield Road.
Don’t brush this place off because it includes vegetables. In terms of flavors and satisfying crunch, it’s one of the most underrated items at the fair.
Strawberry Dubai Cup, Sweet Crepes, Loaded Bubble Waffles with Ice Cream
From Crave Café (In The Young Building)
The Dubai Chocolate craze has hit The Big E. Crave Café has a fun take on it. They add some strawberries to the signature combo of pistachio cream, chocolate and crisp
Instant Issues
States). Above, from left, Al Pastor Street Tacos from Macho Taco (on East Road) and Sweet Crepes from Crave Café (in the Young Building).
mMORE BIG E: To stay up to date on everything Big E in the days leading up to the 2025 fair, go online to MassLive.com.
kataifi to create a sort of parfait that is rich in flavor but not overly heavy.
Also keep an eye out for their sweet crepes, which also has a Dubai Chocolate version.
Chowder in a Bread Bowl
From Storrowton Tavern Soup Shack (On the Avenue of States)
The Soup Shack has another big, beefy soup in a bread bowl this year. If it’s soup weather, grab yourself some.
Monster Mozzarella
From Hot Wisconsin Cheese (On Springfield Road)
Another addition to the popular line of “giant fried pieces of cheese.” This is a quarter-pound of mozzarella that is breaded with panko, fried and served with marinara sauce.
Pickle Sundae & Pickle Shake
Autocracy Rising: How Venezuela Transitioned to Authoritarianism
Wednesday, September 10 Noon-1:00 PM 1350 Main Street, 9th Floor Gallery
Featuring Dr. Javier Corrales • Dwight W. Morrow 1895 Professor of Political Science - Amherst College Register at wacwestma.org or scan QR Code
COST
Council Members: $10.00 | $25.00 (includes lunch) Non-members: $15.00 | $30.00 (includes lunch)
RSVP by September 5 for lunch
Special Thanks To NAI/Plotkin
For more information, call 413-733-0110 or email info@wacwestma.org.
From Amy’s Sweet Treats (On Commonwealth Ave.)
Another hot trend at the fair is pickle-flavored foods. Amy’s has us covered with everything pickle ice cream this year.
Lobster Volcano
From International Lobster House (On West Road)
A bread bowl full of lobster bisque and topped with lobster meat.
Hot Honey Jalapeño Popper Donut
From Fluffy’s Hand Cut Donuts (On New England Ave.)
This doughnut is topped with whipped jalapeño cream cheese, bacon, hot honey and jalapeños.
Elote Corn Dog
From Meatball Factory (On the Avenue of States)
A street corn-inspired corn dog served with crema, cotija
cheese, cilantro and Hot Cheetos.
Candy Bar Pizza
From Top The Crust (In the Food Court)
This sweet spin on pizza features a chocolate cookie crust, vanilla cream frosting, caramel, chocolate and crushed candy (Snickers, Heath Bar, Butterfingers, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and M&Ms).
Hotdog Flatliner
From West Springfield Lions Club (On West Road)
A quarter-pound hot dog topped with chili, bacon, cheese and french fries.
All-American Wagyu “Sloppy Joe”
From All American Beer Pub (On Springfield Road)
A slider with meat sauce and cheese served on a pretzel bun.
Art Exhibitions Works from the Museo de Arte de Ponce
Music by DJ Cowboy, The Goza Latin Band, and Bomba de Aqui
Hors d’oeuvres, cash bar, Activities, and more!
At left, Lobster Nachos from the New England Craft Beer Pub (on the Avenue of
Nightclubs
THURSDAY
Delaney House: Billy Eagan. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Theodores': The Do Bads. 201 Worthington St., Springfield Tree House Brewery: Dawes: Oh Brother Tour. 1 Community PL, South Deerfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Country Music. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
Pridelands on Mane Street: DJ
Ananas and outdoor beer garden by White Lion Brewery. 1477 Main St., Springfield
FRIDAY
Delaney House: Luther Johnson. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
East Mountain Country Club: The Hellcats. 1458 East Mountain Rd, Westfield
MGM Springfield: Free Music
Fridays: High Noon. 1 MGM Way, Springfield
The Meeting House: Dave Brinnel. 827 Williams St., Longmeadow
Theodores': The Dave Keller Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Roots, Blues and Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
West Springfield's Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: Piper Hopkins Band. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SATURDAY
Delaney House: Alex Touhey. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Theodores': The Next Jen Band. 201 Worthington St., Springfield
Uno Chicago Grill: Modern, Contemporary Rock. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield West Springfield's Irish House
Restaurant & Pub: The Healys. 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield
SUNDAY
Delaney House: Trivia in The Mick. 3 Country Club Road, Holyoke
Uno Chicago Grill: Jazz. 820 West Columbus Ave., Springfield
The Republican is not responsible for unannounced schedule changes. Listings must be received two weeks before the date of the event. Items should be mailed to: Entertainment Guide, The Republican, P.O. Box 1329, Springfield, MA 01102-1329, emailed to pmastriano@repub.com or submitted to www.masslive. com/myevent
Live Wire
CONTINUES FROM PAGE D3
They play next at The Deck in Northampton on Sept. 5, followed by gigs at Bright Ideas Brewing on Sept. 28, Easthampton’s Porch Fest on Oct. 4 and New City Brewery in Easthampton on Nov. 1.
The group consists of Mark Cybulski on bass, Danko on guitar and backing vocals, Rich Germain on drums, Jesse Rhodes on lead vocals and guitar, Andrew Pasquale on guitar and trumpet, and Michael Schurter on keyboards and backing vocals.
Danko talked about the band in a recent interview with The Republican.
Q. Who are your favorite artists and influences?
Danko: All six of us bring different influences and favorite artists to the table, but we tend to enjoy a lot of the same bands from the post-punk era such as the Clash, Elvis Costello and R.E.M. The biggest influences for me pre-date that era. It all started with The Beatles. I also love Springsteen, especially his live shows. Pete Townshend inspired my guitar dreams, and Lou Reed’s songwriting and raw delivery have always stuck with me.
Q. Have you played in other bands before?
Which ones?
Danko: The Bromantics is my first — I started the band when I was in my 50s. And I’d dreamed of playing in a band since seeing the movie “Help!” as a 10-year-old. This is also bassist Mark’s first band. The others have played in groups before. Rich in fact played in a Ramones cover band.
Q. What was the goal of the band, and has it changed since the beginning?
Danko: At first, we simply wanted to play cool songs for our own amusement. There’s no better escape than playing music. As we got tighter, we decided to share that joy with others and started looking for gigs. Now we aim for about one show a month. It’s been great to see not just friends
The Bromantics are looking ahead to a busy fall, with several Western Massachusetts shows planned. (B.J. RICHARDSON PHOTO)
but also people from all over Western Massachusetts coming out to dance and sing along. I look out and think, wow, we have built a following. We’ve also learned to think about what audiences want to hear — which usually lines up with what we love too.
Q. How do new covers get selected?
Danko: It’s democratic — each member suggests songs. Typically, it’s a song a band member likes and thinks might work with the group, keeping in mind our new wave/alt-rock style. I
sometimes propose a song requested by someone at a show. We’ll try out several at rehearsal, keep the ones that click and drop the rest.
Q. Who does the arrangements and how faithful do you try to be to originals?
Danko: We each learn our parts at home listening to the original recording, then arrange together at Rich’s place. We stay about 90% true to the original arrangements but sometimes change keys, trim sections or create new endings. Occasionally, we will do a “cover of a cover” if it works better for us,
like Morrissey’s version of “Back on the Chain Gang” or Lucy Dacus’ take on “Dancing in the Dark.”
Q. What are a few of the songs that get the best reaction from audiences?
Danko: “Mr. Brightside” by The Killers always gets everyone singing, from college age to retirement age. People love “Blister in the Sun” by Violent Femmes, “Should I Stay or Should I Go” by The Clash and certainly “Psycho Killer” by Talking Heads. Those are guaranteed crowdpleasers.
Q. You also play some originals. Who writes them and how many did you do on a given night?
Danko: Michael Schurter and I both write originals. We usually play just one or two a night. It’s awesome to see people dancing or even singing along to them, though we know most come to hear classics by The Cure, R.E.M. and others.
Q. How would you describe your live shows to someone who hasn’t seen you yet?
Danko: Energetic, fun and surprising. We’ve got strong chemistry, and we love interacting with the crowd. It’s all about forgetting your troubles, big and small, for a few hours when we are on stage.
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
431 Granby Road, Chicopee
413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
Doors Open at 4PM
2 Progressive Jackpots 6:15PM Early Bird 6:20PM Start
Min. Entry Package $15
Open Seating
2 Halls for Players Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
WEDNESDAY
Polish American Citizens Club 355 East Street, Ludlow, 583-6385
Bingo Wednesdays 6:30-9:30pm
Doors Open at 4pm.
Minimum Admission $50 1 - 1199 Progressive Betty Boop 50/50 Prize $900
2 - $500 Cover Alls
3 - $400 Special Games All regular games $100 with 80 people or More. All Cards are included with Admission. Prizes climb with additional attendence. Full Kitchen 4-6:30pm.
THURSDAY
Fairview Knights of Columbus 1599 Memorial Drive, Chicopee (413) 532-2011
DOORS OPEN 4:30PM
MASKS OPTIONAL Progressive Jackpot 6:15pm Early Bird 6:20pm Start
Electronic Bingo Aval. Snack Bar, Open Seating, Handicap Restrooms
CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
Min. Entry Package $15
“We want everyone to be able to attend our fair and make ourselves accessible to the community with an affordable admission, free parking and plenty of free entertainment when you enter the fairgrounds.”
Taylor Haas, executive director, Three County Fair
The thrills begin soon after the gates open at 5:30 p.m. with AMDC Wall of Death — America’s Original Extreme Motorcycle Thrill Show, which also continues at 7 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 10 p.m. through Monday.
The show, true to its name, is both extreme and death-defying.
The sport involves a siloshaped wooden cylinder 30 feet in diameter where, inside, motorcycle daredevils, both men and women, travel along the vertical wall performing tricks and acrobatic riding.
“The thrill show dates back 115 years. It is 20 minutes long with five acts featuring antique Indian Motocycles from the 1920s and Harley-Davidson dirt bikes from the 1970s, as well as fourwheel go carts,” said current show owner Bill Applegate in an interview with The Republican.
“Audiences will see amazing things like riders with their hands on the handlebars while standing on the cycle, and there are other riders in another act who will be sitting sideways. Another act fea-
tures riders really whipping around, both up and down, the drome, while another act has two machines riding the wall at the same time,” he added.
Don’t plan on sitting down to watch the show.
“Watchers must stand up at the top of the drome and look down to watch all the action. You will be thrilled and chilled while watching our daredevils go at it, and you won’t believe your eyes as they defy all the laws of gravity and sanity,”
Applegate said.
Bad driving is a pre-requisite for participating in the multiple demolition derbies at the Three County Fair, where drivers compete to be the “last car standing” after deliberately ramming their vehicles into one another.
Presented by Skyfire Productions, who call the demolition derbies “hazardous and high-risk sports,” the smash and crash fun begins on Friday at 7 p.m. with the Minivan Demo Derby and 4-6 Cylinder Compact Demo Derby, and continues on Saturday at 5 p.m. with Enduro Racing and the School Bus Demo Derby, followed on Sunday at 7 p.m. by Stock and Modified Lawnmower Racing and the 4-6-8 Cyl-
inder Demo Derby. Things wrap up on Monday with the Enduro Racing Qualifiers and School Bus Demo Derby at 2 p.m.
“Our thrill shows are very popular, especially our demo derbies. We are the only fair in New England offering a School Bus Demo Derby where schools and organizations paint the buses, which are provided by Skyfire Productions, for prizes,” said Taylor Haas, the fair’s executive director.
Admission to the demo derbies at the fair’s grandstand is $8 for ages 4 and older.
New this year: Axe Women Loggers
New this year at the fair with several shows daily are the Axe Women Loggers of Maine.
“I don’t consider our show to be a thrill show. We are a safe heritage sport that will be exciting for audiences to watch, but we’re not taking risks that would make the sport dangerous. Unlike them, we are all about head-to-head competition and performing demos for the audience,” said Alissa Wetherbee, founder of the group along with her husband Mike Wetherbree,
who serves as the announcer during the show.
Boasting “great old-fashioned family fun” on their website, the Axe Women are an all-female team of logging sports athletes including world champion choppers, sawyers, logrollers and ax throwers who hold several world records and titles.
Among the several competitions on display, logrolling is the most popular with many in the audience.
“It’s always a crowd-pleaser. Audiences will see two ladies logrolling in a 7,000-gallon pool with the winner determined by who can stay on the log the longest. Contestants can roll the log backward and forwards, splash their competitor with water, bounce up and down, but they can’t touch one another. We save logrolling for the end of the show because it is such a crowd pleaser. Audiences love to see people falling into the water,” Wetherbee said.
Midway fun and fair food
The thrills continue each day for young and old alike with rides and games at the fair’s midway, provided by Rockwell Amusements.
Musical entertainment
Magician Lance Gifford, above, works with a volunteer from the audience, Finn Mias of Holyoke, during the 2023 Three County Fair in Northampton. At right, a young fairgoer bungee jumps during the 2024 fair. (ABOVE: DON TREEGER / THE REPUBLICAN, FILE; AT RIGHT: SOPHIE MARKHAM / SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN)
Guests enjoy a treat during a past Three County Fair in Northampton. (THE REPUBLICAN, FILE PHOTO)
LAST CALL FOR TREASURE HUNTING
Childhood collector turned vintage store owner ready for final Brimfield flea market of 2025
Heather and her mother, Belinida O’Conner, of Palmer, look at antique dolls during the July edition of the Brimfield Flea Market. The final market of the season runs Sept. 2-7. (DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
their backyard in Greenfield after struggling to find a location. Throughout the summer, they removed stumps, pulled weeds and built stages to bring their idea to life.
“We were there until 2016 when the town of Greenfield kindly suggested we move elsewhere,” Westbrook said.
“We made a little too much noise and were honestly starting to outgrow the site anyway.”
The team took 2017 off and in 2018 landed on the Millers Falls Rod and Gun Club in Montague, which has been the home of RPM Fest ever since. With plenty of shows and years of professional event production under his belt, Westbrook was well prepared to bring RPM Fest to bigger heights.
“We usually have a pretty good grasp on what to anticipate,” Westbrook added. “At this point, we have enough experience to know what to expect and potential pitfalls
we could run into.”
This year’s festival features 50 bands scattered throughout three days, a few being on Westbrook and Gulow’s “band bucketlist.”
“We have bands that we have been trying to get for years now that we’re really excited for,” Westbrook said.
“CONAN from Liverpool is probably going to be the loudest we’ve ever had at the festival.”
Some other highlights of the weekend include Ghoul from Oakland, California; Midnight from Cleveland; and Through the Eyes of the Dead, celebrating the 20th anniversary of their landmark album “Bloodlust.”
RPM Fest doesn’t only feature heavy music. This year also includes fire performers, circus acts, burlesque and drag shows, drag brunch bingo and a professional wrestling event to close out the weekend. Each night will end with a DJ set.
A staple for Westbrook, however, is the community that RPM Fest brings togeth-
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican BRIMFIELD — It is not every young child who has the patience to tag along with a parent while they shop from the fields at the Brimfield Antique Flea Markets.
David Smith did have the patience. And now, at age 42, he still does.
Smith, who was raised in Springfield and now lives in California, operates a collectibles store called 1 Look Vintage. He is planning to attend Brimfield’s last show of the season which runs Sept. 2-7.
“I usually attend the May show, but going in September this year will be a real treat because it is sometimes a little cooler, May can get warm. And hopefully the rain will hold off,” Smith said.
After moving his shop from the Boston area to Huntington Beach 10 years ago, Smith
has flown back to Massachusetts nearly each year to continue finding unique items at the flea market which he believes have potential resale to customers at his store.
1 Look Vintage specializes in rare, one-of-a-kind items and pop culture memorabilia, including premium vintage T-shirts and other apparel, and vintage music and movie posters. Because of their location in California,
1 Look Vintage has a reputation for finding in-demand surfboards and skateboards from the ’60s. They are also one of the top record stores in Southern California specializing in rare vinyl with a massive inventory of more than 10,000 records that Smith calls “must haves” for collectors, alongside movies in all formats.
“I’ve attended more than
er. Camping for the weekend is encouraged at RPM Fest and wasn’t something he was looking to sacrifice when initially searching for a new site.
“My favorite part about this is the walk through the woods on Friday and Saturday night,” Westbrook added. “I wander through 300-plus tents with everyone decorating their campsites and there are lights everywhere and I meet people
I’ve never met before.”
Different music scenes are a prominent fixture in Western Massachusetts, and Westbrook, Gulow and the entire RPM Fest team are ensuring that the heavy metal community has a place to thrive.
“In the old days of RPM, I knew every single person at the festival,” Westbrook said. “Now there are people I’ve never met before and
it’s just like, ‘thank you for finding us and showing up.’ Seeing that community grow every year is really what makes me excited for the festival.”
Tickets to the festival are still available online at www. rpmfest.org. Weekend tickets are priced at $145.52; single-day tickets start at $45.49 for Friday, $75.49 for Saturday and $60.49 for Sunday.
THURSDAY
Nbs Malay: Thu., 7 p.m. LAVA Center, $20 suggested donation, no one turned away for lack of funds. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
Three Speed: Thu., 6:30 p.m. Peskeomskut Park. Free. Avenue A and 7th Street, Turners Falls.
Thursday Night Live Music Series: Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Liston's Bar and Grill. Performances will take place outdoors (weather permitting). Guests are welcome to bring their own lawn chairs, but seating also will be provided. While outside food and beverages are not allowed, the event will feature their outdoor bar, The 413 Club, offering a limited selection of food and beverages. In addition, their regular restaurant and menu will be open, with indoor and patio seating available for those who want to enjoy a meal while listening to the music, Free. 324 Old North Road, Worthington. 413-238-5353.
FRIDAY
RPM Fest 2025: Fri.-Sun., The Millers Falls Rod and Gun Club. RPM Fest is New England's biggest heavy music campout. Catch over 40 bands on two stages, vendors, pro wrestling, burlesque, karaoke, drag bingo, games, activities, food trucks, and craft brews. Don’t miss the heaviest party of the summer — Labor Day Weekend in Montague, tickets range from $45-$145. 210 Turners Falls Road, Turners Falls.
Three County Fair: Fri.-Sun., Three County Fairgrounds, For tickets and more information visit 3countyfair.com/p/tickets. 41 Fair St., Northampton, 413-584-2237.
SATURDAY
The Chestina Thrower Quartet: Sat., 7 p.m. Blue Room at CitySpace, $16.98. 43 Main St., Easthampton;
RPM Fest 2025: See Friday listing
Three County Fair: See Friday listing
SUNDAY
Quabbin Park Cemetery Tour: Sun., 1-2 p.m. Quabbin Park Cemetery. Easy but uneven ground. Take a walk through the Quabbin Park Cemetery and learn about the history and lives of residents (both prominent and ordinary) of the Valley towns. Meet in the Quabbin Park Cemetery off Route 9 in Ware. Dress appropriately for the weather. No dogs are allowed. Learn more and register by going online to www. friendsofquabbin.org/dcr-programs/, Route 9, Belchertown.
CALENDAR
RPM Fest 2025: See Friday listing St. Mark Armenian Festival: St. Mark Armenian Church. Come enjoy delicious Armenian food fresh off the grill, baked goods to buy and take home, live Armenian band, a raffle, Armenian jewelry, artwork and more. Free admission and free parking. Rain or shine (plenty of seating under the tent). New this year is extended hours with DJ Gena, spinning Armenian and International dance music from 5-7 p.m. Free. 2427 Wilbraham Road, Springfield;
Three County Fair: See Friday listing
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: “The Comedy Wildlife Photography Awards” exhibit, through Sept. 14. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free. For more information, visit www.springfieldmuseums.org
Lyman and Merrie Wood Museum of Springfield History: “Witch Panic! Massachusetts Before Salem,” through Nov. 2 The exhibition explores how the first instance witchcraft hysteria in the American colonies influenced the early history of the city and how the conversation continues today. Permanent exhibit: More than two dozen Indian motor-
cycles and related memorabilia. Michele and Donald D’Amour Museum of Fine Arts: “Portraits in RED: Missing & Murdered Indigenous Peoples Painting Project,” through Sept. 7. “Van Gogh for All,” through Sept. 14.
Springfield Science Museum: “Here Be Dragons,” through Sept. 14. On the Second Floor Changing Exhibits Gallery. Permanent exhibit: State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. Firstfloor exhibition provides interactive three-dimensional exhibits. Second floor contains Geisel’s personal memorabilia.
Quadrangle admission: $25 for adults, $16.50 for seniors (60+) and college students with ID, $13 for children ages 3-17; free to children under age 3 and members, Springfield residents are free with proof of residency. Welcome Center and Museum store. Tues.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
Galleries
A.P.E. Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Tues.-Thurs. noon-5 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. noon-8 p.m.; Sun. noon-5 p.m.; 126 Main St., Northampton or www.apearts.org.
Amy H. Carberry Fine Arts Gallery: Permanent exhibit. Hours:
Jazz night
Chestina Thrower and the Chestina Thrower Quartet will play a night of soulful jazz on Saturday at CitySpace's Blue Room at Old Town Hall in Easthampton. Thrower was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvannia and raised in Springfield, where as a child, they performed alongside Charles Neville, and studied with jazz greats Charles Tolliver and Sheila Jordan. "“I’m hoping to break a barrier with more alternative-looking people. You know, with all my tattoos and my piercings, I feel like a lot of people assume, ‘Oh, you don’t sing jazz,’" Thrower said in an interview last month with The Republican. “But I’m hoping to show people that, that has absolutely nothing to do with anyone’s taste or their abilities.” Tickets to the Chestina Thrower Quartet concert are on a sliding scale and available online at cityspaceeasthampton.org.
(DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
Tues.-Fri. 12:30-4:30 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. First floor of building 28. 1 Armory Square, Springfield 413-755-5258.
Barnes Gallery of Leverett Crafts and Arts: “Fragments of Shelter,” Sat.-Sun. in Aug. Hannah Harti, mixed media sculpture; Benjamin sears, works on paper. 13 Montague Road, Leverett, 413-548-9070.
Center for the Arts Trust Building: “Chiquinho: Art Exhibition-Installation,” through Aug. 29. Split Level Gallery. Gallery Hours: Wed.-Sat., noon - 7 p.m. 33 Hawley St., Northampton Cooper’s Common: “Bridges, Barns and Farms” art exhibit. The exhibit is sponsored by the Agawam Community Artists and Artisans. Proceeds from any sold art goes directly to the artist. 159 Main St., Agawam Gallery A3 Amherst Art Alliance: “Gallery A3 10th Annual Juried Show,” Aug. 28-30. Free, www. gallerya3.com. 28 Amity St., Amherst, 413-256-4250.
Hope and Feathers Framing and Gallery: “Summer of Joy” oil paintings by Maggie Hodges, through Aug. 30; Hours: Mon.-Fri, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., and Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 238 Bridge St., Northampton or www. hopeandfeathersframing.com
Indian Orchard Mills Dane Gallery: All new exhibits every month featuring the artists at Indian Orchard Mills. Hours: Sat. noon-4
p.m. or by appointment. 34 Front St., Indian Orchard, 413-543-3321. Jasper Rand Art Museum: Permanent exhibit. Hours: Mon.-Thurs. 8:30 a.m.-8 p.m.; Fri.-Sat. 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. 6 Elm St., Westfield or www.westath.org.
Old Town Hall: “Because She Cared” by Nancy Moriary, through Aug. 30. 43 Main St., Easthampton
R. Michelson Galleries: “Lewis Bryden: New Works,” through Aug. 31. Free, 132 Main St., Northampton or www.michelson.com.
Small Victories (Thornes Marketplace): “Visual Spells: Tufted Wall Art, Enchantment, and Bookbinding,” through Aug. 31. Free. 150 Main St., Suite 150, Northampton
Markets
Amherst Farmers Market: Amherst Town Common. Sat. through Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Boltwood Avenue and Spring Street, Amherst Farmers Market at Forest Park: Every Tues. through Oct. 6, 12:30-6 p.m. 200 Trafton Rd. or free entry at main entrance on Sumner Ave for market shoppers. Sumner Avenue, Springfield or www.farmersmarketatforestpark.com.
Northampton Farmers Market: Sat. through Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 8 Gothic St., Northampton
Treasure
30 shows over the years, and without question Brimfield is the best New England has to offer, probably even on the East Coast. It has a reputation for sending thousands of people home satisfied, whether you are a collector finding that special item you’ve been looking for, a vendor moving a lot of product, or a retail buyer like me,” Smith said.
It all started for Smith back in 1989 when he was just 6 years old.
“My babysitter brought me to my first show. She would go looking for old perfume bottles and I would go looking for toys. I remember my first few years as a young child going to Brimfield as being overwhelmingly stimulating in terms of the quality and quantity of the toys I was looking for,” Smith said.
His first visit to Brimfield conveniently came shortly after visiting a friend’s house.
“He had all these Star Wars toys that I was interested in. My father brought me to several stores, but they were out of production by that time and we were directed to a collectibles store in Springfield. We couldn’t afford them and my father told me I would have to find them another way. That’s when yard sales entered my life, but they were hit and miss, they might have toys, they might not. But I soon discovered that Brimfield was a guarantee, that you could just show up and there would be things to purchase that I was happy with, and other things I wasn’t even thinking about,” Smith said.
As he got older, Smith began to purchase more than just toys — including things like comic books, vinyl records, Nintendo games and more.
“I would always look at them with the potential for resale, even when I was young, and the store wasn’t even a thought back then,” he said.
Today, when Smith attends Brimfield, he usually stays
with a friend who has a home in the area.
“I usually fly in on a Tuesday and shop the many fields from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., three days straight, before packing up Thursday night and heading home,” Smith said.
Among the many fields to visit, he never misses HeartO-The Mart.
“All of the fields are good to shop, but Heart-O-The-Mart seems to offer this consistency for what I am doing right now,” Smith said.
Heart-O-The-Mart is one of about 20 individually owned fields spread along a mile-long stretch covering 150 acres of land along Route 20. They make up Brimfield
Antique Flea Markets which attract antique lovers, collectors, and treasure hunter from across the county and abroad to the small New England town three times a year in May, July and September.
About 50,000 people on average attend each of the three shows. May is usually the best attended because of the cooler weather, as opposed to the height of summer.
“We had a very robust May, and dealers told us it was the best show in a decade which was encouraging to hear. As a promoter, we did well, and our field was at near capacity. September’s show, like going to The Big E, has a feeling of the beginning of fall. The temperatures are usually very comfortable and in the 70s, and there is a real sense of enjoyment by the sellers
and buyers because of that,” said Don Moriarty, owner of Heart-O-The-Mart.
Moriarty noted they have a wide assortment of dealers selling comic books, vinyl records, toys and other memorabilia that might interest Smioth, as well as a textile booth, which he said is a “big attraction,” and a tent selling high-end antiques.
A list of the many other show fields include: May’s Antique Market, Dealers Choice Antiques Shows, New England Motel, Brimfield Auction Acres/Treasure Trunk Tuesday, Midway Antiques Shows, Hertan’s Antique Shows, Central Park Antique Shows, Shelton Antique Shows, Collins’ Apple Barn, Sturtevant’s Antique Shows, Grand Trunk Antique Shows, Green Acres An-
“September’s show, like going to The Big E, has a feeling of the beginning of fall. The temperatures are usually very comfortable and in the 70s, and there is a real sense of enjoyment by the sellers and buyers because of that.”
Don Moriarty, owner of Heart-O-The-Mart, Brimfield Flea Market
At top and immediately above, unique and vintage items are seen on display for sale at the July edition of the Brimfield Flea Market.
tique Shows, Quaker Acres, Mahogany Ridge, Crystal Book, and Stephen’s Place Antiques.
Don’t worry about going without sustenance while walking through the many fields looking for treasures. Food trucks can be found along Route 20 and in many of the fields, including Sassy Sweets inside Heart-O-TheMart.
Brimfield hours vary depending on which field you
plan on visiting, with some opening as early as 6 a.m. and ending around 5 or 6 p.m. Not all fields are open every day during the six-day run. Some fields charge a $5 or $10 admission for the first day. Many fields charge between $10 to $20 for the convenience of parking on their property. For a field map, days of operation and times, and admission costs, visit brimfield antiquefleamarket.com.
Ben and Amanda Mack, from Oxford, search for antiques to bring home on the first day of the July Brimfield Flea Market.
(DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
(DOUGLAS HOOK / THE REPUBLICAN)
Fair
throughout the four-day fair includes, on Friday, the Johnny Memphis Band, Tom Ingram Band, Sweet Daddy Cool Breeze; on Saturday, The Hendersons Blues Band, Janet Ryan & Straight Up, Reminisants, Frank Manzi Band; on Sunday, Lauren Fleit, Mojo Wagon, Poor Monroe and Eric Lee, Moose & The High Tops; and Monday, Greg Reil, and Chick’n Wire.
Other fun things to do and see include the Antique Engine & Tractor Showcase, Baby Barnyard, Wee Wee Wee Racing Pigs, Draft Horse Wagon Rides, Classic Car Show, Magic by Ed Pop, Marketplace presented by Florence Bank with its handmade crafts and more, Farm Museum, Racing Museum, Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School Showcase, Handicraft and Youth Exhibits which are a staple at agricultural fairs, and competitions such as the King Arthur Baking Competition, Pie Eating Contest, and the fair’s first-ever mullet competition.
A Food Truck Festival with 16 different food vendors — offering meatballs, cannoli, tacos, Philippine street food, sausage grinders, burgers, French fries, hot dogs, ice cream and “fried everything,” noted Haas — will be spread over two locations on the fairgrounds along with a beer hall for those looking for a cooling libation other than soda, water, milkshakes and other
beverages.
Originally founded as the Hampshire, Franklin & Hampden Agricultural Society back in 1818, the fair remains true to its agricultural heritage with several livestock competitions, agricultural exhibits, tractor pulls, a draft horse challenge and more.
Celebrating its 208th consecutive fair, the Three County Fair is “special,” Haas said about the oldest, continuous running fair in the United States.
“I believe we are special because the Three County Fair has everything a person could want in a traditional fair. We want everyone to be able to attend our fair and make ourselves accessible to the community with an affordable admission, free parking, and plenty of free entertainment when you enter the fairgrounds,” Haas said.
Gates open Friday at 4 p.m. and Saturday, Sunday and Monday morning at 10 a.m.
Tickets in advance online at 3countyfair.com are $30 for a four-day pass for ages 12 and older. Single-day tickets begin online at $13.50 for adults ages 12-64 and $10 for seniors 65 and older. Single-day tickets at the gate are $15 adults and $10 seniors. Veterans with ID are $10 at the gate, and youth 11 and younger are admitted free.
Parking is free.
The Three County Fair is located on 54 Fair St. in Northampton.
An old standard duck catches some sleep during the 2024 Three County Fair. (SOPHIE MARKHAM / SPECIAL TO THE REPUBLICAN)