Six Flags New England’s Fright Fest returns this weekend with new eats on the menu. Page D2
FEAR & FUN
• John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting reflects on legacy of ‘Superman (It’s Not Easy)’ before Big E concert. Page D7
• From Aunt Helen’s Herb Garden to The Big E History Museum — here are five hidden gems that you shouldn’t miss during your visit to the fair. Page D6
FUN BY DAY, FRIGHT BY NIGHT
Six Flags New England opens its 2025 Fright Fest starting on Saturday. The festival runs weekends and select days through Nov. 9.
This former clown now teaches people how to be scary at Six Flags New England’s Fright Fest
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The
Republican
Clowns are meant to make people laugh and smile, but any clown you meet at Six Flags New England this weekend is anything but happy — they are demented, downright scary and monstrous.
It’s all part of the park’s annual Fright Fest, which begins Saturday and runs weekends and select days through the park’s “Last Scare Weekend” on Nov. 9.
Greg Seymour, who is now an entertainment supervisor at Six Flags New England, was once one of those spooky clowns.
“Back in 2002 I was working as a technician at Six Flags when in July, discussions began about Fright Fest. I love Halloween and thought it would be fun to try getting into acting,” Seymour, who got his start in scare-acting as a 3D clown in the park’s TerrorVision maze.
Although most of Seymour’s time today is taken up by supervising, you still might see him returning to a popular role he loves — playing who he refers to as “Gentleman Chainsaw”
who, dressed in a long black coat and black cowboy hat, wields his noisy and powerful chainsaw to keep people out of the junkyard he oversees.
He also teaches the park’s annual “Ghoul School,” which helps actors prepare for Fright Fest.
“We teach a lot about voicing, how to scream or make grunting noises while preserving your voice. And we teach how to walk like a zombie or werewolf, as well as scaring safely,” Seymour said.
Preparations for Fright Fest begin in July. The park hires more than 250 additional people for the Halloween-time festival, including scare actors, makeup artists, dancers, singers, stage techs, and team members to facilitate Kids Boo Fest activities.
“Our team prepares for months to bring Fright Fest to life—transforming the park, training performers at ‘ghoul school,’ and perfecting our live shows,” said Sydney Snow, regional manager of public relations for Six Flags. “Fright Fest has grown into one of our biggest events of the year, which speaks to how much people love Halloween.”
Getting your scare on
There are several ways to get your scares on at Fright Fest, including five Haunted Mazes, Camp Killamore, Nightmares, and Slasher Circus
Vampire newspapers & poison bottles
Unusual art highlights fall Deerfield Craft Fair, returning to Memorial Hall Museum
By K eith O ’C onnor Special to The Republican
DEERFIELD — If the character Wednesday from the Addams Family was to attend this weekend’s Old Deerfield Fall Arts & Crafts Festival, she would probably make a beeline straight to Glenn Church’s “Of Grave Concern” booth.
Church is one of 22 new exhibitors joining the more than 100 craftspeople from all over New England and beyond selling their creations on Saturday and Sunday on the grounds of the Memorial Hall Museum in Deerfield.
Shoppers will find a unique array of jewelry, quilts, handbags, pottery, dolls, photography, fine arts, furniture and more. The festival will also showcase specialty foods such as fudge, honey teas,
gourmet veggie and oil dips, sauces, salsa, jam, and fire cider among many other tasty creations to bring home to the kitchen.
Church at his Of Grave Concern booth will be selling illustrations, candles, prints, plaques, books and bottles inspired by history.
The main historical periods his art reflects range from 1348 to 1848 — the Black Death and its aftermath in the 14th and 15th centuries; the age of superstition and its counter-reaction of scientific reason and inquiry in the 17th and 18th centuries; and the Gothic Victorian period with its harsh dichotomy of industry and the sublime, as explained on his website.
“I’ve always been interested in history and art, more of the darker side of history which is more underground,” Church said.
The artist — who lives in Spencer after emigrating to the United States from the
United Kingdom in 2006 — studied at three British universities in the areas of art and graphic design, ultimately obtaining a master’s degree in 18th century studies.
After working several years in the field of special education, Church was looking for a change.
“I was looking for a way to combine my interests in art, graphic design, and history, resulting in Of Grave Concern,” Church said.
He said most people are receptive to his work when stopping by his booths at various festivals.
“Generally, people find them quite fascinating, a hidden history you don’t often hear about. I tell them stories that go along with each piece that I create from these hidden worlds, explaining to them that just because they seem strange, they were not strange to people of that time period,” Church said.
Food Vendors - Reiki - Boutique Market
Live Glass Blowing - Mindful Movement
Herb Shops - Canna Companies
Wellness Spa Offerings - Emerald Lounge
Med Cards On Site - Good Vibes
Dr. Beak of Rome Plague Water is one of the creations created by Glenn Church and his Of Grave Concern shop.
OF GRAVE CONCERN)
Exceptional red wines from Sicily
Editor’s note: This is the second story in a series about wines and wineries in Sicily visited by the author.
SO MANY THINGS about Sicily seems magical. The winetasting dinner beneath the stars in a courtyard in Catania with several winemakers.
The narrow, winding streets lined with stone buildings along the water in the old part of Siracusa.
The distinct, ornate limestone buildings scattered throughout the charming, hilly streets of Noto.
Several lunches and dinners served in vineyards located throughout the island.
But one thing is for certain in Sicily — the exceptional quality of the wines produced on this Italian island. And that’s especially true when it comes to its red wines.
This week, you can learn more about red wines from Sicily, including more about Nero D’Avola and other popular red wine grapes from Sicily.
Hope you enjoy.
Sicily wine statistics
• 242,000 acres of vineyards;
• 7,200 wine growers;
• 530 wine bottlers;
• 30 percent of organic Italian wine comes from Sicily.
History of winemaking
People have been making wine on Sicily for more than 4,000 years, perhaps even longer, starting with
Music abounds halfway to St. Patrick’s Day
Wthe Greeks. There are several reasons why Sicily is an ideal wine-growing location, including its hot summers and mild, rainy winters; a diverse variety of soils; and an abundance of natural grape varieties, with more than 70 grapes that grow in Sicily.
Winemaking regions
Sicily has four distinct climates that produce different wines, including:
• Coastal climate, which is milder than other parts of the island;
• Mt. Etna area, which is more humid and warmer on the eastern side and cooler on the northern side;
• Mountainous areas, which are colder than other parts of the island;
• Inland area, which is hotter and more humid.
Sicilian red wine grapes
Sicily has more than 70 different types of red wine grapes. However, three grapes in particular produce many of Sicily’s best-known red wines:
• Nero D’Avola: Native to
ITH A PRETTY sizable Irish-American population in Western Massachusetts, it’s no surprise that a lot of folks can’t wait a whole year between St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
To that end, we’ve seen an increasing number of “halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” events crop up, and this year is no exception.
So, if you can’t wait until March 17, 2026 to celebrate your Irish pride, here are some events you might want to attend in the coming days. We start with a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Party” at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton on Sept. 20 at 8 p.m. This event is part of an inaugural citywide Irish Fest.
The night will feature two bands: Sláinte, a six-piece folk-rock band known for
their upbeat arrangements of classic Irish songs mixed with American rock ’n’ roll; and The Corner Boys, a Holyoke-based trio who have been playing traditional Irish folk music together for 20 years. Tickets range from $10 to $20, with proceeds to benefit the Greater Easthampton St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee’s annual scholarship fund.
Also, in Easthampton as part of the festival, New City Brewery will feature two bands on Sept. 19: The Mighty Ploughboys and Kilashandra, who will make their debut. The music runs from 7-10 p.m.
A day earlier on Sept. 18, Easthampton’s Abandoned Building Brewery will add
Sláinte, a six-piece Irish-American folk-rock band, will play a St. Patrick’s party at the Marigold Theater in Easthampton this weekend.
George Lenker LIVE WIRE
SEE LIVE WIRE, PAGE D12
The coastline in Siracusa, Sicily. (KEN ROSS PHOTO)
Ken Ross Wine Press
5 hidden gems you shouldn’t miss at this year’s fair
THE BIG E
By K eith O ’C onnor
Special to The Republican
WEST SPRINGFIELD — No matter how hard you try, it is nearly impossible for most people to see or do everything there is to do at The Big E.
If you plan on making a second trip to this year’s fair, you have until Sunday, Sept. 28, to see what you might have missed the first time around.
If you are pressed for time, it is easy to skip something in favor of what you might really want to see.
Here are five things often overlooked by fairgoers crunched for time or that they just don’t know about, that are definitely worth a look.
The Big E history museum
Sandwiched between exhibit booths and somewhat offset from Hampden Avenue, just as you approach the Avenue of States, lies the Hampden County Improvement League Building — home to what is called the “A Walk Through History” Museum.
The museum was created after The Big E Centennial Celebration in 2016.
“We wanted to continue to share our grand history with fairgoers and afterwards moved some of the collection from the Centennial history exhibit that year to the Hampden Building to create a permanent museum,” said Sa-
Above, the “A Walk Through History” Museum was added to the fairgrounds after The Big E Centennial Celebration in 2016. At left, a cow is led into the Mallary Complex for showing in a past year’s fair. The 4-H Beef Auction is an opportunity not to be missed, says Big E president Eugene Cassidy.
The
than
Building is
matha DePeregola, assistant director of education and human resources at the Eastern States Exposition.
The museum offers a look into the legacy of Eastern States Exposition, producer of The Big E. The exhibit showcases a vast collection of memorabilia, including vintage posters, trophies, ribbons, pennants and rare artifacts, telling the story of the Exposition from 1916 to today through historic photographs and curated displays from its archives.
Visitors will see a display of many of the Big E Souvenir Guidebooks sold at the gates over the years, a wall of fun facts, pictures of the floods
from 1936 and the hurricane of 1938 which blew through during the fair, information on the former Storrowton Theater, the history of racing at The Big E and professional hockey in the Coliseum, and a new diorama of the Young Building and its tie to railroading added this year as a gift from the Amherst Railway Society.
The Grange Building
Many people often wonder
what is in that “big white building” as they pass by it.
The New England Grange Building was built in 1938 as an area for Grangers to relax while visiting the fair — today, it is a general store with handmade crafts and more.
“We also sell jams and jellies with our brand. The building is a step in New England grandeur. Come visit and see what the Grange is all about,” said Connecticut
TUESDAY
Chicopee Elks #1849
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413-592-1849
Bingo Tuesday
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Min. Entry Package $15
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Handicap Restroom 1st Floor
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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.
WEDNESDAY CALL TODAY 413-788-1250 TO LIST HERE
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
Min. Entry Package $15
(ABOVE: KEITH O’CONNOR; AT LEFT: THE REPUBLICAN FILE PHOTO)
Grange
more
just “that white building” you might spot when strolling The Big E fairgrounds. (KEITH O’CONNOR PHOTO)
TLC with Big Boi, Sept. 19, Big E Arena
TLC, a girl group formed in Atlanta in 1990 by Lisa Lopes and Tionne Watkins, came on the scene strong with hits like “No Scrubs” and “Waterfalls.” After Lopes’ untimely death in 2002, the performing group now features Watkins and Rozonda Thomas. They will be joined at The Big E by Big Boi, one-half of the hip-hop duo OutKast. Tickets start at $54.
Train, Sept. 27, Big E Arena
Train is a multi-Grammy Award-winning band with hits like “Hey, Soul Sister,” “Drops of Jupiter” and “Calling All Angels.” They will play The Big E Arena on Sept. 27 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $54.
FIVE FOR FIGHTING WHO’S PLAYING AT THE BIG E?
John Ondrasik, singer-songwriter who records as Five for Fighting, will perform at The Big E on Sept. 21. (SUSAN WEININGER PHOTO)
By Ashley P otter apotter@repub.com
WEST SPRINGFIELD — When Five for Fighting released “Superman (It’s Not Easy)” in 2001, the song was a near-instant hit in the U.S., debuting at No. 38 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
came an anthem that people resonated with and found comfort in. On Oct. 20, 2001, John Ondrasik was invited to perform the song at the Concert for New York City in Madison Square Garden.
In an interview earlier this month, Ondrasik called it “fate.”
“You could never predict anything like that, so even to this day, I have a lot of gratitude knowing that a lot of this is kind of like fate,” Ondrasik said of his musical career. “Certainly, you have to work hard, you gotta have the relationships, you gotta write
ZZ Top, Sept. 28, Big E Arena ZZ Top has been making music for the past five decades. They are officially designated as Heroes of the State of Texas and have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. They will play The Big E Arena on Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $64.
For a list of all upcoming concerts and to buy tickets, visit The Big E’s website. The price of concert tickets includes admission to the fair. John Ondrasik reflects on ‘Superman’ legacy ahead of
Following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, the song unexpectedly became more than “a hit” — it be-
the songs, but sometimes it’s just fate and having a song that’s out at the right place at the right time.”
More than two decades after the first release of that hit song, Ondrasik released a new version earlier this year with changed lyrics to support hostages held by Hamas, including Alon Ohel, an Israeli pianist who was abducted in October 2023. “Superman (For Alon, the Hostages and their Families)” can be watched on YouTube and downloaded from the Five for Fighting website.
FIGHTING, PAGE D11
3D. There are also several “Scare Zones” — such as Slaughter Hollow, Soul Harvest and Wasteland — scattered throughout the park. You can also catch one or all five Halloween-themed shows, with options that include the Creepshow Freakshow, Mort’s Used Coffins, Love at First Fright and The Awakening.
The Awakening, Snow said, is a “key part” of Fright Fest. It kicks off the nightly entertainment.
“During the show, Mayor Slayer summons monsters and spirits to set the tone for the evening. Afterward, the monsters roam the park, and the night’s thrills begin,” Snow said
made its largest culinary investment in park history, including hiring the park’s first ever executive chef, Josh Streeter. Streeter is looking forward to enhancing food by introducing fresh, seasonal ingredients, adding more flavor to recipes, and teaching team members new cooking techniques to elevate quality, taste, and presentation for guests.
Among the special food and drink on tap for Fright Fest this year are Bride of Frankenstein Ice Cream, a soft-serve twist combining vanilla and black-dyed chocolate soft serve, resembling the Bride of Frankenstein, and Worms in Dirt Funnel Cake, a classic funnel cake topped with crushed Oreo cookie pieces, raspberry sauce, gummy worms, and whipped cream. Other items on offer include
Fright Fest is recommended for guests 13 and older. No costumes are allowed for guests older than 12, and no full-face masks or face paint for guests 11 and older.
In addition to Fright Fest’s scares and live entertainment, guests can ride their favorite attractions all night long. With the earlier fall sunsets, coasters take on a new twist — flying through the dark for an extra layer of thrills.
The park also re-themes some of their most popular attractions. Their teacups become the Terror Twist as they are enclosed for Fright Fest with music and disco lights.
The “possessed” Sky Screamer swings backwards instead of forwards, and Pandemonium becomes the Soul Harvest Spin as you travel along the tracks through a terrifying twisted farm.
During the day, there are family-friendly Halloween activities as part of Six Flags New England’s Kids Boo Fest. The daytime offerings include a Trick-or-Treat trail, hay maze, pumpkin patch, crafts, and other not-so-scary experiences like a kids “Scary-oke” and a Halloween costume showcase.
New foods for Fright Fest Stone noted that this year, Six Flags New England
Craft
“They are a piece of history to display and are quite visually appealing,” he added.
Among some of his more popular pieces are his bottles of Aqua Tofana and a print entitled “Vampires in Rhode Island: The Connecticut Courant 1784.”
“The story is that Aqua Tofana was sold by a ring of Italian poisonists in the 17th century specifically because divorce was difficult for women to obtain from their husbands,” Church said.
His noted his newspaper report of vampires in Rhode Island does “quite well.”
Printed on handmade paper, the print is a reproduction (with some liberties taken) of the actual Connecticut Courant newspaper with text from a letter which appeared in the newspaper detailing the practice of vampirism.
For younger fairgoers, there also will be children’s craft activities.
The Old Deerfield Craft Fairs are organized by the Pocumtuck Valley Memorial Association, which operates Memorial Hall Museum, Indian House Children’s Museum, PVMA Library, and the Deerfield Teachers’ Center. The proceeds from all three yearly craft fairs support the many historical and educational programs of the nonprofit association.
Tours of Memorial Hall Museum and its three floors of historical exhibits are free with festival admission. It is open from noon to 4 p.m. both days.
fact that it is the only one held outdoors in Old Deerfield, with both the Holiday Sampler and Spring Craft Fairs held indoors at The Big E.
Scare-acha Strips, chicken strips tossed in sriracha sauce and sprinkled with red pepper flakes; alcoholic milkshakes; and Vampire’s Kiss Mocktail Blood Bag, featuring lemonade, cherry syrup, and vanilla flavoring.
While all-out controlled mayhem exists throughout the park during Fright Fest, there are a few rules to follow, Snow noted.
Fright Fest is recommended for guests 13 and older. No costumes are allowed for guests older than 12, and no full-face masks or face paint for guests 11 and older. No masks are permitted to be worn on any ride at any time, according to the Six Flags’ website.
Additionally, no park re-entry is allowed after 6 p.m. Scare zones, live shows, and most rides are included with park admission. However, Haunted Mazes are billed as a “premium experience,” which require separate admission.
For more information, ticket prices and bundles, and park hours, visit Six Flags’ website.
If you can’t wait until the craft festival, you can visit his website to view examples of some of the pieces he will be selling this weekend.
“Just as we did with Glenn and his Of Grave Concern art, as a juried show we are very careful in distinguishing that the items our artisans and crafters are selling are handmade by them,” said Jennifer Smith, co-coordinator of the Old Deerfield Craft Fairs.
She said what also makes the fall event special is the
“Ours is a quintessential New England experience held in the open air in the charming small town of Deerfield. The leaves are changing and there is a fun fall feeling,” Smith said.
Before, after or in-between shopping, visitors can head to the Food Tent for some Filipino street food from Ginger Love Café and wraps and bowls with chicken and veggies from Roadhouse Grille, as well as hamburgers, cheeseburgers, and other options. DJ Greg Stewart, located near the Food Tent, will provide live music.
Doll fans, especially those of the iconic Barbie, can view a selection of 58 high-fashion Barbie dolls, created by famous fashion icon designers, in the museum’s “Barbie – All Dolled Up in Deerfield” exhibit. The museum’s newest exhibit, “Pioneer Valley Picture Show,” highlights the region’s cinematic history featuring movies filmed in Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.
Admission to the craft fair is $7, with children 12 and under admitted free. Hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine.
Free shuttle buses and parking is provided at marked lots along Routes 5 and 10.
For more information, visit deerfield-craft.org.
"Spirit of Poe" is one of the creations created by Glenn Church and his Of Grave Concern shop. (COURTESY OF GRAVE CONCERN)
THURSDAY
The Big E: Thu.-Sun., Eastern States Exposition. Fairtime hours: Gates: 8 a.m.; The Big E Bakery: 9 a.m.–10:30 p.m.; Buildings and Craft Common: 10 a.m.–10 p.m.; Avenue of States: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Storrowton Village Museum & Shops: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; New England Center: 10 a.m.–9 p.m.; Midway: Sun.–Thurs. 11 a.m.–10 p.m.; Fri.–Sat, 10 a.m.–11 p.m. Gate prices: One-day adult $20; Oneday child (6-12) $12; children 5 and under free. 1305 Memorial Ave., West Springfield. 413-737-2443 or www.thebige.com.
Development Classes: Thu., 7-9:30 p.m. Healing Hands of Light Spiritualist Church. Past discussions have included topics such as meditation, white light of protection, dreams, physical and spiritual healing and many others, $10. 465 Granby Road, Chicopee.
An Evening of Music and Conversation: Thu., 5:15-6:30 p.m. Gamble Auditorium, music and conversation inspired by the art of Anni Albers. The event will be followed by a reception in the museum lobby from 6:30-7:30 pm, as well as a chance to view the exhibition, 50 College St., South Hadley.
Open Stage at LAVA: Thu., LAVA Center, signups at 6:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. showtime; for more information visit www.lavacenter.org. There will be a five-minute limit for each act, with a $1–$5 suggested donation for this event. 324 Main St., Greenfield.
Thursday Night Live Music Series: Thu., 6:30-8:30 p.m. Liston's Bar and Grill. Performances take
place outdoors (weather permitting). The venue’s outdoor bar will offer a limited selection of food and beverages. Free. 324 Old North Road, Worthington, 413-238-5353.
FRIDAY
The Adams Theater presents The Cello Player: Fri., 7:30 p.m. The Adams Theater, tickets start at $25. 27 Park St., Adams.
The Big E: See Thursday listing Music at Amherst Series: Fri., 7:30 p.m. Buckley Recital Hall, Michelle Cann, piano, in "Women of Chicago's Black Renaissance.” General public $28; senior citizens (65+) $22; students with valid ID and children $12. Intersection of Routes 9 and 116, Amherst, amherst.edu.
SATURDAY
The Annual Phillips Festival: Sat., Holyoke Community College, the annual Phillips Festival, an evening of short plays written, directed, and staged in 24 hours by Holyoke Community College alumni, students, staff, and friends, returns for its eighth year. Festival tickets can be purchased in advance at hcc. edu/phillips-2025 or at the door. All proceeds benefit the Leslie Phillips Theater Fund for Arts and Education. General admission tickets are $15, while students and seniors $10. 303 Homestead Avenue, Holyoke.
The Big E: See Thursday listing Bing Productions presents Hiroya Tsukamoto: Sat, 7:30 p.m. Trinity United Methodist Church, in the Community
CALENDAR
SPECIAL & STATE DAYS
The following special days are on the calendar for the remaining days of The Big E:
• Thursday: Massachusetts Day
• Friday: New Hampshire Day
• Saturday: Vermont Day
• Sunday: Grange Day
• Sept. 22: Salute to Springfield
• Sept. 23: Salute to Chicopee
• Sept. 24: Salute to Agawam
• Sept. 25: Salute to Westfield
• Sept. 26: Harvest New England Day
• Sept. 27: Hooplandia Day
• Sept. 28: Salute to Special Olympics
Gallery/Parkside Cafe. Advance tickets available at Eventbrite. com, $15 at the door, cash only. 361 Sumner Ave., Springfield, 413-737-5311.
Crawdaddio: Sat., 7 p.m. Cultural Center at Eagle Hill, Crawdaddio brings the spirit and rhythm of the bayou to life with their driving Zydeco beat. $30-35. 242 Old Petersham Road, Hardwick; www.
thecenterateaglehill.org. Shadow, Sound, Spectacle's “Literary Monsters”: Sat., 7 p.m. Wistariahurst Museum. “Literary Monsters” is a queer, multi-sensory performance blending shadow puppetry, live music, and gothic literature. Created and performed by singer-songwriter Jess Martin, puppeteer Amy West, and multi-instrumentalist/performer
Abby Hanna, this immersive evening invites you to see classic monsters through a lens of identity, queerness, and transformation. $5 - $20. 238 Cabot St., Holyoke; 413-322-5660 or www.wistariahurst.org.
SUNDAY
The Big E: See Thursday listing
Sicily and widely planted in the 1600s and 1800s, Nero D’Avola is the red wine grape that first grabbed the world’s attention and showed that Sicily can produce outstanding, fruit-forward wines;
• Frappato: Another red wine grape native to Sicily, Frappato is often blended with Nero D’Avola grapes and has a fresh, light, floral finish;
• Nerello Mascalese: Grown primarily on the volcanic slopes of Mount Etna, Nerello Mascalese grapes produce earthy, elegant wines that vividly bring to life
the region’s unique mountainside soil and climate.
Wine tasting notes
(All Sicilian red wines recommended below were tasted by the author in Sicily.)
2022 Kaggera Nero D’Avola: Lush, woolly, dense wine with fragrant, floral-like aromas and flavors, along with hints of dark chocolate and leather.
2022 Colosi Nero D’Avola: Delicate, fragrant, soft wine with delicate, floral hints of cherry and raspberry that last more than a minute after each taste.
2021 Fondo Antico ‘Nene’ Nero D’Avola (Highly Recommend): Outstanding,
austere, delicate wine with hints of black licorice and raspberry that takes several minutes to open up and reveal its playful, elegant flavors and aromas.
2016 Tenute Cuffaro ‘Flippo Il’ Nero D’Avola: Oaky, flinty, dense wine that takes several minutes to open up and reveal its flinty, raspberry fruit-like flavors and aromas.
2020 Eruzione 1614 Planeta (Highly Recommend): Made with Nerello Mascalese grapes, this lively red wine has a light, intense finish with Beaujolais-like flavors and aromas.
2021 Tenuta Regaleali Lamuri Nero D’Avola: Funky,
intense, full-bodied red wine that goes great with food and can age for several more years due to its complex, earthy flavors.
2021 Donnafugata Sul Vulcano Etna Rosso DOC: Made with Nerello Mascalese grapes, this light, soft red wine has bright fruit (cherry, raspberry, strawberry) flavors and aromas.
2021 Diodoros: Blended red wine with a funky yet fragrant finish. Lively, bright fruit flavors (cherry, blackberry) need time to open up in the glass and can easily age in bottle for years.
2020 Cantodoro Stemmari Riserva (Highly Recommend): Outstanding
blended red wine with intense, dense, full-bodied finish with layers of floral fruit flavors and aromas, including hints of cherry, blackberry and dark chocolate.
Upcoming wine event
Discover New Zealand: Wine tasting class focusing on wines from New Zealand hosted by Provisions in Longmeadow on Tuesday, Sept. 23, from 6 to 8 p.m. Tickets are $25. Call 413-384-2719 to reserve a seat or for more information.
Cheers!
Wine Press by Ken Ross appears on Masslive.com and in The Republican’s Weekend section.
Priscilla, left, and Stevie Bonser, both of West Springfield, attend the Busta Rhymes and Rick Ross concert at The Big E Arena in West Springfield on Sept. 13. (STEVEN E. NANTON PHOTO)
Fighting
Before his show at The Big E, which is planned for Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. on the Court of Honor Stage, Ondrasik spoke with The Republican about his music’s legacy and the importance of using his voice for change. The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Q. You’ve been making music and touring for 30 years. What inspires you to keep going?
Ondrasik: Well, a few things. There’s a certain camaraderie on the road with my bandmates, whether it’s my rock band or my string quartet, and it’s kind of like a locker room. Every tour is like a reunion and we all have so much fun. I actually have my daughter opening for me on the string quartet tour, so that certainly adds a new spice of life and joy.
And it’s also talking to the fans and hearing their stories of why these songs matter to them. I’ve had a few songs in the last couple of years that haven’t necessarily been songs on the radio, but
they’ve had a global impact. I wrote a song about Afghanistan and that became a huge song for our Afghan veterans. I went to Ukraine and wrote a song. In just the last few months, we’ve done a new version of “Superman” for the hostages. So having songs that are relevant in the culture and impacting the world also, I think, keeps you inspired to keep doing it.
Q. Do you think musicians have a responsibility to use their voices and their platforms to speak out against injustices in the world?
Ondrasik: I don’t know if it’s a responsibility, but I think throughout musical history, musicians have spoken about their worldview, and you can kind of see the culture, conversations, battles and other moments through music. You can listen to music of the ’60s and get a sense of the times. I was honored to perform at the Concert for New York, which made a huge statement supporting America after 9/11. I also understand that some people just want to write songs and maybe they don’t want to have to speak on big issues.
“Having songs that are relevant in the culture and impacting the world also, I think, keeps you inspired to keep doing it.”
John
Ondrasik, Five for Fighting
That said, I’ve been very disappointed in the music industry with their silence after Oct. 7, 2023 (the date of the attack on Israel by terror group Hamas), and the refusal to condemn the atrocities of Oct. 7. The whole world came together after 9/11 and condemned Osama bin Laden. The fact that there’s been so much silence after Oct. 7 shows that the music industry has, in a sense, lost its soul.
Q. Do you think the unwillingness of musicians to speak out is just part of our political climate today?
The garden was first planted as a gift from the Girl Scouts to Helen Storrow for her birthday in 1935.
State Grange Master Noel Miller.
The Grange, or the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, is the oldest national agricultural advocacy group in the United States, founded in 1867 to advance farming methods and promote the economic and social well-being of farmers and their communities.
Sept. 21 is Grange Day at The Big E.
Aunt Helen’s Herb Garden Nestled in the Craft Common area behind the Gilbert farmhouse in Storrowton Village, Aunt Helen’s Garden is “absolutely a treasure,” said Jessica Fontaine, director of education and human resources for The Big E.
“This was the first time that Girl Scouts from all six New England states came together to complete a project and it’s right here at The Big E,” Fontaine said.
The planting plan was drawn by Grace “Sunny” Hight Kirkwood (19061996), an internationally recognized landscape architect, teacher and former Girl Scout from Winchester, Massachusetts.
Today, the garden is filled with plants grown for their usefulness by early New England settlers. Aunt Helen’s Garden has evolved into an educational garden, with sections designated for medicinal, culinary, household and textile purposes in the 1800s.
Ondrasik: I think it’s two things. I think younger artists have been indoctrinated by the propaganda. You see these polls that show young Americans, a good majority of them support Hamas over Israel. And you have to ask yourself: How is that possible?
But I think the older artists, the artists of my generation, are the ones I’m most disappointed in, because they know better. I think it’s just cowardice. They’re afraid that people might protest their concerts, they might not buy tickets. And that silence, even by Jewish artists, I put to moral cowardice. I wish I had a nicer answer, but I think it’s cowardice in the culture. There should be, in my mind, thousands and thousands of us speaking out.
Q. Did you ever think your music would have the lasting effect that it does today?
Ondrasik: No. I had success very late, in my late 20s, early 30s, which at 60, that sounds very young. But back in the day, it was rare for a songwriter of that age to break in. I had struggled for 15 years just to get myself heard. With “Superman” becoming one of the songs that recognized the heroes of 9/11, you know, you
New England Center
Fairgoers flock to the New England Center to get their Big E eclairs and cream puffs, but many don’t take the time to truly explore the building. Each year, hundreds of 4-H youth from across New England have the opportunity to present demonstrations, performances, and educational displays in the building. The New England Center Stage becomes the home to many talented 4-H’ers who perform musical, informational, and entertainment presentations for the public.
The building is also home to The Big E’s Creative Arts Department which celebrates the fair’s history of showcasing the handiwork of New Englanders from intricate quilts and delicate lacework to photography and even culinary creations in friendly competition for that
could never predict anything like that.
It’s hard to even wrap my mind around the fact that “100 Years” is 20 years old. As a songwriter, we’re grateful that these songs have stuck around. People still put them in their home movies or weddings, funerals, graduations, you still hear them. It’s nice, you know, I’ve played these songs tens of thousands of times and I still really love playing them. And there’s a whole new generation finding them for the first time.
Q. You’re coming to The Big E, so I have to ask, any treats you’re excited to try?
Ondrasik: The band’s always out there scouring fairs for the yummies, even though it’s never the best thing for our diets. (laughs) But we can always put that on pause for a day. The nice thing (about The Big E) is we can wander and watch some bands and be fans, as well as performers.
Tickets for Five for Fighting’s concert at The Big E, to be staged Sept. 21 at 8 p.m. on the Court of Honor Stage, are priced at $54 and available on the fair’s website. Tickets include admission to the fair on the day of the concert.
ultimate ribbon.
4-H Beef Auction
Asked what could use a little more attention from fairgoers during The Big E, Eugene Cassidy, president and CEO of the Eastern States Exposition, answered without hesitation: the 4-H Beef Auction.
“It doesn’t happen until Sept. 22, so there is still time to stop by the Mallary Complex to watch youth agriculture in action as 4-H members from throughout New England place their calves up for auction after growing them for over a year to market weight,” Cassidy said.
“These important 4-H youth programs support the hardwork of young agriculturists who are destined to be the food producers of the future. The Exposition is committed to excellence in the development and promotion of agri-
culture education,” Cassidy told Morning AgClips, America’s No. 1 AG news source, after last year’s auction.
Fairgoers, with no intention of bidding, can stop by the Mallary Complex to watch all the action as 4-H members answer questions about their steer, their many hours of work growing their animal and other questions asked by bidders. Bidders include restaurants, businesses, colleges, farms and individuals. Last year, more than 29 4-H beef steers were offered for sale, with profits helping members to purchase their new 4-H Beef Project animals as well as investing in their college funds.
For more information on Big E hours, a complete list of events, tickets and more, visit thebige.com.
The Big E runs through Sunday, Sept. 28.
Live Wire
to the fun by holding a traditional Irish music session from 6-8:30 p.m. The event is free and, as is the case in Ireland’s “seisiúns,” musicians are welcome to bring their instruments and join in the festivities.
Over in South Hadley, The Yarde Tavern is holding a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” bash from Sept. 16-21. Along with traditional menu treats like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie and Guinness, the venue will also feature a well-known Celtic act, The Healys, on Sept. 19 from 6-9 p.m.; and Ardaigh, who will play an assortment of jigs, reels, waltzes and airs on Sept. 20 from 5-8 p.m.
Bombyx in Northampton will host “Belt It Out: A Big Gay Singalong” on Sept. 20
Quadrangle
George Walter Vincent Smith Art Museum: Permanent exhibit: "Ancient Treasures," a display of artifacts from ancient China, Greece, Rome and Egypt. On the first Wed. of every month through the end of 2026, admission to the Springfield Museums is free.
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 motorcycles and related memorabilia.
Michele and Donald D'Amour Museum of Fine Arts: Museum a la Carte. Sept. 18, 12:15 p.m. "The Salem Witch Trials,” $4, free for members. Remote speaker Rachel Christ-Doane, director of education for the Salem Witch Museum.
Springfield Science Museum: "Reputation: Under the Stars in the Seymour Planetarium,” Fri, Sat, and Sun. at 4 p.m. The show features the original recordings from Taylor Swift’s 2017 album “Reputation.” Permanent exhibit:
at 7 p.m.
Hosted by Tori McClain and Eden Casteel, the evening promises to be an interactive show that blends “powerhouse performances with crowd-led musical moments, cheeky commentary, and heartwarming stories that honor the LGBTQ+ community’s deep love affair with musical theatre.” The audience is invited to unleash their inner divas during the songs.
The event will serve as a benefit for the Stonewall Community Foundation, which is known as an organization in the fight for LGBTQ+ equity, “investing in leaders, nonprofits, and innovative ideas that make a lasting impact.”
Tickets are $15-$30 in advance and $15-$40 at the door. Bombyx is at 130 Pine St. in the Florence section of Northampton.
State-of-the-art Zeiss Projector and updated International Space Station exhibit.
The Amazing World of Dr. Seuss Museum: Permanent exhibit. First-floor exhibition provides opportunities to explore new sounds and vocabulary, play rhyming games, invent stories, and engage in activities that encourage teamwork and creative thinking, with 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.
Markets
Amherst Farmers Market: Sat. through Nov. 15, 8 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Boltwood Avenue and Spring Street, Amherst
Farmers Market at Forest Park: Tues. through Oct. 6, 12:30-6 p.m.
200 Trafton Road or free entry at main entrance on Sumner Ave for market shoppers, www.farmersmarketatforestpark.com.
Northampton Farmers’ Market: Farmers’ Market 2025. Saturdays through Nov. 8, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. 8 Gothic St., Northampton.
