If you have attended a PICKLE FESTIVAL, in all fairness how can you not attend the INTERNATIONAL ZUCCHINI FESTIVAL which is even closer to home by 13 miles in downtown Keene on Main Street on the grounds of the Wyman Tavern Museum?
PS — all the way down you will see some “leaf peeping” images BLUE BELLE and I captured Sunday, 4 October.
For some reason I am aware of more fall fairs and festivals than ever before, and multiple choices on each Saturday, and close by making it even harder to decide. But off to Keene I went Saturday 3 October. To learn the history I went to the historical society on Wednesday to see the exhibit. I had it first in this tale, but decided to move the exhibit to after my visit to the fair. Compared to the fair in the 80s Saturday was a much smaller crowd, maybe a hundred or so compared to thousands. Probably because of the now multiple conflicting events, but I am sure it will take hold and germinate, and then you know what Zucchini’s do – there is no stopping them. Well, a festival has to start with a parade. Patiently awaiting, and then off they go.
The ZUKE DANCERS performed several numbers, while “Mother Eartha” was announcing.
the “victims” waiting for the peeling contest. We were told that there would be no waste with all zucchini remains heading off to a horse rescue farm to serve as a special treat. And, they (the peelers) were off…
It was a “sea of green” and all of a sudden an “orange orb” caught my eye. I asked the “little pumpkin’s” dad if I could capture her image, and he smiled saying “yes.”
Inside were various contests for zucchini baked goods, and decorated Zukes — not much, but as the festival grows. Here were some decorated entrants.
Now the historical backstory — to learn as much history as available of this unique event begun in small Harrisville, New Hampshire in 1982. The Historical Society of Cheshire County (in Keene, NH) that was reviving the event prepared an exhibit with the history, backstory, and images to get your taste buds moving. I paid my $5 (getting One GadZuke in return, spendable at the Festival) and took in the exhibit on 30 September.
In way of introduction at the entrance
In case you as curious as you should be — following are the exhibit panels explaining the history. Click for larger gallery reading. You may skip if you wish to the exhibit pictures, but “gadzukes” why would you?
and the visual stand up exhibits — click to enlarge if you wish.
some souvenirs from the museum — a miniature “comic book” replicated from a past piece, a GADZUKE and commemorative button.
Sadly BLUE BELLE (nor AUNTIE EM) have been out this year. My hesitation partially from a less flexible body to get in, and you do change focus. But Friday after eleven (11) months of rest (and after adding coolant and spraying some “magic juice” into her) ON THE FIRST TURN SHE ROARED TO LIFE.
Off we went on a circle route up into the hills, and back down to town on Old Drewsville Road – dirt part way, and now a designated “scenic road” – you are welcome. Saturday she and I ventured to Keene together for the festival, and as we were leaving a youngster and his mother were looking, so I shared BLUE BELLE stories and invited him to sit behind the wheel. He loved it, but did mention he could barely push the pedals.
And, today Sunday October 4 we took a longer leaf peeping route. Colors are changing early – almost peak time way up north. I had to learn why and now I understand — “Leaves are changing color and dropping early primarily because severe summer heat waves and prolonged drought, stress, force trees into early survival or dormancy modes. Trees React Early due to moisture stress – Lack of rain and high heat cause severe strain, making trees break down chlorophyll—the green pigment—much faster than normal to conserve water. and, a “False Autumn“ instead of a true, gradual seasonal shift controlled by day length, stressed trees prematurely shed, brown, or dull their leaves to manage their water budget.”
TAKE THIS ROUTE — We headed to Grafton, Vermont, and at the Inn turned south on the back road to Townsend passing the nature center and down past the cross-country ski area. An overcast day but great colors, so go now. Below opposite the ski and hiking area.
Picking up Route 30 in Townsend I continued to Newfane to take a look, and came back north turning east at the flea market grounds. – my goal Putney Mountain Road – never been in this direction, but I shared with you a trip over the mountain east to west in July 2024. Just before turning onto Putney Mountain Road (no winter maintenance) I passed this home. You are never too remote to decorate.
TRAVEL (safely) AND ENJOY PUTNEY MOUNTAIN ROAD. The long climb (heading east) is basically evergreen and fir trees – I did not notice that before. At the top, and parking area for hiking, the sharp drop down heading east is mainly deciduous trees, and unlike in Grafton still have time before turning and falling en masse. Below in the gallery – heading up and east – then down to the east and Putney.
Well, I got out and about — and just rewrote my schedule for the rest of the month. More festivals, more Halloween things to see, and once I visit a couple I will share with you what I saw since you will as well still have time to visit and experience. So, for now – stay well and have fun, luv, RAY
