October Harvest Festival a hit for kids, parents

Barbara Van Reed

Just take a look at the pictures and you can see that the kids had a great time at the 2^nd Annual Webster October Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct 27. Those of us there commented on what a great day it was for the event, compared to last year, when the October snowstorm blew in. This time the kids could be outside to visit with the animals in the petting zoo and take a peek into the fire truck.

We asked some of the kids what their favorite part of the festival was. Vincent, who's 10 going on 11, said Elmo and Tigger were his favorite. His 10-year friend Danielle agreed. Isabella, 8, and Lillian, 5, voted for the petting zoo, as did Logan, age 7.

The event was clearly oriented to kids, with a costume contest, pumpkin carving contest, face painting, apple bobbing, crafts, and games. The Double Eagle Oktoberfest Band was there, dressed the part, to play traditional German Oompah music. 

For the parents, there were a variety of vendors, local entrepreneurs, and organizations, all in a festive mood as well.

Mr. Booklovers, as Mike Horan calls himself, had a display of spooky books and items perfect for the Halloween spirit. Meantime, Deb Horan was minding the Booklovers' Gourmet store on East Main Street.

Next to him, the Bartlett Art Department and senior Jason Tawczyski exhibited a variety of ceramics made by art students. There were some well done pieces. All proceeds from the sale were going to the art department, said Jason.. His friends Crystal Rosa and Michael Walsh kept him company while doing booth duty.

 The Second Chance Animal Shelter of East Brookfield was there to promote its Stop Pet Overpopulation Today (STOP) program. Volunteer Jeannie Mikels explained that it's not possible to fix the overpopulation with adoption alone, so they offer a low cost spaying and neutering program to help keep the number of unwanted pets from growing larger. The group offers periodic pick-ups of pets in the Webster/Dudley/Oxford area, so owners do not have to travel to East Brookfield. The non-profit is supported by grants and donations. For more information call 508-867-5525 or email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Local crafter Carolyn Smith displayed all kinds of fabric bags she's made for her It's in the Bag shop.

The most interesting was a bag for microwaving potatoes. It's made from cotton with thermal batting. Carolyn said the reasoning behind the bag is that it provides a more moist and fully cooked potato, the outer skins stays more tender, and the insides are fluffier. It can also be used for corn on the cob or warming tortillas or bagels. The bags are on display at Cindy's Studio on Thompson Road.

Dudley's Cindy Manos got an idea as a bartender at the PNA: do something creative with all the empty liquor bottles that are discarded. And so she started Licka Lamps about five months ago (it's a Boston accent). She especially likes the beautiful Grey Goose bottles and started making lamps from them. She's branched out to make kids lamps, holiday lamps, and sports themes, in addition to the classic liquor bottles. She buys all her electrical components from Webster Electric, and finds the shades at a lot of different places. Contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .    

Webster's Barbara Davis also likes bottles.  In her case she melts them in a kiln to made pretty dishes for candy or cheese and crackers. Perfect for the holidays, she says. You can find her at craft fairs in the area or reach her at 508-943-7850.

Ms. Davis's niece Brenda O'Brien of Clifton Park, NY, also does the crafts fair circuit. Her Unique Creations include beautiful holiday wreaths and dried flower arrangements. You can contact her at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Ranee Cournoyer and other members of the Webster Firefighters Auxiliary were there to promote their organization and raise some money for their cause. The non-profit Auxiliary brings food and drinks to the firefighters when they are out on a call. There are 14 people in the group, said Ranee and they are always looking for new members.

Patricia Nelson of Page Chiropractic was giving spinal screenings to interested festival attendees. She told us you don't have to have back problems to benefit from a chiropractic screenings; it's good for preventative care too. 

Holly Connors started a new career as an independent consultant for Scentsy just three months ago, and has already won a trip to Hawaii. The Scentsy wickless candles work with a low-wattage lightbulb and product no flame, smoke, or soot, so are completely safe. They are housed in some really pretty warmers. Holly said the scented animals are very popular too. If you are interested in using them for a fundraiser, Holly can be reached at 774-230-0102.

Another new entrepreneur is Webster's Lorie Robidoux, who started as a Mary Kay consultant in February. She specializes in facials and will make house calls. You can call her at 774-289-5375.

Frances Kittridge is a safety consultant to the construction industry by trade, but construction has been slow. So a month ago she decided to take on another venture and chose The Pampered Chef. It's been tough getting started, she said. She'll be attending craft fairs, such as the one coming up at Sacred Heart, and hopes to make a go of it. She's teamed up with fellow Pampered Chef consultant Susan Schiavo of Douglas. Frances is at 774-230-8953.

In the town hall entrance, the Webster Senior Center had a large display of crocheted and goods: hats, mittens, and sweaters, as well as baked goods, breads, and jams. Director Jean Travis, Dianna Ross, and Lillian and Sam Walley of the Council of Aging were there to support the purchase of a defibrillator for the senior center. There isn't one there now, and so they hope to raise money through the sales of craft goods and a raffle. So far they've raised $600 towards the $2,500 cost of a defibrillator. Sam was also promoting another bus trip to Foxwoods on December 6. The last one on October 18 was sold out with 49 people.

The Patriot had a table too: we're offering new readers a free 2-month subscription. Contact us to sign up.http:// This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it