By Christine Galeone

Have you noticed the crisp autumn breezes weaving their way through the trees? As the harbingers of fall, they’re ushering in a season that many tout as their favorite. It’s the season of stunning foliage, warm aromas from pies and crisps and cozy evenings featuring hot apple cider and a captivating book or a crackling fire.

And, in Grafton, people can find various ways to celebrate the season. Businesses and organizations have a lot to offer. 

Once again, Grafton Recreation will hold its Fall Festival on Sunday Oct. 20 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Grafton Common. The free event is presented by Grafton Children’s Daycare & Preschool. It will feature pumpkin painting and scarecrow building. And there will be food, music and games.

You can find a bushel full of those previously mentioned warm aromas on Sunday Sept. 29. That’s when the Congregational Church of Grafton’s 45th Annual Harvest Fair and Apple Pie Social will be held. The free event will be held from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the church grounds, located at 30 Grafton Common. The event will include live music, a yard sale, kids’ games and raffles. And the apple pies, apple crisp, chili and chowder that the fair is known for, along with other food and beverages, will be available to buy. The funds raised through the sales and raffles will help support the charities and missions that the church supports.

In North Grafton, Houlden Farm – which will be holding its Pumpkin Fest & Artisan Fair, a free family event, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday Oct. 12 – is known for its wide and wonderful variety of pumpkins and gourds. A wonderful selection of natural fall décor can also be found at Perreault Nursery & Landscape Supply in North Grafton and Pete’s Oasis at Blackstone River Farm in South Grafton.

On the Grafton Common, the Grafton Country Store continues to celebrate fall with elegant seasonal décor in its shop. Shoppers will also find a selection of soy wax candles available in fall scents, including pumpkin spice, crisp apple and cranberry apple.      

Just down the road, Off the Common Antiques also has a wide selection of autumn-themed décor to browse and shop. At the multi-artisan, multi-vendor shop, shoppers can find antiques, handmade items and reclaimed furniture to bring the coziness of the season into their homes.

Finally, for those who enjoy taking leisurely drives to savor the fall foliage and want their cars to be ready for those long drives, there’s a new auto service center in North Grafton. Anderson Auto, which has been selling cars for 40 years, just opened its Anderson Auto Service at 213 Worcester Street.   

The cool autumn breezes won’t last for long. So, why not spend some time in Grafton enjoying the beauty of the season and the community? Happy fall! 

Contact Christine with your business news items at [email protected].