By Christine Galeone

This time of the year can be difficult for people who like to break free from their routines and meet or re-connect with other members of their community. The summer events are in the past.  The holidays are in the future.  

Thankfully, in Grafton, there are several ways to continue to engage with other members of the community. And people can do so while breaking free from their routines and having fun.

On Saturday Nov. 2 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Saint James church building in South Grafton, Our Lady of Hope Parish will hold its annual Harvest Fair. There will be free activities and games for kids, raffles, door prizes, a silent auction and a white elephant table. Additionally, there will be crafts, themed baskets, baked goods and other food available to purchase. Funds raised by the event support the church and its many ministries, including those that support the poor, homeless families, the hungry and local veterans.

Seasonal fun and a chance to support another good cause – fighting food insecurity, which has risen dramatically in recent years – can also be found in North Grafton. The annual Community Harvest Project Harvest Home Festival & 5K will be held at CHP on Sunday, Nov. 3 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information and admission costs, please visit the nonprofit’s website, www.community-harvest.org. Among other things, festivities will include kids’ activities, live music, apple cannons, hayrides, a dog adoption event, a 5K run and an online auc tion and raffle.  

In North Grafton, Houlden Farm – which, at this time of the year, is known for its wide and wonderful variety of pumpkins and gourds – will be holding a Tractor Treat event on Saturday Oct. 26 at 1 p.m. Kids are encouraged to dress up in Halloween costumes for this free family event.   

Grafton Recreation will hold a similar event at the Town Municipal Center. On Wednesday Oct. 30 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., it will hold the Town’s Friendly Trick or Treat. It’s a non-scary event designed for children five and younger, who are also encouraged to wear costumes.

In South Grafton, The Saddle Shed offers a great selection of items that people can use to enjoy fall equestrian activities and events. The shop, which just celebrated its 55th anniversary this month, sells horse equipment, accessories, gifts and tack and has winter wear for horses and their riders of all ages.

When attending any community event, everyone should be able to hear the people around them. October is National Audiology Awareness Month, and Dr. Mary Ellen Rancourt, who runs Hear Joy Audiology and Twin Rivers Hearing Health, has been posting some helpful information about free seminars and hearing protection on her practice’s Facebook page. 

In Grafton, this fall, there are still opportunities to engage with the community for people of varied interests. Some are relaxing. Some are dynamic. But all of them bring people together.

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