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October 2025 Activities In Vernon

Autumn at the Strong Family Farm Festival.

September was a busy month in Vernon. October has more events available to enjoy and hopefully we get more sunny weekends.

There is enough variety for you to explore many things inside and outdoors including a country music concert, the Seniorhood Fair, hikes at Stickney Hill and Valley Falls, programs on history, a Revolutionary War encampment, and capping it off is our annual Strong Family Farm Harvest Festival and Scarecrow contest.

Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative. You can learn more about them on their website. Check organizer's websites for any last minute changes.

We'll send our next newsletter in early November covering the rest of the year.

You can also visit our Tankerhoosen website.

Click on images for a larger view.

Jon Roe   


Stickney Hill Hike

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 12 P.M.: The Manchester Land Conservation Trust will lead a hike of their Stickney Hill Preserve in Rockville. The 16-acre property is above Amerbelle and Paper Mill Pond and at one time was home to a pair of water tanks that provided water to mills and Rockville homes.

The area was inherited by businessman John Stickney in the mid-nineteenth century. Stickney owned the mill for which nearby Paper Mill Pond is named and built a house nearby.

Land Trust board member and property steward ROB LEWIS will lead the walk. A short (1 mile) hike, moderately paced with a steep hill and bumpy ground, with pauses to learn about the history and lore of the area. The event is free, and will be held rain or shine, but extreme weather cancels.

Meet at the end of Pleasant Street (46 Pleasant Street) in Rockville.

» Learn more.


NCLT: Valley Falls Fall Foliage Hike

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 9 A.M.: The Northern Connecticut Land Trust (NCLT) leads this Fall foliage hike along Railroad Brook gorge in Vernon.

Hike thru NCLT's Andrew Webster Knapp property to the Hop River Rail-Trail, then up to the ridge overlooking Valley Falls Park and Railroad Brook for some beautiful Autumn scenery.

This free hike is fairly challenging with steep slopes. Meet at the Valley Falls parking lot off Valley Falls Road. Call KARL at (860) 649-4949 for further information.

» Learn more.


SFF: Harvest Festival & Craft Fair

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 10 A.M.-3 P.M.: The Strong Family Farm's annual festival will include children's activities, petting zoo, crafters, food trucks, live music, announcement of results of the farm's annual Scarecrow Contest, and a farewell to the farm's chickens (from its successful, summer Adopt-a-chicken program). The chickens will become laying hens at another farm.

Food will be offered for sale, including snacks, donuts and apples.

This year's Harvest Festival is on track to be our best attended yet. We anticipate over 1,000 visitors over the course of the day. We may be small, but we are big on contributing to our communities.

Strong Family Farm is located at 274 West Street in Vernon. Limited parking is available in the farm field from the entrance on Peterson Road for a donation of $5 (if the field is dry). It is also available on side streets and at Center Road School with an opening in the corner fence by the training station.

» Learn more.


VHS: Tories, Spies & Traitors

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19, 2-4 P.M.: The Vernon Historical Society presents "Tories, Spies, and Traitors: Divided Loyalty in Revolutionary Connecticut."

Which side are you on? That's the question that every single person in Connecticut had to answer in 1775, as the thirteen colonies began a rebellion against British rule. Loyalty was not only a matter of words or opinion. For soldiers and civilians alike, loyalty could mean loss of fortune, of friends, and even of life.

This presentation from the Connecticut History Museum reveals stories - some well known, some obscure - of Nutmeggers who risked and sacrificed to support their chosen side during this tumultuous jarring time of civil war.

The program is free and open to the public. The Vernon Historical Society is located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


Tolland County Seniorhood Fair

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 9:30 A.M.-2 P.M.: The Tolland County Multidisciplinary Team (TCMT) Seniorhood Fair offers seniors, adults, and care givers ways to plan and enhance their 'seniorhood' years through workshops, demonstrations, exhibits, and resources.

Exhibitors will showcase a variety of public and private services that are available in the local community which focus on the lifestyle needs of a growing senior population. Learn about Medicare, as well as options for housing, transportation, safety, and home care services. Leisure and recreation ideas will be offered, too.

Workshops, exhibits, health screenings, flu shots.

Free Admission! Doughnuts and coffee at 9:30 a.m.

The event will be held at Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


ACE: Ride - A Country Folk Music Concert

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 7 P.M.: Arts Center East presents the talented and nationally acclaimed country folk musician MARC BERGER. Join them for an enchanting evening filled with heartfelt melodies and storytelling as he performs selections from his celebrated album, RIDE. Immerse yourself in the rich sounds that have captivated audiences across the country. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy a night of soulful tunes in an intimate setting.

Marc Berger is a county folk musician based out of Dutchess County, NY and tours nationally. He's performed at Austin's SXSW and the Kerrville and Falcon Ridge Folk Festivals and has opened shows for Bob Dylan and other national acts. His current critically acclaimed release, RIDE, a collection of songs all having to do with the romance of the West, has received national airplay.

Cost: $30/$25 for ACE Members. ACE is located at 709 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more and get tickets.


RPL: Costumes of Bygone Years

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 6:30 P.M.: The Rockville Public Library is proud to present "Costumes of Bygone Years", a nine-volume visual archive tracing the evolution of ladies fashion through the mid-1960s.

Compiled by Vernon resident MARIETTE N. FITCH in memory of Leila M. Church, the collection has been digitized and preserved in partnership with the Vernon Historical Society and Smith College intern ANNIKA MORSE.

Join us for a special program unveiling this resource. Registration is required as there are only 19 seats available.

The Rockville Public Library is located at 52 Union Street in Rockville.

» Learn more.


NECWM: The Strange Case of Dr. Beckwith

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 7:30 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) presents PETER VERMILYEA with "The Strange Case of Dr. Beckwith: The Challenges of Mobilization on the Northern Homefront."

Union victory in the Civil War was far from a sure thing. At a moment of crisis in the summer of 1862, the Lincoln Administration called for an additional 600,000 volunteers for the Union army. By examining one Connecticut community, this talk will look at the difficulties the US government had.

The program is free and will take place at NECWM, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

» Learn more.


The British Are Coming

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.: The Ellington Historical Society (EHS) hosts the 54th Regiment of Foot (British) and the Lebanon Militia (American) who will have a Revolutionary War Reenactment Camp at the Nellie McKnight Museum.

Step back in time and experience history come alive. Visitors will witness a dramatic demonstration bringing the strategies, uniforms and stories of the Revolutionary War to life. This educational and entertaining program is perfect for history enthusiasts of all ages and offers a unique opportunity to see first hand the people and events that shaped our nation.

The Nellie Mc Knight Museum is located at 70 Main St. in Ellington.

» Learn more.


Coming Up In November and December

  • November 11 - VHS & NECWM Talcottville Cemetery Walk
  • November 20 - Vernon Garden Club's "Create A Holiday Centerpiece"
  • November 25 & 26 - Vernon Historical Society's Holiday Craft Fair
  • November 29 - Bolton Land Trust Walk
  • November 30 - MLCT Risley Reservoir Walk
  • December 6 - Arctic Splash At Valley Falls
  • December 6 - The Vernon Chorale's Christmas Concert
  • December 20 - Friends of Rockville Library's Cookie Sale

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