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Autumn 2026 Activities In Vernon
September was a difficult month with many rainy weekends. October has more events available to enjoy and hopefully we get more sunny days. There is enough variety for you to explore many things inside and outdoors including two cemetery tours, a hike at Valley Falls, programs on history, and capping it off is our annual Strong Family Farm Harvest Festival and Scarecrow contest. Plan carefully as Saturday, October 17 has three difficult choices. However, with careful planning you can attend all three events. 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 may send another newsletter in November covering the rest of the year. You can also visit our Tankerhoosen website. Click on images for a larger view. Jon Roe Vernon Historical Society: Old North Burial Ground Walk
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 10 A.M.: The Vernon Historical Society presents "Remembering Our Local Patriots: Stories of Service and Sacrifice in the American Revolution." at the Old Burial Ground on Bamforth Road. Join Museum Director JEAN LUDDY for a walking tour of the Old Burial Ground to hear their stories and remember their patriotism. Certain gravestones are marked with bronze medallions holding America flags. They are silent reminders of our local soldiers who fought in the war for America's independence. Several men died in service while most returned. The Old Burial Ground is located on Bamforth Road in Vernon. Rain date is Sunday Oct. 18 at 10 a.m. The program is free and open to the public.
Valley Falls Fall Foliage Hike & Museum TourSUNDAY, OCTOBER 17, 1 P.M.: Combined program with Valley Falls Park hike and Valley Falls Farm museum tour. The Northern Connecticut Land Trust (NCLT) leads their Fall Foliage Hike along Railroad Brook gorge in Vernon.
Hike through the Trust's Andrew Webster Knapp property to the Rail Trail, then up to the ridge overlooking Valley Falls Park and Railroad Brook for some beautiful scenery. Fairly challenging walk with up and down steep slopes, 1 to 1.5 hours. Then walk the short distance from the Park to the Red Barn at Valley Falls Farm for cider and refreshments with the Friends of Valley Falls and a guided tour of the Heritage Center's historic buildings and artifacts. Restroom facilities available in the barn. Meet at the Valley Falls parking lot at 300 Valley Falls Road at 1 P.M. Call Karl at (860) 649-4949 for further information. Ellington Historical Society: Tombstones Tell A Story
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 17, 3 - 6 P.M.: Tombstones tell a story; the memory is etched in stone and the stories are waiting to be discovered. Join the Ellington Historical Society and Perceived Paranormal for a special talk and walking tour exploring the tombstones of Ellington's Colonial Era and early 1800s. Look beyond the names and dates and discover the fascinating details carved into these historic stones from the mysterious winged death's heads of the Colonial Era to the more hopeful willow and urn motifs that followed. We'll explore the inscriptions, symbols, artistry and materials that help tell the stories of Ellington's earliest settlers and the community they built. Tours at 3 & 4 P.M., $10 per ticket. Tickets are limited - reserve your spot. Enjoy light snacks and beverages before or after your tour. Rain date: Sunday, October 18. Tours leave the Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main Street, promptly on the hour. » Learn more and reserve tickets. Strong Family Farm Harvest Festival
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 18, 10 A.M.-3 P.M.: Come to the Strong Family Farm's annual Harvest Festival for a fun-filled fall day at the farm featuring live music, games and activities, farm animals, local vendors, food, and more! Take a step back in time with our barn history tour, and don't miss our two special Chicken Parades at 11 A.M. and 1 P.M. Food will be offered for sale, including snacks, donuts and apples. Whether you're coming to see the scarecrows, enjoy the activities, shop with local vendors, visit the animals, or simply spend a fall day at the farm, there's something for everyone. 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.
Rockville Public Library: Cryptids In CTTUESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 6:30 P.M.: The Rockville Public Library presents author PATRICK SCALISI and illustrator VALERIE RUBY-OMEN, creators of the award-winning book "Connecticut Cryptids: A Field Guide to the Weird & Wonderful Creatures of the Nutmeg State," for a fascinating journey into Connecticut's weird and wonderful creature folklore. Discover how the stories, legends, and history of Connecticut's cryptids and the field of cryptozoology are woven into our state's culture. Features a live storytelling and a Q&A. Copies of the exhaustively researched and fully illustrated book will be available for purchase. The Rockville Public Library is located at 52 Union Street in Rockville.
Election 2026TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 6 A.M. - 8 P.M.: The 2026 Federal midterm and CT Gubernatorial elections will be held today. For information on registration, polling places, voting district maps, absentee ballots, and early voting Vernon has an excellent web page that should answer your questions. You'll also find a sample ballot broken down by Voting District. And there is a look-up to ensure that you are registered. It is an important election. Please vote. » Go to Vernon Registrars page.
Manchester Hist. Society: North End WalkSATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1 P.M.: The Manchester Historical Society will explore the charm of the old North End, viewing what remains from the Urban Renewal of the 1960s. We'll visit Whiton Library, the 'Y', Apel's Opera House, Woodbridge and Hudson Streets. About one mile along streets and sidewalks. Rain or shine, extreme weather cancels. Meet at the front steps of the Whiton Library, 100 North Main St. Park either in the library lot or along Old North Main Street. Free. The walk will be led by SUSAN BARLOW. For Questions contact Susan at (860) 643-9776 or sbarlow627@aol.com.
Model Train ShowSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 10 A.M. - 3 P.M.: The Vernon Model Train Show will feature operating model railroads, exhibitors selling model railroad equipment, and a fun, family atmosphere. If you are a model railroad enthusiast, or would like to learn more about this fascinating hobby, the Vernon Model Train Show is the place to be. Experienced model railroaders will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight into the model railroad world. Proceeds benefit the Rockville High School Band. Adults: $8, Children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult, Family max: $20. The show will be held at Rockville High School, 70 Loveland Hill Road in Vernon. Questions: vernontrainshowct@gmail.com or call(860)896-4031.
Vernon Historical Society: Abigail AdamsSUNDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2 P.M.: The Vernon Historical Society invites you to learn about ABIGAIL ADAMS, 2nd First Lady of the newly formed United States and the mother of John Quincey Adams, the 6th President. Presenter, SHERYL FAYE is from the Connecticut State Historical and Cultural Museum and will begin with Adams as an adult. Following a flashback to her childhood, she will conclude with Adams as an adult reflecting on a remarkable life. The program is free and open to the public. The Vernon Historical Society is located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon. Coming Up In Late November and December
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