September 25, 2012
By Lidija Butkovi? | Edited by Jerry Kann
Leominster, MA — In Worcester County, approximately 18 miles north of the city of Worcester and 37 miles northwest of Boston, lies the quaint, picturesque city of Leominster. Throughout the year, Leominster serves as home to a variety of events geared toward families. Popular with both kids and adults, these festivals feature activities that revolve around major holidays, arts and crafts exhibitions, and the celebration of the seasons.
The Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival began in 1993. This year it will be held on Saturday, Sept. 29, in the heart of downtown Leominster at Monument Square.
The festival features an international food court and more than 100 vendor booths. Music will be showcased throughout the day, with performances by musical groups and bands from the high school and the middle and elementary schools, as well as by the Veterans International Chorus and the Johnny Appleseed Festival Big Band. Also on the line-up is the New England-based tribute band, Beatles for Sale, ready to take parents (and grandparents!) on a trip down memory lane and to introduce the sounds of the Fab Four to the youngsters. As in previous years, Festival attendees can expect to see craft demonstrations, rope-making, cider-making, a kids’ table, a bake sale, and an apple pie contest. And for the very first time, there’ll be a chili cook-off between the best cooks in the Police and Fire Departments, with the Leominster townspeople acting as judges.
This year’s event hosts some of the old favorites for children, including moonwalks, challenge courses, pony rides, and a petting zoo. There is a $10 fee for the special parking lot party, where the kids can enjoy the amusements all day long.
Free admission for all, free live musical entertainment, and lots of things going on for every age group — no wonder the Johnny Appleseed Arts and Cultural Festival has been identified as one of the most popular one-day festivals in New England. Come share in the cultural diversity of the beautiful town of Leominster!
