Festival Days: July 3, Sheffield, MA


Sheffield River Day - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
sponsored by the Sheffield Association, Sheffield Land Trust, Sheffield Friendly Union, Sheffield Farmers Market, Sheffield Historical Society, Bushnell-Sage (Sheffield) Library, Sheffield Boy Scouts, Sheffield Kiwanis Club and Sheffield Art League.

Family River Races and Picnic:
First 10 a.m.: Canoe and kayak race. BYOB (Bring Your Own Boat and approved classical PFD-life vest), limited to 30 vessels; entrance fee, $5 per boat. Participants register and sign waivers. Register by 9:15 a.m. at the Kellog Rd, Sheffield, access to the river. Prizes to be awarded to winners and "most original themed costume" and "most decorated boat."

Next 11:30 a.m.: "Rubber Ducky" race. Participants will purchase rubber ducks during the weeks prior to the event, with proceeds being donated to benefit river viewing (benches, picnic areas). Each purchaser of a duck ($2/one, $5/three) receives a number, listed with the purchaser's name. Ducks will be launched at 11:30, and the race terminates at the Old Covered Bridge. Winning ducky sponsors will receive cash prizes. Activities for small children will be held in the picnic area during the morning events.

Then 12:30 p.m.: Bring PICNIC LUNCH with your own table service. Hot dogs and refreshments will be served. Music by Tom Ingersoll and friends. Awards for the two races, original costumes, decorated boats will be given. There will be a tree planting and dedication by the Sheffield Tree Project at this time.

Also, during the day:
    ·Geological tours - 1 & 2 p.m. by Flying Cloud Institute at the Sheffield Pottery with Raku demonstrations 12-4 p.m.
    ·Exhibit and photographs (by local students) hosted by the Sheffield Historical Society
    ·HRS2004 Juried Art Show - Open all day, Awards Ceremony starts 3:30 p.m. (Dewey Hall) SAL
    ·Exhibit and talk on the River at the Bushnell-Sage Library

Our thanks to Sheffield River Day corporate sponsors - Berkshire Bank and Sandra Preston Realty.

Contact Sharon Gregory (413) 528-4493 or Pat Elsbach for more information.