And now it’s time for your Weston social secretary to spring into action! Heck, you probably have one, so this may not even be a joke. If said secretary is on vacation, this is what’s happening nearby this weekend (and it’s not a high color moment yet in Maine so leaf-peeping is not a thing…yet…)

Friday, September 17

The Big E! It’s the Eastern States Exposition! It’s big, it’s awesome, and it’s actually in West Springfield so you’ll have to cut me some slack on it being local. What the heck, I talked about the King Richard’s Faire in Carver last week so it’s all the same. It’s Massachusetts, people. So the Big E runs from September 17 to October 3 and it’s just like a big ol’ southern state fair except fewer guns and more states. Deep-fried butter your thing? You can probably find it here. The best possible part is actually next weekend when PAT BENATAR, a high school hero, is playing the fair! September 26, baby. That woman can SING. Do it. Leave the kids. Oh all right, you can bring them for day time fun–the Budweiser Clydesdales are coming (squeal!) and there are all kinds of agriculture shows and junior sheep farmers and stuff, and food and local beer and you can go make yourself sick over on the teacups. Check out this list of rides…all I know is that FINALLY the marketing people got involved and the names are killing me. Love. So not going on Freak Out or Family Swinger (?!?) and I live Delusion but Matterhorn is so happening. Enjoy some good old-fashioned fun at the states [sic] fair.

Tent Sale at Trendy Girl: It’s time to shop local at the Trendy Girl, with a tent sale both Friday and Saturday, 10 am to 5 pm. You can also support their drive for new clothing for teens in need. Check it out below. Shop for yourself, shop for others. Thanks, Trendy Girl.

The Trendy Girl is located at 483 Boston Post Road in Weston. Right next to Weston Travel.

And look! There’s even more shopping to be had at Wellesley Square’s Parents Day Out, sponsored by their merchants association. Two things here: what are we supposed to do with our kids while we shop? And when did this get to be called Wellesley Square? In my time at the best college on earth, we called it “The Vill”. Possibly with one “l”. Huh. Okay, special deals to be had. Support local businesses or lose them, folks. Free parking. More info here: https://shopwellesleysquare.com/parents-day-out-sept-2021/. September 17 and 18.

Trails & Sails in the Essex National Heritage Area. Apparently this is in its 20th year, and yet I knew nothing about it. So many tours, trails, heritage houses, history, all around the Essex area (Salem, Lynn, Newburyport, Danvers). Walking tours, birding…so much to do, and a week to do it. Events start today and go through Sunday, September 26. http://www.trailsandsails.org.

Saturday, September 18

Weston Children’s Community Association Fall Family Fun Fair (do not attempt to say this with food in your mouth): As mentioned in breaking news earlier this week, it’s time to gather your littles, decorate your bicycle, bring your donations of Halloween costumes, and get social at Lamson Park. 10 am to 12 pm.

Escape the Indoors – Learn about Cub Scouts. This is Weston Troop 157’s annual recruiting event for grades K-5. There are rockets to be launched, people! Rocket academy is at 11 am and 1 pm. Come on out to the Scout House at 86 School Street (across from the Library) from 11 am – 2:30 pm. More information here: westoncubscouts157.com

Sunday, September 19

Boston Local Food Festival on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. I admit to being traumatized that Serbfest which was originally planned for Sunday in Somerville, has been canceled this year. Fortunately, I found out that the 11th Annual Boston Food Festival has leaped into the void and you get to Shop and Eat LOCAL! Or as they say it: “bring your family and friends to eat, shop and discover local food from across New England.” There are also milkweed seed giveaways and worm composting “exploration” (soooo tempted to find out what that means exactly), and a family fun zone with giant Connect 4 (where? Here. Diagonally…does anyone remember the 80s ad? Sigh). Come out to celebrate and support New England local food producers and businesses. More information and full schedule here.

Enjoy your weekend, Weston!