Autumnal appreciation in Athol today

ATHOL — Rain or sun, Athol is about to have some fun.

The Athol Farmers Market Fall and Music Fest begins at 2 today. Community members and visitors alike are invited to this seasonal celebration of all things autumn.

“This community event is to restore everybody's spirits after a long, tough year dealing with so much," Athol Farmers Market President Nikki Conley, of Athol Orchards, said Thursday. "We are so excited as a community to put this forth and invite people out to an open-air market. There's lots of space."

Athol has hosted fall festivals in the past, but this year's event is the first to combine with a music festival, with a performance lineup led by local Americana/alternative country group, The Powers.

The day will feature an apple pie eating contest, pumpkin decorating for kids, fresh food from local establishments and good hometown fun.

The festival will be held in Athol City Park, 30355 N. Third St., rather than in the usual location for the farmers market, Conley said.

"It's quite a bit of an upgrade from where the market usually takes place," she said.

As president for two years, Conley said she loves seeing families return each year and watching the market grow. It's something the community has really taken ownership of, she said.

"It feels very nostalgic, old-fashioned. People are reconnecting with each other," Conley said. "The biggest joy I get out of this is it's all centered around agriculture and exposing children and families to local agriculture. That is the biggest takeaway."

The Athol Farmers Market Fall and Music Fest is free and family friendly. The fun goes to 7 p.m.