Somerville's Fluff Festival is Sticky, Campy Fun for your Bucket List

The What the Fluff? Festival scene

As New Englanders who grew up noshing on beloved fluffernutter sandwiches, we here at New England Fall Events were over the moon with anticipation to attend the annual “What the Fluff?” Festival at long last.

Somerville MA’s What the Fluff? Festival enters its 10^th year of sticky-sweet jubilee on Saturday, September 24^th, 2016 from 3:00pm-7:00pm. (Rain-date is Sunday 9/26). Click for event details.

Unless you are a transplant to New England, you probably share our childhood nostalgia for the squishy, sticky, gooey peanut-butter-and-fluff sandwich for which our region is known. The fact that marshmallow fluff was invented in Somerville, MA almost certainly plays into its popularity and local reverence. For us natives it is the ultimate comfort food (though we'll concede that chicken pot pie is nothing to sniff at).

In the event that you were deprived of a fluffernutter-filled childhood, here's the irresistibly wonderful original Fluff commercial that not only will teach you how to make your own fluffernutter but you'll have the added bonus of the delightfully addictive jingle planting a seed in your brain for the rest of the day.

Revelers at Somerville's Fluff Festival

Somerville, with its fabulously eclectic and creatively driven residents, is ground zero for off-beat, clever, and outside the box gatherings and festivals. We’ve thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the city’s annual PorchFest in July, their Ignite: Fire and Food Festival in August, and October’s insanely joyous three-day brass band extravaganza Honk! so it we were long overdue to attend September’s zany event which celebrates inventor Archibald Query’s 1917 culinary brainchild—fluff.

The day of the festival arrived feeling more like summer than fall. We snagged street parking on Highland Avenue –an easy ten-minute walk from Union Square where the festivities were set and we headed down the hill. Turning left onto Somerville Avenue, we walked right into the food and craft vendor stretch of the festival. The festival, with a decade under its belt, draws large enough crowds that several streets around Union Square are closed to pedestrian traffic, activities, stages, and games.

Polymer clay marshmallow people

Getting a feel for things, we peeked into the craft vendor tents as we worked our way down the street. Most of the vendors tip their hat to the day’s honored foodstuff (fluff) and the year’s theme (steampunk) by offering marshmallow or steampunk-inspired wares for sale.

The felted S’mores and marshmallow “pops” were fun and everyone was charmed by the polymer clay marshmallow people, but we snagged ourselves a super cool sculpted vertebrae mug by NH artist Megan McLeod Young’s Wicked Raven Studio whose gorgeous ceramic mugs, bowls and spoons drew her own respectable crowds.

The food vendors were populated by Somerville restaurants and a few even went the extra mile to create their own fluff-inspired goodies for our gastronomic pleasure. As with many events where they vend, the length of the queue for Union Square Donuts was as jaw-dropping long as ever. Previously intimidated by their lines that regularly snake down the block, one look at their mammoth Donut of the Day—a fluff-glazed donut with a peanut butter cream interior—and we couldn’t hold out any longer. We turned on our heels and aimed for the back of the line from which we could not even see the donut tent.

Many food vendors like Union Square
Donuts sold fluff-inspired food.

You heard it here—the Union Square Donuts line only looks interminable but in practice it was stunningly efficient and we made it through in 10-minutes flat (we timed it…we just had to know!). We learned what Somerville regulars already knew which is the USD line is never as bad as it looks and one shouldn’t be daunted—just get in there already!

With our colossal fluffernutter pillow of dough in hand, our festival-adventuring came to a grinding halt while we spied a seat from which to strategize how to eat the donut without wearing the donut—no small feat, indeed. Many napkins later and with a sugar rush reaching maximum velocity, we rallied to see what this festival had in store.

Original fun inside the Fluff-a-Tron 3000 

The whimsical and creative activities are what make this festival such riotous fun. The Fluff-a-Tron 3000 machine was a sight to behold and our descriptive will hardly do it justice. Intended for children (but wisely able to fit a parent too), one enters a tall framed box with clear vinyl paneled walls. The “door” closes and the machine operator turns on a giant fan which blows furiously into the clear box tossing countless pieces of “fluff”—Styrofoam popcorn-- swirling up and all around in a manic speed. The guests inside the box become nearly hidden inside the fluff whirling about them like a blizzard while those of us on the outside gleefully watch their reaction through the transparent machine walls.

Dare to eat the fearful fluff combos  

It’s hard to say who has more fun—the folks in the machine or the rest of us watching them! Kudos to the machine builders for making the Fluff-a-Tron large enough to fit an adult and child as we could see how the snowy, noisy experience could be somewhat overwhelming to a child entering the box solo.  

If culinary risk-taking is your thing, you can try your hand at Fluff Fear Factor. Crackers piled with fluff and…hot dogs, pickles, salami, green beans, Tabasco, carrots, tuna, you name it. There were many revolting combinations on display we won’t stand in the way of your double dog dare.

Fluff Baking Contest Trophy

Those seeking fluff recipe innovation more than fearful fluff fodder joined us in ogling the display of fluff cooking contest entries. With trophies for Best Original Recipe, Best Traditional Recipe, Most Creative, Best Youth Entry and the coveted Best Overall, contestants submitted their own fluff-y treats—sweet or savory-- for the judges to taste. After the judge tasting is complete, they’ll sell off any remaining treats in a fluff bake sale to festival-goers.

Contestant Kiersten Dockerney took home the prize for Best Overall winner with her Fluffernutter Pie. Here’s her recipe (you’re welcome).

What the Fluff? Festival Cooking and Caking Contest entries.

You may be wondering if one can actually get a straightforward, honest-to-goodness, old-fashioned fluffernutter on Wonder Bread. Rest assured, teens from the local high school mill around the streets selling them to help fund-raise for their school so you are totally covered on the nostalgia front.

The Flufferettes 

The “Main Stage” was set up on the square itself and featured performances from the burlesque Flufferettes, Federator No. 1, and other familiar local musicians such as our beloved Emperor Norton’s Stationary Band who notably had the steampunk vibe going before What the Fluff? pinned it as this year’s festival theme.

Across Somerville Ave. toward Prospect Street was the “Shenanigans Stage” and the name clearly says it all.  Every 20 minutes or so the crowds are treated to “Blind Man’s Fluff”, “Fluff Jousting” with foam noodles, “Fluff Hair-dos”, a “Fluff Lick-off” and “Fluff Musical Chairs”.

Despite the crowds, the multiple streets cordoned off to accommodate the festival-goers spreads everyone out quite well. It’s not too jammed to bring your kids in tow and they’ll certainly enjoy the day’s quirky fun as much as you. The streets are stroller-friendly and a kiddie train makes the rounds on Somerville Ave. If you don’t want your child to subsist on creamy sugar alone, you might want to pack a snack as some of the food lines were long.

The Kids Midway is filled with free crafts and fluff-themed games in a contained area.

Families will be thrilled with the Kids Midway which is set up down Sanborn Court (look for the street between Bronwyn and The Independent restaurants). The thoughtful festival planners designated a large lot the Kids Midway which is both contained for peace of mind and out of the stream of festival crowds.

A sunny scene at the Fluff Festival

The classic games will have kid-appeal and have, as you would expect, a fluff-themed twist. In the midway, you’ll find Fluff Bowling, Pin the Tail on the Fluff Boy, a Fluff Shoot-out, Fluff Coin Toss, a Fluff Pyramid to knock down and marshmallow crafts. In the event that your fluff-fueled children are going bonkers, they can jump their energy away in the requisite bouncy house which was situation.

The takeaway from our visit is the What the Fluff? Festival is a memorable, free, gleefully off-beat bucket-list event that you won’t want to miss.
 
Save the Date: Somerville’s What the Fluff? Festival is coming up Saturday, September 24^th, 2016 from 3:00pm-7:00pm. with a rain-date set for Sunday the 25^th.

Our Tips for Visiting the Somerville What the Fluff? Festival

Felted marshmallow s'mores and pops.

• Take public transportation if you can because parking is not abundant. If you must drive in, expect to park street-side and walk a bit. Read side street parking signs carefully because most streets adjacent to the festival area are permitted for residents only.
• Though all of the entertainment is free, bring cash for food and craft vendors.
• We spent nearly two hours there and saw just about everything. 
• If you want to try some of the baking contest entries, be sure to hover around the contest tables after the judges have tasted to be there when they sell off the leftovers in a bake sale. 
• The festival sells t-shirts to commemorate each year's event. Stop by their tent early on if you want a selection of sizes.

Family Tips for Visiting the Somerville What the Fluff? Festival with Kids

One of the free fluff games for kids

• Unless you want your kids subsisting solely on sugar, have lunch before coming to the festival. The food lines for kid-friendly food like pizza can be long, and for the fluff-inspired treats like Union Square Donuts even longer. It was easy, however, to snag a classic fluffernutter sandwich from the teens selling them for their fund-raiser. We didn't see any gluten-free options.
• The festival is physically stroller-friendly but could be crowded the closer you get to Union Square itself and the main stage area. The Kids Midway is the place to be--all the games can be enjoyed free of charge.  
• There is a kiddie train ride that snakes up and down Somerville Ave did have a fee. We didn't see exactly where the train was loading/unloading but we think it was near the bouncy house and slide at the Prospect St. and Somerville Ave. intersection.

A Visit to Fairyborough at the Discovery Museums

The Discovery Museums welcomes us!

by Shel Tscherne/New England Fall Events 

The girls and I were excited to head to the Discovery Museums in Acton to attend their Fairyborough event this past July. It was an absolutely gorgeous day- a bright blue sky, puffy white clouds and just the hint of a breeze- a perfect one for building some fairy houses!

Enter our contest to WIN a four-pack of tickets to visit the Discovery Museums--enter now through August 31st here.

When we arrived at "Bessie’s Tent" Lucas and Liz from the Discovery Museums staff were preparing for the day’s building. Items were being gathered and placed in baskets in the Fairyborough “Hardware Store”. 

The Fairyborough "Hardware Store"

As fairy houses are intended to be built from materials found in nature, the store consisted of all the items we'd need to construct our fairy house -- pine cones, flowers, flower petals, twine, and sticks of all lengths and sizes. Trader Joe’s even kindly donated flowers to the event each day!

As the event had been going on all week there were many fairy houses already built and on display in the Fairyborough village by the time we arrived for our trip on Friday. The girls and I had a wonderful time checking out all the precious buildings that contributed to the Fairyborough community and they filled us with inspiration!

The girls wrote out some mail to their fairies and we placed them in the Fairy Mail box. Lucas let us know that whatever goes in the fairy mail box will be mailed out as long as there is an address on it. What fun! (What the girls didn’t know is that I wrote out some postcards to be sent to them as a surprise!)

 After they wrote their letters and drew pictures, the girls started to work on their own fairy houses.  

While they were building other families trickled in to partake in the event. This one family built this absolutely gorgeous fairy house. 

It was a fabulous experience and one that we highly recommend to all who love fairies! This event is suitable for all ages and definitely one worth checking out. As the activity is included in the Discovery Museums admission the possibilities for a adventure and exploration are endless!

Tips for Attending Fairyborough at the Discovery Museum

• How long you’ll spend at Fairyborough will depend on your kids. Some children could happily spend the whole morning enjoying the Fairyborough activity but younger children may be ready to move on a little sooner. With the Discovery Museums providing even more opportunity for fun and play, there are plenty of ways to keep engaged and make this trip a worthwhile one.

• If your kids are really into fairies consider packing a picnic lunch as as they will most likely want to stay for a good long while!

• Fairy houses are intended to be built and remain at Fairyborough but there are some goodies (such as the tiny fairy books) that kids could take home with them as a memento if they wished. 

• Hats, sunglasses and sunscreen are always good to have on hand. There is a large tent so there's shade but there are areas outside of the tent as well. 

• Fairyborough is included with museum admission. Families should circle Fairyborough on their calendar but plan extra time to for play and exploration at the museums too! 

• For the littles it may be best to wear them rather than use a stroller as it could be tricky to navigate the stroller around the fairy houses. 

• The area where Fairborough takes place has shady and sunny spots so use sunscreen if you must!

Bridgewater's Autumn-fest Celebrates 26 Years Supporting the Community

The quad at Bridgewater State University was the ideal
place to host a festival of this size and popularity.

Autumn-fest in Bridgewater, MA is the definition of the modern fall festival even though it has been a mainstay of the community for over 26 years.

The 2016 Autumn-fest will take place this year on Saturday, September 24th, 2015 10:00am - 4:00pm. Click for this year's details.

Originally hosted in the tree-lined downtown, Autumn-fest now calls the expansive, luscious green quad at the center of Bridgewater State University its home. It’s a good thing too because with an annual event this popular every bit of space is needed. 

The Bridgewater community and its neighbors have the folks at the Bridgewater Business Association to thank for bringing the community together each September. Working closely with Bridgewater State's Office of University and Community Partnerships, the BBA has been fortunate to have the University's support in accessing the space they have needed to grow the festival.
The focus of the BBA goes well beyond business networking and professional support to play a meaningful role in lifting up the Bridgewater community through its Assistance Fund. If there is a local family in need or enduring a difficult situation, the Assistance Fund contributes to mounting heating bills or stocking the cupboards. In less than a decade the Bridgewater Business Association’s Assistance Fund has distributed over $75,000 to local families.  

That impressive contribution is made possible through fundraising from two key events mounted by the BBA—Christmas on the Common in December and Autumn-fest every September. And thanks to their hard work and stellar organization, these are the highlights of the calendar year.

The shady section near the food vendors was a perfect
area for sitting down to enjoy your bite to eat.

Autumn-fest is quite simply an afternoon of pure fun. On the day New England Fall Events had the pleasure to visit, it was unseasonably warm and blindingly sunny. In fact, it felt a bit like a summer-fest and we are perfectly fine with that. 

Mother Nature delivered a day that was meant to be spent outdoors and Autumn-fest certainly fit the bill in every way. Because the quad at Bridgewater State University is plenty large, even with over 6,000 people in attendance there was still enough elbow room to go along with the festive atmosphere. 

D's Lectables home-baked coffee cake

The majority of the quad is peppered with rows of tents—each featuring different business vendors, well over 100 in total.

Autumn-fest features a really nice variety of local businesses—from local artisans, studios, dance schools, home services, jewelers, bakeries (the most gorgeous coffee cake we have ever seen), and countless others. 

The vendors were generous with their time and suitably engaging. It was a lovely and casual way for visitors to connect with local service providers and artists. Some vendors offered special crafts for children to do for free and we even saw yoga mats set up for a children’s yoga class.  

The K-9 Demo drew a big crowd 

Towards the front of the quad was a large lawn where performances and demonstrations were scheduled throughout the day. There were DJ services from JAS Productions playing music which kept the energy up between shows. The performances drew large crowds, hundreds of kids lining the perimeter and seated on the grass. 

The local police K-9 demonstration was fascinating, educational, and immensely popular. Other performances include singer/songwriting duo Bridge and Davies, the women’s barbershop chorus NoteAble Blend, and a local dance team.

Ceramic painting at Autumn-fest

There were countless kid-pleasers scattered around from face-painting, Poppee the Clown making balloon animal, pumpkin painting, sand art, paint-your-own pottery, monster-mask crafts, train rides around the campus, and a bouncy house for the Energizer bunny in your family. 

Autumn-fest even provided digital ID photo and fingerprinting services for families which is always an appreciated service.

It was animals who seemed to steal the show both formally, as in the aforementioned K-9 demonstration, and informally through two very different interactive booths. Joe’s Crazzy Critters had a live, (mostly) reptile display and handling booth from where curious tweens welcomed a Burmese python to be draped over their shoulders. 

Burmese Python at Joe's

The folks at Joe’s were patient, even-keeled, and able to answer everyone’s questions while putting the weak-kneed (like me) at ease. The selection Joe brought with him included a pair of python, a pair of turtles, a monitor lizard, a bullfrog, and a hedgehog. Their easy-going demeanor was as appealing as their animals were.

When it came to animals of the furry variety, Barn Babies had everyone covered. For obvious reasons (i.e. cuteness factor) this may have been the smash-hit of a festival that had no shortage of activities to love! It’s always a welcome sight to see animals that are as happy as their professional handlers. Barn Babies erected a wide pen area with sub-divisions for the safety of the animals (to avoid a situation where a bunny pops out of one’s hands and winds up under the feet of many people standing in the pen).

A sweetly swaddled bunny
from Barn Babies

Every time a bunny or kitten was prepared to be held by a festival guest, the Barn Babies handler would pull a freshly laundered blankie from a large stack, swaddle the baby animal cozily into a package, and then gently hand the animal over to a seated guest. Without a wriggling animal to contain, the guests could relax and gently stroke the animal’s head. Likewise, the animal appeared to feel safe and snuggled by the swaddle and you could see them relax and calm before your eyes. 

Despite the enthusiasm of the young guests to hold the animals, Barn Babies’ thoughtful approach to their charges’ well being and safety was evident in the animals’ body language--none seemed frightened or over stimulated. The beauty of this arrangement is that the babies gain much-needed socialization and the all-important handling in a way that kept them safe and cared for. Barn Babies was an impressive addition to the festivities and a perfect example of the careful and thoughtful planning that went into Autumn-fest.

Take a train ride around the campus

There were a handful of food trucks arranged under the shady trees offering BBQ, fried chicken, burgers, ice cream, and the like. The food lines alternated between being long and relatively short and it should be noted that all of the beverages were being sold at the Bridgewater Business Association’s fundraiser booth.

It’s clear that with twenty-six years under their belt, the BBA’s Autumn-fest is not simply a familiar annual event in the Bridgewater-area community but a truly beloved one. The important fundraising aspect of this festival is a long-lasting one for families in need. By gathering with your neighbors to celebrate the fall season, every festival goer is helping to strengthen the charitable efforts of the good folks at the Bridgewater Business Association that serve to lighten the load of those in our community who could use an extra hand. 

Although Autumn-fest is over for this year, there's an opportunity to support more of the BBA's charitable works in the community by stopping in for some winter fun at the upcoming Christmas on the Common on Sunday, December 7th, 1:00pm-4:00pm in downtown Bridgewater.  

Autumn-fest Festival Tips

• Although many of the craft vendors selling their wares accepted plastic, many were only set up for cash. Cash will come in handy for everything here from the dollar here or there for extras like Barn Babies or riding the train to buying tasty treats. It's a short walk to the town center where you can find an ATM but you'll be glad to plan ahead.

• Parking is around the area but many lots are marked off for University parking permit holders so be patient when searching for a spot.

• The beverages were being sold at the the BBA booth near the food vendors but was not available for sale at the food trucks. You'll need to stand in a second line if you want a drink to go with your burger. If you can, divide and conquer.

• Leave yourself a few hours, especially if you are there with kids. There are no lack of activities with strong kid-appeal so plan to spend your day in the sunshine.

• If gluten allergies are a concern in your family, consider packing a snack. I did see a baker selling gorgeous gluten-free treats and BBQ is usually gluten-free, you'll have peace of mind if you come prepared with allergy-safe food.