Fall Festivals in Yarmouth

Forget the foliage in New Hampshire. Cape Cod has it all in the fall — especially in Yarmouth this weekend.

Where else can you find fireworks, a beachside bonfire, kayak and canoe racing, sand sculptures, a craft fair, painted pumpkins, hay wagon rides, apple cider donut holes, free live music, friendly farm animals, a pie-eating contest, kids activities, and every autumnal attraction under the mid-October sun?

The answer, of course, is nowhere but Yarmouth, where there are two festivals jammed into one spectacular weekend. Let’s start with the biggie.

2021 YARMOUTH SEASIDE FESTIVAL

The tradition began in 1978 when Jimmy Carter was president and cover bands played Bee Gees music at the Mill Hill Club. Yarmouth Seaside Festival founder Jan Butler says her goal was to create an event that would unite all the town’s villages and help build community spirit. It must have worked because the festival has been a tradition for more than 40 years — that is until 2020 when COVID-19 forced organizers to cancel the event.

Now it’s back, with all your favorite family-friendly activities except for the annual parade, which was omitted in deference to last month’s Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade. Here’s what to expect at the fairgrounds and around town.

Arts and Crafts Fair: It’s never too early to start your Christmas shopping — especially when you can choose from more than 125 juried crafters selling jewelry, ceramics, candles, soaps, paintings, and other handmade goods. The crafters will be at the festival fairgrounds (Joshua Sears Memorial Field, 1175 Route 28 in South Yarmouth) on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Find more info online.

Bonfire at Smuggler’s Beach: Bring a beach chair, blankets, your best friends, and a hearty appetite to Bass River Beach, (aka Smuggler’s Beach) on Saturday evening. In addition to the roaring bonfire, DJ Patrick Treacy of Sound Cape Mobile Entertainment will provide music for dancing in the sand. Meanwhile, Dennis Public Market’s “Meat Commander” will serve up hearty chili, Captain Parker’s famous chowder, hotdogs, hamburgers, and other foods. Find more information online.

Scenic 5K race along Bass River: The annual Seaside Festival Road Race is a flat and scenic course that winds 3.1 miles through streets with beautiful homes and views of Bass River. The starting line is at the festival fairgrounds, with parking behind Bridgewater State University. The event begins at 9 a.m., Sunday, with registration at 8 a.m. Find more information at the race’s web page.

Fireworks on the beach: The Nantucket “Sound” will be some very loud booming (plus some oohs and ahs) on Sunday night, with a dazzling fireworks display at Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth. Bring a beach chair and park at Seagull Beach lot. If that’s filled, don’t worry, the view is also great from Smuggler’s Beach, Parkers River Beach, and pretty much anywhere along the south-facing coastline. The pyrotechnics display is scheduled for 8 p.m.

Sand Sculpture Contest: Test your creativity and construction skills with the fine, white sand at Bass River Beach on Monday from 9 a.m. to noon. Contestants will need their own shovels, trowels, rakes, and pails. This year’s theme is sea creatures, and there will be awards for the best creations. Who knows … you might be the next Fitzysnowman!

YSF Canoe and Kayak Race: Paddle from Wilbur Park with the outgoing tide to Smuggler’s Beach, then enjoy food and prizes at the Sea Dog Brew Pub. Registration is on Monday from 9-10 a.m., with the shotgun start at 10. Paddlers are required to wear Coast Guard-approved floatation devices, and anyone under 18 needs a signed slip from parents or a guardian. Find more info and download an application form online.

More fun at the fair: Decorate pumpkins, enter a pie-eating contest, and watch police K-9 demos. Or catch mad science experiments, birds of prey shows, animal adventures, and Rock & Roll Racers at the fairgrounds on Saturday and Sunday. Find a full schedule of events at the Yarmouth Seaside Festival website.

The Yarmouth Seaside Festival is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund. Find a list of other sponsors on the festival website.

FALL FESTIVAL AT TAYLOR-BRAY FARM

Amid the autumnal activities, another popular fair is happening in historic Yarmouth Port, where the 377-year-old Taylor-Bray Farm hosts its annual Fall Festival. The event is Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., with a rain date of Sunday. Enjoy hay wagon rides, old-fashioned games, an archaeological display, and a free giant pumpkin raffle for kids.

Animal lovers can visit the farm’s friendly livestock, including Nester and Sam, the miniature donkeys; a highland cow named Chloe; and three Nubian goats, Henry, George, and Dusty. If you get hungry, grab some hotdogs, apple cider, and cider donut holes.

You can also use the opportunity to buy your holiday pumpkin, grown right on the farm. Admission to the fair is free, but a donation of $5 for parking is greatly appreciated. Proceeds go toward maintaining the buildings and grounds, as well as feeding and caring for the nonprofit farm’s animals. As far as your own animals, please leave your dog at home on the day of the festival.

Learn more about the festival by visiting the Taylor-Bray Farm website.

The Taylor Bray Farm Festival is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

Andy Tomolonis is a textbook author, travel writer, and freelance multimedia journalist.

Jump into fall with Yarmouth family festivals

By Andy Tomolonis

Call it a last blast, fall fling, or one more chance to hang out with friends before the weather turns chilly and everyone starts disappearing indoors. Or just call it the Yarmouth Seaside Festival.

Whatever your title, the town’s annual Columbus Day weekend bash boasts a flurry of outdoor activities during mid-October, taking advantage of the cool days and crisp autumn evenings. It’s the perfect time for hearty foods and family fun – like a beach side bonfire, a canoe and kayak race, evening fireworks and a parade. Throw in a massive craft fair, a pie-eating contest, sand sculpting competition, non-stop music and dozens of free activities, and you get a pretty good picture of what the Yarmouth Seaside Festival (YSF) is all about.

Jan Butler, who started the party back in 1979, says her goal was to build community spirit and unite all the far-flung villages in Yarmouth. The festival continues to hit those goals as it grows in popularity every year.

We’ve compiled this “sand-bucket list” of five fun things to do in and near Yarmouth – from beach walks to bike rides to meals on railroad wheels. End your summer vacation with a few of these ideas, and the sizzling memories will keep you warm until the summer of 2020.

Events are free with a few exceptions – things like food, gifts and handmade goodies at the craft fair, and registration for the canoe race. The festival is also 100 percent family oriented, Butler said. So, get ready for a weekend that’s wallet friendly and family friendly all at once. Here are some highlights:

Arts and Crafts Fair: Get a two-month jump on your holiday shopping with artisan gifts from more than 125 juried crafters who will be displaying their jewelry, soaps, candles, watercolor paintings, and other handmade goods. The crafters will be open for business from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on both Saturday and Sunday at the festival fairgrounds (Joshua Sears Memorial Field, 1175 Route 28, in South Yarmouth). Check out the festival website for a list of vendors, many with links to individual websites for even more info: yarmouthseasidefestival.com/craft-fair/.

Bonfire at Bass River Beach: Dance to music from DJ Patrick or just chill and fill your belly with chowder, burgers, hotdogs, chili, onion rings, and other hearty foods – all beside the amber light of a roaring beachside bonfire. Don’t forget your blanket and beach chairs. The bonfire runs from 5-8 p.m. at Bass River Beach (Smuggler’s Beach if you’re a local).

YSF Parade: This year’s theme is American Patriotic Pride, so expect some red, white, and blue to complement the rusty hues of autumn. The march begins at noon on Sunday, Oct. 13, from the old Yarmouth Drive-in property (across from Captain Parker’s Pub). It proceeds eastward down Route 28 and winds up at the State Police barracks.

YSF Fireworks: This might be your last chance to catch a little “Sssssss … boom … ahhhhh!” before New Year’s Eve, so don’t miss the opportunity. Plus, it’s one more excuse to go to the beach. The pyrotechnics are set to begin at 8 p.m., Sunday, from Seagull Beach in West Yarmouth. Butler says the American Thunder fireworks company of North Reading has been running the show since the festival began 41 years ago, and they do a fantastic job. The display typically lasts about 20 minutes, she says, and it’s a high-energy show from start to finish. Note: The parking lot fills quickly at Seagull Beach, but the view is also great from Smuggler’s Beach, Parkers River Beach, and pretty much anywhere along the south-facing coastline, Butler says.

Sand Sculpture Contest: Like the parade, this year’s theme is American Patriotic Pride, so go with the flow. Contestants arrive at Bass River Beach (Smuggler’s Beach) and choose a spot or are assigned a site where they will create their sculptures. Winning sculptures receive awards, and everyone gets a chance to play in the sand. Remember to bring your own shovels, trowels, rakes and pails. The event gets underway at 9 a.m. Monday and ends at noon.

Canoe and Kayak Race: The paddle from Bass River Beach to Wilbur’s Point begins at 10 a.m., Monday, with registration from 9-10 a.m. Contestants must have Coast Guard-approved floatation devices to participate, and anyone under 18 needs a signed slip from parents or a guardian. Paddlers follow the incoming tide, so it’s an easy ride with a post-race party for participants and friends. Registration is $20. Find more at the festival website:

Other attractions: There are loads of other activities at the fairgrounds, including a raptor show, Jaws of Life presentation, wildlife, pumpkin decorating, science experiments, K-9 demos, kids’ crafts, all-day music, and a pie-eating contest. Check the festival website and Facebook page for more information: yarmouthseasidefestival.com/ and facebook.com/yarmouthseasidefestival/.

This Yarmouth Seaside Festival is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund, which is derived from local hotel and meals taxes. Find a list of other sponsors at the festival website.

Fall festival at Taylor-Bray Farm

Maybe you like the turf better than surf? If so, check out the agricultural activities at historic Taylor-Bray Farm. The nonprofit farm is hosting its Fall Festival on Saturday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the weekend long Yarmouth Seaside Festival proceeds (rain date is Oct. 13).

Activities at the farm will include hay wagon rides, old-time games, a raffle for a giant pumpkin (kids only) and a candy corn counting contest (guess how many corns are in the jar and you win the whole jar). There will also be refreshments, including hot dogs, cider and donut holes.

The 379-year-old farm is also home to miniature donkeys Nester and Sam, Dusty the Nubian goat, Chloe the highland cow, and assorted sheep and chickens. Visit with the animals, soak up some agrarian history, and support the historic farm by purchasing your Halloween pumpkins on site. Admission is free, but there’s a suggested $5 donation for parking. All proceeds and donations go toward feeding the animals, maintaining the grounds and educational programs.

Taylor-Bray Farm is located at 108 Bray Farm Road North in Yarmouth Port. Find more information about the farm and festival at the Taylor-Bray Farm website: taylorbrayfarm.org/.

This event is sponsored in part by the Town of Yarmouth’s Tourism Revenue Preservation Fund.

Andy Tomolonis is a nonfiction author, travel writer and freelance journalist.

So You’re Planning a Cape Cod Wedding

There are lots of decisions to make when planning a wedding, and each decision will inform and influence other choices along the way. By deciding on a Cape Cod wedding, you’ve already taken a big step toward your big day.

Here are some important considerations when you’re planning a wedding on Cape Cod.

Best Time of Year to Get Married on Cape Cod

If you have your heart set on a specific date or time of year, some of the challenges below will have less of an impact your decisions. But they’re still important to keep in mind when planning your Cape Cod wedding.

Getting married on Cape Cod in the spring or fall tends to be less expensive than in the summer tourist season. Hotels are less likely to require a two-night minimum, giving you more options and flexibility.

You can also expect less traffic than you will experience during the peak vacation months of June, July, and August.

Most businesses will be open from mid to late April through October, but make sure to confirm availability, especially if you decide to get married during the winter months.

Finding a Location for Your Cape Cod Beach Wedding

wedding cake decorated with peach and white flowers

There are plenty of beaches on Cape Cod where you can get married. Some wedding venues have beachfront property where you can exchange vows.

It may be much less expensive to get married on a public beach, but you will need to check with the specific town regarding availability, restrictions, necessary permits, and any associated fees. Some locations may limit the number of guests, time of day when your wedding and reception can take place, and whether alcohol is permitted.

For example, at Parker’s River Gazebo in Yarmouth overlooking the beach, weddings must be held after 4 pm, while at Bass Hole/Gray’s Beach weddings must conclude by dusk. And the picturesque Judah Baker Windmill can only accommodate 20 people or less.

Available amenities also vary widely. Packet Landing Pavilion along the Bass River has a beautiful pavilion with open air deck and public restrooms. For weddings in any season, Lorusso Lodge at Flax Pond offers 2,000 sq.ft. of indoor event space, as well as outdoor pavilions and a gazebo.

Choosing Accommodations for Your Cape Cod Wedding

If you have a long guest list, you may well find yourself limited in your choice of venues and places to stay, especially during the height of tourist season.

Regardless of where you hold your ceremony, consider staying in Yarmouth, MA where you are more likely to be able to find accommodations for a larger number of people. Its central location makes it convenient for your guests to go just about anywhere on the Cape. In Yarmouth, you will find just about any type of accommodations to suit yourself and your guests, including resorts, hotels, bed & breakfasts, rental cottages, camping, and even pet-friendly options.

Unique Things to Consider for Your Cape Cod Wedding

There are a few unique considerations to keep in mind when planning your Cape Cod wedding.

Make sure to ask about noise ordinances. Some towns have a noise curfew when your musicians will need to unplug. Or you may need to have acoustic music for the entire reception.

Off-Cape vendors may have a surcharge or additional fees for their travel time. Consider hiring local wedding vendors to keep things simple.

Getting a Marriage License for Your Cape Cod Wedding

As mentioned above, there may be permits and fees necessary if you’re getting married on a public beach. Plus, there may be restrictions on whether alcohol can be served.

When you’re making your plans for the big day, don’t overlook the most important piece – your marriage license.

In Massachusetts, you should be able to apply for your marriage license in any town, not just the one where you will be tying the knot. Marriage license requirements vary by town, however, so make sure you have the most up-to-date information about Massachusetts marriage license requirements.

While you do not have to be a state resident to get married in Massachusetts, both you and your future spouse will need to apply for your marriage license in person. You will both have to show a valid government-issued photo ID.

There is a three-day waiting period after you file your intent to wed before you receive your marriage license, so be sure to leave yourself enough time before the wedding. Your marriage license is good for 60 days.

After your wedding, your officiant must sign the license and return it to where it was issued.

Planning Your Perfect Day and Other Celebrations

Whatever your vision for your Cape Cod wedding, with a little preparation you’re sure to have a memorable day. And as you make your wedding plans, consider holding other festivities–like your wedding shower, bachelor or bachelorette parties, honeymoon, and even future anniversary getaways–on Cape Cod.