For me, Artisan Weekend highlights holiday fest frenzy

If anyone has ever perused an AARP monthly magazine - even if you're under the age of 50 you're allowed to read them - you'll notice they occasionally review film in a section they call "Movies for Adults."

In other words, you won't see the latest vampire movie or comic book-inspired film reviewed, but, instead, movies that folks over a certain age are more apt to be interested in.

So, without further ado, I present to you a "Fall Festival for Adults," namely Saturday and Sunday's Artisan Weekend at Tuckaway Tree Farm at the corner of Shapleigh and Dixon roads in West Lebanon.

No bounce house, no dunk tank, no roller-coaster or water-balloon games.

Just a wonderfully bucolic, tranquil setting where you can peruse all manner of home-made items made by skilled artisans from in and around Lebanon.

Lynn Park, a co-owner at Tuckaway, held an impressive inaugural Artisan Weekend last Columbus Day weekend, and we found it a wonderful tonic for the soul.

Columbus Day weekend in these parts is the area's last frenetic, fall holiday where it's comfortable to be outdoors. Lord knows that Thanksgiving we'll be hunkered down with full bellies watching TV football.

But Columbus Day we're all still about the outdoors.

Now, of course there's a lot more going on than Artisan Weekend.

We have the Rochester Fall Festival Saturday, McToberfest at Mckenzie's Farm in Milton Saturday and Sunday, the 18^th Annual Abenaki Powwow at Mi-Te-Jo Campground in Milton Saturday and Sunday, the Dennis Labrecque charity bike run which starts at 9:30 a.m. at Trains on Saturday and so much, much more.

They all are wonderful and worthy events that deserve our support and we love them all. (And we'll cover as many as we can!)

But if you're looking for a relaxing afternoon listening to some live folk music while browsing local artisan's handiwork, at least give a couple of hours to Artisan Weekend.

Park has started a wonderful fall Lebanon tradition that folks in Acton, Shapleigh, Sanford, Milton and Rochester should all check out as well.

See you there, and everywhere else!