Hydrangea Day in Fall River Fall River is blooming with color as Hydrangea Day returns for its annual celebration. Taking place on September 17th, 2023, this beloved event showcases the beauty of hydrangeas throughout the city. Visitors can stroll through Battleship Cove and admire the vibrant blooms in all their glory. Local nurseries will be on-site, offering a wide selection of hydrangea varieties for purchase. Art vendors will display their hydrangea-inspired creations, adding to the festive atmosphere. The day kicks off with a grand parade featuring floats adorned with hydrangeas. Musical performances, craft demonstrations, and historical reenactments will entertain the crowds throughout the day. Visitors can also enjoy delicious food and drinks from local vendors. Handy House Opens in Westport Just a short drive from Fall River, the historic Handy House has recently reopened its doors in Westport. This charming 18th-century mansion, once the home of a wealthy sea captain, has undergone extensive renovations to restore its original grandeur. The museum provides visitors with a glimpse into the past, showcasing the opulence and daily life of a prominent shipping family. Visitors can explore the restored rooms, admire the fine furnishings, and learn about the history of the house and its occupants. The opening of the Handy House marks a significant addition to Westport’s cultural landscape. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the region’s rich maritime history and appreciate the architectural beauty of a bygone era.
Thousands of hydrangeas, in a dazzling array of colors, will fill the Autumn Glow Festival grounds for Hydrangea Day on Saturday, July 16th, from 10 am to 4 pm. The annual Hydrangea Day, a celebration of the city’s signature flower, will take place rain or shine at the Heritage State Park Visitor Center, 36 Anawan Street. There will be more than 1,400 hydrangeas on display and for sale, grown by local nurseries and the Friends of Fall River. Admission to Hydrangea Day is $5, with proceeds benefiting the Friends of Fall River and the restoration and preservation of the historic Battleship Cove. Fall River was once known as the Hydrangea City, when 30 local companies grew more than 1,000 varieties of the popular flowering shrub. In recognition of the city’s horticultural heritage, Mayor Jasiel Correia III declared Hydrangea Day in Fall River four years ago. This year, the Friends of Fall River has partnered with Handy House Charitable Trust and Battleship Cove to present the Hydrangea Day celebration. Handy House is presenting two workshops at Hydrangea Day, “Hydrangeas for Dummies,” at 11 a.m. and “Winterizing Your Hydrangeas,” at 2 p.m. Reservations are requested for the workshops, and can be made by calling 508-672-2535 or by emailing [email protected]. In addition to hydrangeas, Hydrangea Day will feature vendors selling arts, crafts, and food. There will also be music, family friendly activities, face painting, and tours of the Battleship Cove. Also this weekend, Handy House Charitable Trust will open the Hungry Hill Farm House in Westport to the public on Sunday, July 17th, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The historic John Spooner House, built in 1812, is an example of early Federal architecture. It was once part of a sprawling estate that included the surrounding gardens, a cider mill, an ice house, a carriage house, and a barn. Handy House will offer guided tours of the house, which is being restored to its original grandeur. The Hungry Hill Farm House is located at 673 Horseneck Road in Westport. Admission is free, but donations are welcome.
