Greetings!

Massachusetts is rich in arts and culture, so it's no surprise that exciting events, exhibits and festivals are held in the state's 13 regions all year long. Find out more below and visit us now!

FEATURED REGION: GREATER MERRIMACK VALLEY

Beginning at 8:30 a.m. on April 17, 2010, the Commemoration of the Conflict at the Old North Bridge (Minuteman National Park, Concord) will allow visitors to hear once again the "Shot Heard 'Round the World". From there, visit the Hartwell and Munroe Taverns in Lincoln and Lexington for drill and musket demonstrations and a chance to meet British and Colonial reenactors. On the 18th, be at the Old North Bridge at 6 a.m. for the Dawn Salute, followed by an afternoon of 18th Century fife and drum music in Lincoln and Paul Revere's arrival at 11 p.m. at the Hancock/Clarke House in Lexington. At dawn on April 19th, witness the battle that gave birth to America on Lexington's Battle Green, followed by parades in both Lexington and Concord. Many other reenactments and festivities are planned for all three days. For the full schedule of events visit: www.battleroad.org and www.nps.gov/mima/patriots-day.htm.

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GREATER SPRINGFIELD

Wistariahurst Museum in Holyoke presents its April Gallery Exhibit - “Postcard Perceptions: Photographs by Joshua Taylor” - through May 3, 2010. Local photographer Joshua Taylor captures the beauty of Holyoke’s past and present with photographs of iconic Holyoke inspired by images from vintage postcards. Born and raised in Holyoke, Joshua Taylor photographs Holyoke's rich, architectural history in modern-day incarnations comparing Holyoke’s idealized past and the potential he sees for the city’s future. Admission $3. Located at 238 Cabot Street in Holyoke. 

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MOHAWK TRAIL REGION

“Giovanni Boldini in Impressionist Paris” will be on view at the Sterling and Francine Clark Art Institute in Williamstown through April 25, 2010! This exhibit presents 70 magnificent works in an innovative look at Boldini’s Paris—its places of leisure, its inhabitants, and its environs—at a time when the Impressionists were investigating the same subjects. Then, on April 25th, enjoy a day of free family fun at the Clark, with fairy houses and gnome homes, art making, an obstacle course and more.

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                                      THE BERKSHIRES

Celebrate Spring with a visit to Hancock Shaker Village and their newest, cutest arrivals at the annual Baby Animals on the Shaker Farm Celebration from April 3-25, 2010. The Round Stone Barn will be filled with lambs, piglets, calves and chicks - all waiting to meet you! Open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during Baby Animals, with special activities throughout the day. Great for family outings! Hancock Shaker Village is located at Route 20 & 41 in Pittsfield. 

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SOUTHEASTERN MASSACHUSETTS

Battleship Cove in Fall River will hold a special Patriot’s Day Weekend event on April 19-20, 2010. Patriot’s Day commemorates the battles fought at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, which marked the start of the American Revolution. Battleship Cove will honor those Revolutionary heroes with oral histories of some of our modern day heroes. On Friday, April 2nd, the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford presents Grammy award-winning singer Judy Collins in concert at 8 p.m.

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FRANKLIN COUNTY

The Franklin County Home Show and Green Fair will be held April 17 and 18, 2010 at Franklin County Fairgrounds in Greenfield! Highlights include an array of exhibits, ranging from leisure products, financial services, home improvement items and new technology to specialty produced goods and services related to the green economy. Also enjoy food from local restaurants and farms, entertainment, workshops and door prizes. Plenty of free parking and no admission ($2 suggested donation per person). Click here for details.

MARTHA'S VINEYARD

Mark your calendars for the Island Alpaca Farm Alpaca 3rd Annual Shearing Day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 24, 2010. The Shearing Day will feature some of the area’s finest alpacas! More than 50 alpacas are scheduled to be on hand for shearing and public viewing. Held at Island Alpaca Co. in Oak Bluffs. Admission fee is $5 per person. This is a benefit for Island Alpaca Farm. More information is available by clicking here.

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GREATER BOSTON

Celebrate spring at the annual Art in Bloom at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston on April 24-26, 2010! See the museum’s galleries transformed by 50 extraordinary arrangements inspired by magnificent works of art, from Asian sculptures to world-renowned European paintings. Family Day on April 24th features tours, performances, and activities for children. On April 26th, the museum open its doors to the public for a free Open House featuring entertainment, flowers and art.

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CAPE COD

April School Vacation Week Programs are offered at museums around Cape Cod, including Cape Cod Museum of Natural History in Brewster and Heritage Museums & Gardens and Green Briar Nature Center, both in Sandwich. The Annual Brewster in Bloom Festival, set for April 30-May 2, is a town-wide celebration featuring an antique fair, fine arts & crafts show, parade, band concert, historic inn tour and more. And save the date for the 17th Annual Cape Cod Maritime Days May 1-31!

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