5 Great Reasons To Stay In Tewksbury This Weekend

Do some good for the community then join Tewksbury native Harlow Havoc as she emcees this weekend’s oft-postponed Pride rally.

Tonight Bobby & Jacks’ Memphis BBQ host duo Jilly Martin and Ryan Brooks Kelly, billed as “the next must-see act from New England to Nashville.” Over the years, the duo has been featured as support acts for many traditional and mainstream country artists. Standouts in today’s crossover country music scene, Jilly & Ryan’s songs bridge the boundary between traditional and new country. They take the stage at 6:30 p.m. and will play until 10 p.m.

Then on Saturday, join the Tewksbury Beautification Committee for the Fall Town Clean Up from 9am-2pm. Residents may pick up their bags at town hall any time that morning, then collect trash and take it to the DPW. This cleanup will also offer tire OFF RIM collection from Mass Mosquito Control, and a clean clothing and accessory collection by the Epilepsy Foundation. Items must be in reusable condition and bagged.  The cleanup is accepting food pantry donations, and all of the collections will happen at the DPW, 999 Whipple Rd.

This is a great event, and students who need community service hours are encouraged to participate. Sign up here to claim your cleanup location. Got questions? Send an email to clean.up.tewksbury@gmail.com. Teams, scouts, youth and civic group are all welcome!

In the afternoon, stick around town for the Show Your Pride, Tewksbury event on the Common from 2 p.m. until special guest emcee Harlow Havoc, aka Tewksbury native and TMHS grad Justin Petrie, has to zip back to Boston.

The Pride event was originally scheduled for June but was rained out, so organizers moved it to October, which is LGBTQ History Month. Drop by, grab a flag and sticker, sing along with Harlow and hear from speakers including Governor’s Council rep Eileen Duff and selectman Jayne Wellman, who championed the town’s new DEI Committee. Also on hand will be members of that committee and some of our local delegation, Rep. Tram Nguyen and Sen. Barry Finegold.

On Sunday, the Tewksbury Congregational Church at 10 East St. invites the community to join them for a “Blessing of the Animals” at 2:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. All are welcome to have their animal companions blessed during this special ceremony, which should last about 30 minutes. Learn more.

Also on Sunday, Strongwater Farm hosts a family fun day hoedown with hayrides, pumpkin & horseshoe painting, live music and a country market place. Featuring the Houston Bernard Band, Butter UR Biscuit Food Truck, and Sal’s Mobil Pizza. Organizers say residents are welcome to bring a picnic and play some horseshoes or cornhole.