Cummington is a small rural community in the Hilltowns region of Western Massachusetts. The town hosts the Hillside Agricultural Society’s Cummington Fair and the Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair each year.
Poet William Cullen Bryant was born in Cummington. His home is maintained by the Trustees of Reservations and the grounds provide several walking and hiking trails.
The town includes portions of the Swift River and Westfield River watersheds and other important wildlife habitat areas. The population as of the 2000 census was under 1,000 residents, a large proportion of which are artisans and craftspeople (the 1790 census listed the population at 873).
External Links
Town of Cummington website – provides information and links on town meetings, bylaws, town officials. Includes a town artisans page.
Cummington Family Center – August – The CFC is a grassroots, parent-volunteer run organization, which provides a safe and nurturing environment for parents, caregivers and their children. Through weekly playgroups, field trips, workshops, social potlucks and celebrations, the CFC networks families in the surrounding Hilltown area, creating a vital and energized community.
Hillside Agricultural Society Cummington Fair – Horse and oxen pulling, Western MA Lumberjack Championship, Antique Cars and Tractors, Crafts Barn, Midway.
Massachusetts Sheep and Woolcraft Fair – Memorial Day Weekend – Sheepdog trails, Spinning and Weaving Exhibitions, Fiber Workshops, Kid’s Events.
Westfield River Watershed Association – Established in 1953 to protect and improve the natural resources of the Watershed. They host events year-round.