If you are interested in learning more or helping out with any of these events, please contect the First Parish office (office@uubedford.org or 781-275-7994) and they will connect you with the organizers. Many hands make light work, and volunteers are always welcome!
Since 1953, the First Parish Plant & Craft Fair has offered a wide variety of ornamental and bedding plants, vegetable and herb seedlings, and shrubs and native plants. Held annually in mid-May, the Fair has expanded to include dozens of crafters along with music, baked goods, a cook-out lunch and children’s activities. Gardeners, artisans and families from far and near eagerly anticipate the fair each May. Learn more here.
The Pancake Breakfast takes place in early April on Bedford’s annual Pole-Capping Day. Townspeople, colonial reenactors, and members of the community gather in the Common Room at First Parish to enjoy a home-made pancake breakfast before the parade steps off from the Common! Enjoy breakfast with members of the Minutemen from Bedford and other towns before the Pole-Capping festivities begin.
Our annual Talents & Treasures Auction is one of the most festive and financially successful First Parish fundraisers of the year. It usually takes place on a Saturday in March. Parishioners offer vacations at summer homes, gourmet dinners, massages, made-to-order sonnets, computer consulting — a multitude of ingenious services — in addition to handmade crafts and attic treasures.
The Irish Celebration family event — founded in 2022 by our very own Carroll Clan with support from the First Parish Music Committee — is an annual March event for all ages that is open to the entire community. Experience a joyful evening of community with family and friends filled with Irish music, dancing, singing, laughing, storytelling, special guests, and delicious pub food for all.
The annual Valentine’s Concert, hosted by the First Parish Music Committee, is a highlight of the church year. The first half of this event features songs centered around various themes, such as A Tribute to Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers, Berlin Meets Beethoven, A Tribute to Great Women Songwriters, and Shakespeare on Broadway. The second half features piano masterpieces, such as Chopin, Rachmaninov, Debussy, and Schubert. The event concludes with a decadent chocolate reception.
Since 2011, the annual Chili Cook Off has been warming up the winter by bringing together chili cooks, family, and friends for an evening of friendly competition. Entries vie for the top spot in a variety of categories, from best youth chili to best vegetarian, best meat, hottest, and best in show, and all attendees get to sample the entries and vote on the winners.
The bi-annual Cabaret, presented by the First Parish Music Committee, is an inter-generational evening featuring the unique talents of First Parish youth and adults. Whether you’re into music, dance, comedy, skits, or anything in between, it’s your time to shine! Performers of all ages are welcome.