The year was 1990 and I was in the throes of my first love at the age of 15. Sean and I started "dating" our freshman year and were on and off throughout high school, officially going off for good after a disastrous New Year's Eve party our senior year. Twenty-three years later, I'm married with a child, he's married with a child, but I always will remember the moment in 1990 when the world seemed perfect to my teenage self.

 

It was at the Dalton Carnival — you know, the one that fills the American Legion field every June? I see it called the "Dalton Fair" now in advertisements on the side of the road, but it was always the Dalton Carnival when I was a kid growing up in Pittsfield. In any case, Sean and I went to the fair together, walked through the crowds holding hands and giggling, and when it started to rain, he put his jacket over my head in a wonderfully sweet gesture. And then, an hour later when the rain passed, we watched the fireworks with our arms around each other, damp and chilly but so happy in that single moment in time.

 

It was magical.

 

I can't guarantee you will find a moment like that at the Dalton Carnival, but it's in town this weekend, so why not check it out and see for yourself? It's supposed to rain for much of the weekend, so if you don't dress appropriately maybe some chivalrous young gentlemen will lend you his jacket. You never know! The fair runs through Sunday at the Dalton American Legion grounds off Route 9, with fireworks scheduled for Friday and Saturday nights, weather permitting. There are about 20 rides, plus food and other fun and games. It's sure to offer something for the whole family — just watch out for those teenagers in love!

 

If you would prefer to stay inside this weekend, since the weather is not looking great, especially on Saturday, I do have a couple of suggestions for family fun.

 

First up, on Saturday, June 8, from 3 to 5 p.m. is a cool indoor event that likely will be of more interest to girls: "Today's Fashion for Today’s Doll" at Ventfort Hall in Lenox. For those of you who have not been to Ventfort Hall, it's a lovely renovated old mansion with an interesting history, and events there are always fun. This particular event will feature clothes created by doll-fashion couturier Nancy Gleason of Lee that will be presented by past attendees of the young ladies of Ventfort Summer Camp on their 18-inch dolls. The clothes will include Nancy's seasonal line of day, sport and evening wear and will be for sale after the show, when there also will be a Victorian tea for attendees. The cost is $20 adults and $7 for kids 16 and under; visit gildedage.org for details.

 

On Saturday evening, Images Cinema in Williamstown is showing two family-friendly movies: "ParaNorman" at 6:30 p.m. (in 3D) and "The Muppets" at 8:30 p.m. The movies are part of Williams College Reunion Weekend, and while admission is free to those lucky folks, the rest of us are invited to pay regular admission to attend. 

 

Sunday, June 9, looks to be the better weather day, and the family can shake off the rainy blues — and get some culture — by heading down to Lenox for Community Day at The Mount, the home of Edith Wharton. The Mount is a gorgeous home on amazing grounds, and while kids are always admitted free, adults aren't, so I would recommend taking advantage of this free day for local residents and visitors alike. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., you can tour the house, explore the gardens and trails, bring a picnic and enjoy the surroundings. Scavenger hunts, story times and other activities will occur throughout the day. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Visit edithwharton.org for all the details.

 

And just outside the Berkshires, this whole weekend is "Vermont Days," and if you choose to head outside Sunday (or if the weather really isn't that bad on Saturday) you can enjoy free admission to Vermont state parks and Vermont historic sites. That includes the Bennington Monument, which is supposed to have a great view from the top - and an elevator to get you there! For all locations and details, visit vermontdays.com.

 

Cheer up: It can't rain all summer, and soon there will be so many family activities to choose from that the weather won't matter anyway. And if it does keep raining every weekend? Just find a sweet boy with an extra jacket and snuggle up!

 

 

Berkshire County native Rebecca Dravis of Williamstown is a former journalist who now works for the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. She can be reached at rdravis@verizon.net.