As large tracks in back yards near wooded areas of Easthampton readily attest, ursine visitors are increasingly common. Remedies like banging pots and pans or hanging “please go away, bears” signs might occasionally keep those visitors from slobbering on birdfeeders, but this summer much of Easthampton will take the opposite tack, welcoming and celebrating bears.
The Easthampton Bear Fest kicks off in June, culminating in October in a week-long arts celebration and auction. Artists have painted some 30 or 40 life-sized bear sculptures, and the bears will hide all over downtown, providing a great chance to walk Easthampton and check them off the bear-tracking maps that will be available. If you check off a couple of extras, don’t be concerned—these days, chances are pretty high an actual bear or two may lurk there, too.
June 13-Oct. 17, downtown Easthampton. Bear Unveiling: June 13, 2 p.m., municipal parking lot, Cottage Street, Easthampton, Easthamptoncityarts.org or (413) 527-8278 for more info.