26TH ANNUAL BOAR'S HEAD FESTIVAL - WINSTED

First Church of Winsted located on 95 North Main Street in Winsted will present the 26th Annual Boar's Head Festival on Saturday, January 9th at 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. and Sunday, January 10th at 3:30 p.m.. The Festival is "An Ancient Processional Celebrating Epiphany." It takes place in true medieval fashion complete with period costumes, live animals, and grandeur worthy of welcoming the King of Kings and Lord of Lords! The Festival features continuous music with full choir, madrigal singers, organist, and brass ensemble. There are also a number of tooters, whistlers, fiddlers, pipers, dancers and drummers. The featured musical selections include Rutter's "Gloria," Adam Dressler's "O Holy Night," and Morten Lauridsen's "O Magnum Mysterium" along with many traditional carols.

This ancient processional musical celebration of the Epiphany will feature: Medieval Pomp & Royalty, Herald Trumpeters
Carolers, Family Gentry, Woodsmen & Peasants, Good King Wenceslas & his Page, Monks, Shepherds & Their Sheep, The Holy Family & Donkey, and The Three Wise Men.  There will be performances by the Laurel City Singers, the Boar's Head Brass Ensemble and the The Boar's Head Carolers. There will also be a piper and a sword dancer.

Laurel City Singers under the direction of Adam Atkins is the featured festival choir with organist Christopher King. Also appearing will be The Boar's Head Carolers, Scottish Sword Dancer Karen LaVallee- Tente and Highland dancer Krysten McGhee with piper Ken Storrs.

Tickets are $15 Adults, $12 Senior and $9 Child 12 and under and may be purchased by calling 860-379-8966, or mail your payment and seating requests to: First Church of Winsted, ATTN: Boar's Head Festival, 95 North Main Street, Winsted, CT 06098. Make checks payable to: First Church of Winsted. Groups of 20 or more may deduct $3 from each ticket price. Doors open one half hour before each performance.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Open Farm Day at Sunny Valley Preserve

On September 19 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. celebrate Connecticut's farming and conservation heritage and share in a wonderful sense of community at the 23rd annual Open Farm Day at The Nature Conservancy's Sunny Valley Preserve. Best of all admission is free.

Take a hay ride, pet farm animals, play a game and enjoy a selection of delectable goodies at Sunny Valley Preserve, located on 8 Sunny Valley Lane in New Milford.  Sunny Valley  encompasses more than 1,850-acres that straddles the Housatonic River in New Milford and Bridgewater. 

Visitors can check out wool-spinning or maple-syrup making and  dissect an owl pellet with "How Cool is That?!" Don't forget to stop by the petting zoo to meet some gentle farm animals; then plan to visit  Bruno, an African Spur-Thighed Tortoise and his friends from The Pratt Nature Center.  Make sure to stop by our farm stand, and purchase some fresh produce to take home.

In addition to demonstrations, fair goers are invited to wander through many informational displays, inspect the antique and new farm equipment, pet the animals, enjoy a tractor ride, and sample some of the delectable goodies, which in the past have included pumpkin soup, fresh veggie burritos, along with hot dogs and fresh baked cookies prepared and served by the New Milford Youth Agency.

Sunny Valley Preserve was founded in 1970, when George D. Pratt Jr. donated multiple parcels of agricultural and natural lands to The Nature Conservancy. One condition of Pratt's gift is that the farms be kept in agriculture as long as possible. Today, about 650 acres of the preserve are in active agriculture. The farms, leased by independent farmers, are privately-operated businesses. Farmers at the preserve grow diverse crops and sell most products locally, providing locally-grown food and enhancing the local economy. Open Farm Day is rain or shine. More information is available at www.nature.org/sunnyvalley or by calling the preserve at (860) 355-3716.

For more area event information www.litchfieldhills.com

New Milford Connecticut Village Fair Days Set for July 25th and 26 in Litchfield Hills

Popular Kids Run at New Milford Village Fair Days

The center of New Milford located in the scenic Litchfield Hills is noted for it's long traditional village green laid out in 1872.  Here you will find monuments from past wars as well as a bandstand, first built in 1891 that is a symbol of New Milford's sense of community.

You can also explore many exceptional galleries, boutiques, restaurants and antique shops that are clustered in the heart of this village. Many are located in beautifully restored 18th and 19th century homes and buildings. Town Hall, facing the Green, marks the home of one of New Milford's most illustrious citizens, Roger Sherman, the only Connecticut man whose signature is on all key documents of the founding of this nation.

On July 25 and July 26, 2014 the New Milford Green becomes a hive of activity with the many activities and family fun offered up at the 47th Annual New Milford Village Fair Days.
 
This is the largest annual event in New Milford.  Hundreds of  vendors including local businesses, organizations, church groups and clubs exhibit their unique offerings. If you like crafts, you won't be disappointed as many skillful crafters offer their wares along with antique dealers that offer a variety of sought-after antiques.

Food is a big element of any Fair and New Milford's food vendors won't disappoint.  There is even a dining tent and two days of entertainment that add to the festivities.  Participants in this year's food court include: New Milford Rotary Club, Water Witch Hose Co 2, The Cookhouse, CC's Spiral Potatoes, Crab Cakes & Coconut Shrimp, Alfredo's/Colosseo Restaurants, New Milford Lions Club, Thomas's Ice Cream Truck, American Pie Company, Greek Isle and Primos Deli.

Exploring the south Green you will find a variety of businesses, organizations, church groups and clubs, while the north Green hosts master crafters and sought-after antiques. Food vendors can be found in the mid-section of the Green where fair goers, will find everything from tasty snacks to a wonderful meal that can be enjoyed in the large sit-down dining area.

The Fair opens at 10:00 am and closes at 10:00 PM on July 25th. Among the many highlights on the 29th are the tour of town hall at 2:30 p.m., a performance by Theatre Works from 1:45 p.m. - 2 :15 p.m., historic walking tours at 4 p.m.,  a Children's Fun Run at 6:00 PM and music by Higher and Higher from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m..  

On Saturday, July 26 the Fair opens at  9:00 am and closes at 10:00 PM.  Highlights on the 30th include: the 47th Annual 8 Mile Road Race & 12th Annual Fair Days 5K at 9:00 am, and Old Fashion Pie eating contest from 2 p.m. - 2:45, historic tours at 2:30 and 4 PM and Steppin Out with Curtis T band from 7 p.m. - 10 p.m.

For further information, please contact the Chamber of Commerce at 860.354.6080 or visit http://www.newmilford-chamber.com for up to the minute information.

Fearsome Or Friendly, Fun Fills The Litchfield Hills For Halloween

Dracula, Frankenstein and other heroes of the horrors will be on hand, while spooks and spiders, ghouls and goblins will abound in haunted graveyards. The Litchfield Hills of Northwestern Connecticut will be filled with unique ways to celebrate Halloween throughout the month of October. Families can choose from fearsome to friendly, with many chances for younger children to don their costumes and parade in happy small town celebrations.

Scary Scenarios

For chills, make haste to the Haunted Graveyard at Lake Compounce Family Theme Park in Bristol, which has been called "The granddaddy of the horrifically good time." An unholy order of monks keep watch over the graves in the dark caverns of the Catacombs here and a dark and misty fog envelops the graveyard where zombies and night stalkers have wakened from the dead. Some are real; others are amazing animatronic creations made by The Haunted Graveyard's crazed staff. Recommended for adults, teens and very brave children, the park opens at dusk weekends from September 30 to October 31, and runs to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays, to 10 p.m. on Sundays. The Haunted Graveyard will not be open October 2 and rides will not be open on October 31st. Lake Compounce will also be operating 17 thrill rides including Boulder Dash, Wildcat, Down Time, and Zoomerang. Proceeds will benefit the American Diabetes Associations. (www.lakecompounce.com)

This will be the 45th year for the annual Witches Dungeon Halloween Classic Movies Museum in Bristol. The Graveyard Of Classic Ghouls sets the atmosphere as you enter the dungeon where accurate life-size figures of Boris Karloff, Vincent Price, Lon Chaney, Bela Lugosi, and others are featured in 13 scenes or dioramas based on the vintage movie chillers. Many of the figures are made from the actual life casts of the actor's faces, plus some original costumes or props, in a wax museum style setting with special voice tracks by Vincent Price, Mark Hamill, and John Agar. Many Hollywood props are on display and vintage films may be shown outdoors, weather permitting. A special highlight this year is the display of the classic 1966 “Batmobile” for the opening weekend of Sept. 30 to October 2. Hours are Friday through Sunday evenings, 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., September 30 to October 31. The Museum is not recommended for children under age 7. A $2.00 donation is suggested for all ages! (www.preservehollywood.com)

Historic Happenings

At the historic Glebe House Museum in Woodbury on Saturday, October 22 costumed spirits will lead the way through the Ancient Burying grounds, where 20 of Woodbury's most famous and infamous 'spirits' await at their gravesites to relate tales from the darker side of 18th and 19th century Woodbury. There will be a spooky candlelit tour in the museum itself and stories and tales from Moll Cramer, the Witch of Woodbury, told in the Museum cottage. Madame Suzolo will be offering Tarot Card readings and there will be free fall refreshments for all. The Hollow will be closed to traffic and the area, including the walk to and through the cemetery will be lit with over 200 luminaries. Hours are 5 pm to 9 p.m. The rain date is October 29. www.theglebehouse.org.

The night of October 29 also brings the Halloween Spooktacular at the Tapping Reeve Law School on Rte. 63 South Street in Litchfield beginning at 6:30 PM.. The Litchfield Historical Society has partnered with the White Memorial Conservation Center for a spooktacular that promises candlelight reading of excerpts from the Washington Irving classic, "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" interpreted by local thespians, Ilvi Dulac, Jane Coughlin, and Michael Medeiros. Next get ready to take a guided walking tour along Gallows Lane, site of the hanging and death of America's first mass murderer. The evening ends at White Memorial's A.B. Ceder Room with spooky treats. Here kids will also meet an owl and a bat and watch out for other things that go bump in the night! Bring a flashlight! Halloween costumes are suggested but not required! (860-567-0857). http://www.whitememorialcc.org

Once again this year, the festively decorated Railroad Museum of New England in Thomaston is scheduling Halloween Weekend train rides on its vintage trains on Saturday, Oct. 29 and Sunday, Oct. 30. The Halloween Express will take costumed passengers on a scenic 20-mile round-trip ride that runs along Mattatuck State Forest to the Brass Mills of Waterbury and back to the spectacular Thomaston Dam amid splendid fall foliage. Free pumpkins are given to every child as long as the supply lasts. (860-283-RAIL; www.rmne.org).

Hunt Hill Farm on Upland Road in New Milford is hosting “The Silo and the Supernatural” on October 30 from 4pm to 6 pm. Participants will enter the realm of the paranormal with The Northwest Ct Paranormal Society's professional investigator John Zontok and Bob Mills, a professional photographer who helps the team differentiate true paranormal pictures from forged images. Tools of the trade, the history of paranormal photography, and audio of ghostly voices and videos of what could be a revolutionary soldier will be shared and experienced. Local hauntings, including a Barkhamsted barn investigation featured on the Animal Planet's "The Haunted" series and "My Ghost Story are highlights of this macabre evening of paranormal fun. Due to the nature of this program, ages 12 and up please. (860-355-0300). www.hunthillfarmtrust.org.

Small Town Fun—for Free!!

Everyone is invited to join the 35th Annual Kent Pumpkin Run on October 30th. The festivities begin with a Kids Fun Run at 11:15 AM followed by the 5 mile run / walk at noon. The spectator friendly certified course starts and finishes at Kent Green in front of Town Hall. Festivities include music, refreshments (including Billy's famous Pumpkin Soup!), face painting, Halloween fun and much more.

The 19th Annual Halloween on the Green in Danbury will take place on Saturday, October 29 from 2 pm to 4pm with a Costume Parade scheduled for 3:30 pm. Prizes will be awarded for Most Original, Scariest, Cutest and Funniest get-ups. Children will have their own costume parade and games and get to decorate a pumpkin. (203-792-1711; www.citycenterdanbury.com).

Bristol is hosting the 17th Annual Free Halloween Carnival and Costume Parade for boys and girls up to 5th grade that will take place on October 30, from 11:45 to 3 p.m. at Rockwell Park. The parade begins at noon and Amazing Andy’s Magic Show follows. Carnival games, arts and crafts, Big Daddy’s Racing, an old fashioned photo booth, Twinkles and Jingles the clowns and Train Rides are also on the agenda. Each child will receive a free reflective trick or treat bag. Children participating in the Costume Parade will receive a small bag of treats. There is no charge to participate in the Fall/Halloween Carnival. (860-584-6160)

The Big Day

On October 31, beginning at 4:30 pm, the annual Halloween Costume Party for Children will go on at the New England Carousel Museum in Bristol, with the costume contest scheduled for 5 p.m. Ghoulish games and fun are promised, along with a crazy costume contest and what is billed as “frightening foods.” Kids are free, but adults are asked to contribute $1.

Finally, anyone who is in the area on Halloween night is invited to join the Safe Halloween fun at the Terryville Fairgrounds in Terryville from 6pm to 10pm. Sponsored by the Terryville Lion’s Club, it will feature hayrides, games, food and treats. All you need to participate is a non-perishable food item for the Plymouth Food Pantry.

For more information about Halloween happenings and other fall events and a free copy of UNWIND, a 112-page color guide to lodging, dining and all the attractions in Western Connecticut, contact the Western Connecticut Visitors Bureau, PO Box 968, Litchfield, CT 06759, (860) 567-4506, www.visitwesternct.com.

Birds in Their Habitat Art Exhibition at Birdcraft in Fairfield Connecticut Sept. 24 & 25

Connecticut Audubon Society is bringing together talented artists from around the country who specialize in avian art during its second annual Birds In Their Habitat juried artists' exhibition and sale at Birdcraft located on 2325 Burr Rd. in Fairfield Connecticut. This annual event is taking place September 23-25.

Twenty one artists working in a variety of media have been selected to display and sell their works. Jury selection of participating artists was based upon technique, execution, quality and uniqueness of work. The exhibition will illustrate that wildlife artists are committed to close observation and rendering fine artworks so that others may recognize the beauty of our natural world. Media includes: painting, photography, sculpture, printmaking, wood carving and fine art crafts. In addition to the art show, live birds of prey will be on hand for live demonstrations. Refreshments will be provided by the Butterfly Garden Cafe Committee.

This year's Juried Show and Sale will feature the following Painters: Sue deLearie Adair: Etching, Del-Bourree Bach: Acrylic,
Wendy Brockman: Graphite and Watercolor, Mary Christiansen: Gouache and Graphite, Michael DiGiorgio: Watercolor and Oil,
Katie Lee: Graphite and Acrylic, Carol McArdle: Oil and Acrylic, Sharon Rowley Morgio: Oil and Watercolor, Sean Murtha: Oil and Watercolor, Dorie Petrochko: Watercolor, Kelly Leahy Radding: Gouache and Watercolor, Carolyn K. Smith: Graphite and Watercolor, Linda Thomas: Watercolor and Oil, and Patricia J. Wynne: Colored Pencil and Etching. Photographers featured at the show include: Paige Alexander, Michael Amodeo, Lori Bolle, and Margaret Harris. The pottery works of Judith Taylor and the Woodcarving of Roscoc Condon and Bill Rice will also be highlighted.

In addition, Connecticut Audubon Society has selected Floyd Scholz as its 2011 "artist of the year." A professional carver since 1983 and in his fortyfirst year of carving, Floyd Scholz is universally recognized as a top carver of birds in the world. His portrayal of eagles, hawks, owls and many other large birds has won him a large international following and many top awards at major shows throughout the country. When not in his studio, traveling and doing essential field studies of birds take up most of his time.

The Preview Party is Friday, September 23 from 6:30 to 9:30 at Birdcraft located on 2325 Burr Street in Fairfield CT. The Show and Sale opens to the general public on Saturday, September 24 and Sunday, September 25 from 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM; adults are $5.00 and children under 10 are free. Proceeds from this event will benefit educational programs in the Fairfield region. For additional information, call 203-259-6305 ext. 109 or visit http://www.ctaudubon.org.



About Birdcraft Museum

Founded in 1914, Birdcraft is the first private bird sanctuary in the United States. This six-acre site was originally planted as a refuge to attract, harbor, and feed migratory and resident birds. To date, more than 120 bird species have been recorded on its grounds. Birdcraft's focus today is offering premier natural history education programs and events for children and adults. It is also a federally-licensed Bird-Banding Station.

The Museum and Cottage were the original headquarters of the Connecticut Audubon Society. The Museum contains dioramas of Connecticut's wildlife and habitats as they existed at the beginning of the 20th Century; the Four Seasons Room, which shows bird diversity over the years; the Frederick T. Bedford Collection of African Animals, and changing exhibits.

The Taste of Greater Danbury Connecticut Sept. 10-11

Danbury has always been a place about community and nowhere can the community celebrate with all its citizens, friends and visitors better than downtown. Nothing proves this more than the long awaited popular Taste of Danbury that begins on Saturday, September 10 and ends on Sunday, September 11. In it's 11th year, the Taste of Danbury promises more food, more fun for the entire family and more music than ever before! This is an event that is not to be missed.

On Saturday, September 10th, the Taste is kicked off with the Regional Y Kid's Run at 10 am. That is followed by the 3rd Annual Run for Children at 10:30; the Regional Y Awards will be at 12:30 PM. The Official Opening Ceremony and the Walk of Honor takes place from 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM. From 1:30 to 2:30 participants will enjoy the YMCA Family Zumba. At 2:45 PM – 3:30 PM Taste goers will enjoy Sherry Winston and at 3:45 PM – 5:00 PM the Quadrasaurus take over. At 5:30, Kicks 105.5 Country Showdown Winner, Bobby Kendall will perform. He is followed by Pete Herger and Friends from 6:45 PM – 7:30 PM. From 8:00 PM to 10 PM taking front and center stage is Bad Company's former lead singer Brian Howe, the Taste's premier act.

On Sunday, September 11th the day begins at 11:00 AM with the News Times Community Parade on Rose Street to Boughton Street. The Parade is followed by DJ music from noon until 12:45. Afternoon entertainment includes: Golden Angels Jazz Band from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM; Bad Company's Former Lead Singer Brian Howe from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM; Tracey DeLucia and Band from 4:30 PM – 5:15 PM; and In Harmony from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.

The Taste of course is not all about music and entertainment – it is also about Food! This year's variety of foods include: ceviche, hornados, empanadas, patacones, bubble milk tea, thai fried rice, pad thai, spring rolls, lobster rolls, philly cheese steak sliders, New England clam chowder, cubano sandwiches, bbq chicken, tostones, sausage and peppers, rice balls, stuffed breads, pretzels, pizza, ziti, stuffed eggplant, fried dough, pork and beef shish kebabs, ice cream, hamburger, hotdogs, fajitas, kielbasa, bratwurst, paninis, baked goods, cookies, cotton candy, Italian ice, and specialty sodas

Participating area restaurants include: El Sabor, Thai Awesome, The Blue Dog, Teddy's at the Holiday Inn, Primo's Deli, Roma's Deli, Nick's Restaurant, Romy's BBQ, Sprinkles Ice Cream, Two Steps Downtown Grille, Fajita Joes, Curro's, Mysore, Weenie Lynn's, Bruegger's Bagels, Stony Hill Bakery, and O'Delli's Catering.

For up to the minute information check out http://www.citycenterdanbury.com.

34th Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival Set for September 9-11

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 34^th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 9 through Sunday, September 11.  Highlights include music from nationally known-bands such as Soul Asylum, Fuel, Silverado, Springsteen cover band, The Rising, as well as rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise fun for festival goers.  The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.  Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday.  Senior tickets are $10 all days.  Children 5-12  year’s old are $3.  Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free.  Tickets can be purchased at www.seaport.org.

For the Kids

Children of all ages are wowed by Pirates Coast Adventure. Here, kids can meet real life pirates and look for booty in treasure hunts, hear storytelling and join in other fun-filled activities.  The Kids' Cove includes games, rides and entertainment.  Another favorite activity is the work of a world-renowned sand sculptor that exhibit his talents with help from the kids!  In addition, there will be an action-packed performance by Marvel Super Heroes.  Sunday is Family Day with special family and children’s packages for entrance, rides and meals.

For the Whole Family

The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts.  The Go Greener Pavilion features hands-on demonstrations and displays with an environmental theme.  Action sports and high energy combine in BMX and Motorcross Stunt Shows sponsored by f’real. A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages.

For the Foodies

The BBQ Pit, endorsed by the New England Barbeque Society and the Kansas City Barbeque Society, offers finger-lickin’ good food, demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs. More great food from around the world is available at the International Food Court.  This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes.   At the  Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests. 

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage.  The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival.  In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org. or call (203) 838-9444. 

Area Information:

For further information on Fairfield County and other area activities visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com or call 800-6631273 for a free Fairfield County brochure.

Stamford Downtown Summer Restaurant Weeks Through Monday, September 5, 2011

It is back again this year -- the Stamford Downtown Restaurant Weeks that runs through September 5th. This annual long awaited and popular three weeks of dining lets you experience lunch or dinner in Stamford Downtown at prix-fixe daily specials. What better way to enjoy your favorite restaurant or try a new one!

There are three tiers of restaurant pricing making sure that there is something for everyone's budget. The restaurants range from Japanese to Mexican, fish to Italian and even burgers to name a few of the many evocative choices that will please even the most discriminating palate!

The Participating Restaurants

In the $10.11 lunch and $15.11 dinner tier you can dine at: Black Bear Saloon, *Grand Burger (dinner only), Kujaku Japanese Restaurant, Lola's Mexican Kitchen (excludes Fri./Sat.), Lucky's Classic Burger and Malt Shop, SBC Downtown Restaurant and Brewery, *Tiernan's Bar and Restaurant, and Volta Gelateria Creperia.

Restaurants offering fare in the $12.11 lunch and $20.11 dinner tier are: Butterfield 8 Restaurant and Lounge, Capriccio Cafe (lunch only), Kotobuki Japanese Restaurant, Quattro Pazzi (excludes Fri./Sat.), Remo's Brick Oven Pizza Company and Tengda Asian Bistro.

In the final tier dining establishments offering lunch at $20.11 and dinner at $30.11 include: *Aria Restaurant, *Barcelona Restaurant and Wine Bar, Bar Rosso (excludes Fri. & Sat.), *Capital Grill, Chez Jean Pierre (excludes Sun.), Columbus Park Trattoria, *Emme of Capri, EOS Greek Cuisine (excludes Fri./Sat.), Mitchell's Fish Market, *Morton's Steakhouse (Dinner only), Nappa and Co. (lunch only), Tappo Restaurant (excludes Fri./Sat.), and *ZAZA Italian Gastrobar (excludes Fri./Sat.).

To download PDF's of the menus of the above restaurants visit: http://www.stamford-downtown.com.

Stamford's Restaurant Weeks Don't Forget the Kids!

In partnership with the Stamford Hospital, Stamford Tables will host KIDS' FANS 5-2-1-0, a program designed to promote nutrition and fitness in Stamford. All children under the age of 12 will be offered a healthy lunch for $6.95 and dinner for $9.95 at all above listed restaurants except those with a *.

Popcorn and the Avon Theatre

A special highlight of Restaurants Weeks includes a fabulous offer by the Avon Theater. The first 3,000 patrons will receive a voucher for a free small popcorn with the purchase of a general admission ticket to the Avon Theatre on 272 Bedford Street. The voucher is valid through 9/30/2011. The Avon Theater is a member based non-profit Art Deco Theater that offers the best of independent, world and documentary films, foreign and Hollywood classics, and educational programming. For a list of events, please visit http://www.avontheatre.org.

Fine Fare, Friends & Fun in The Litchfield Hills at the 26 Annual Taste of The Litchfield Hills Sept. 3-5

Connecticut's Oldest Food and Wine Festival Announces Menu for Labor Day Weekend.

From comfort food to gourmet dishes and from live entertainment to a shopping bazaar, you and your friends will enjoy a menu of fine fare and fun at the 26th Annual Taste of The Litchfield Hills.
Connecticut's oldest food and wine festival will be held on Labor Day weekend, Sept. 3-5, 2011, at its new location, Ski Sundown, 126 Ratlum Road, New Hartford.

Each year, since 1985, the festival has attracted thousands of guests for a sampling of the region's food and wine, plus upscale shopping and live entertainment.

This year's menu will feature such dishes as Angus beef sliders, baked mac and cheese, cedar plank roasted salmon, corn and Maine blue crab fritters, cherry-smoked chicken, fried goat cheese salad, gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, grilled pizza, Lao crispy egg rolls, lobster salad sliders, mesquite-smoked pulled pork, New England clam chowder, seared scallops & braised short ribs, sesame chicken, shrimps in a blanket and many other delicious delicacies.

Sweet offerings will include apple cider cinnamon donuts, banana & toffee pie, dessert crepes, fruit smoothies, New England kettle corn, pumpkin chiffon roulade and many other delectable desserts. Northwest Community Bank is sponsoring an Internet download link for the complete 2011 Menu at www.LitchfieldFestivals.com.

Foodies will enjoy "grazing-sized" portions of house specialties prepared by chefs from regional restaurants, bistros and other purveyors of fine food with prices ranging from $4.00 to $8.00 per item. Table seating will be available in the festival's Culinary Tent, at outdoor picnic tables and inside the air-conditioned ski lodge. Plus, guests are invited to picnic on the grounds with their own lawn chairs and blankets.

Participating culinary vendors include Chatterley's Restaurant (New Hartford); Backstage Restaurant (Torrington); Faddy's Donuts & Ice Cream (Bloomfield); Farm Restaurant (Avon); The Foothills Delery (Pine Meadow); The Green Papaya (Canton); The Green Room (Winsted); Little Sister's Grilled Cheese (New London); Indochine Pavilion (New Haven); Infinity Bistro (Norfolk); KJ' Grilled Pizza (Torrington); Mustard's Last Stand (New Hartford); Rocket Fine Street Foods (Torrington) and Summertime Sno-Balls (New Hartford).

The festival will offer wine by the glass from Litchfield Hills wineries, including Hopkins Vineyard (New Preston), Jerram Winery (New Hartford), Miranda Vineyard (Goshen), Sunset Meadow Vineyards (Goshen) and White Silo Winery (Sherman). Thomas Hooker draught beer, plus a variety of soft drinks will also be served.

New this year is the The Farmers Market which will showcase locally grown and raised foods. Barden Farm, Hayes Dairy, Marwin Farms and other family farms located in the Litchfield Hills will offer native fare to enjoy at the festival and to take home.

Live entertainment will include country singer-songwriter Courtney Drummey (Saturday, 1-4 p.m.), oldies band The Rockin' Hearbeats (Saturday, 5-8 pm), jazz recording artists The Christine & Elliot Spero Duo (Sunday, 1-4 p.m.), blues artists The Andy James Band (Sunday, 5-8 p.m.) and jam band Flipper Dave (Monday, 1-4 p.m.).

Festival goers will also enjoy an upscale shopping experience in the festivals' outdoor bazaar featuring such unique gift items as artisan-crafted jewelry, gourmet food products, kitchenware and other products and services.

Hours for A Taste of the Litchfield Hills will be 12 to 8 p.m. on Saturday & Sunday, Sept. 3 & 4, 2011, and 12 to 5 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 5, 2011. Ticket prices are Adult (age 12-64): $10 On-Site or $8 Advance Purchase; Senior (age 65+): $8 On-Site or $6 Advance Purchase; and Child (Under 12): Free admission. Advance tickets and more information is available at www.LitchfieldFestivals.com. Admission does not include food and beverage, which is purchased separately.

Ski Sundown is located at 126 Ratlum Hill in the charming riverside town of New Harford, Conn., just a few minutes from the intersection of Routes 44 & 219.  This central location makes this Taste of Litchfield Hills Festival an easy day-trip from Albany, The Berkshires, Hartford, The Hudson Valley, Metro New York, New Haven and Springfield.

With its antique shops, art galleries, covered bridges and quaint villages, the Litchfield Hills is an ideal get away destination for this three-day holiday weekend. Lodging optionsin the Litchfield Hills include dozens of charming bed and breakfasts, cozy country inns, and world class resorts, hotels and motels. 



For more information on where to stay and what to do visit: www.litchfieldhills.com

Kent Sidewalk Festival Ready For July 28-31 In Litchfield Hills CT

The Kent Sidewalk Festival  is scheduled for Thursday, July 28 through Sunday, July 31 and is sponsored by the Kent Chamber of Commerce.

I have enjoyed the sidewalk festival for many years and I am looking forward to visiting Kent this weekend for this festive event... If you like to treasure hunt for fabulous gifts amid a charming small town teaming with music and great food, this event is for you!

Every merchant and store up and down Main Street, in the Village Barns and on the Kent Green will be offering special discounted items, many in tents outside their stores. You will find great deals on women's clothing at Terston, Country Clothes, Foreign Cargo and Wanda Elle, antique jewelry, glassware and collectibles at the North Main Street Market Place, David Armstrong prints and books at House of Books, shoes at Sundog Shoe and Leather, antiques galore at both Main Street and Rolling River Antiques, designer samples of wallpaper, pillows and more at LaVoie Color & Design, a designer tag sale at Kent Kitchen Works and a blowout on Reidel Glassware at Kent Wine & Spirit.

St. Andrews Church and the Kent Center School Scholarship Fund will have tag sales to benefit the work they do while the Library's book sale will offer 10% off any purchases over $10.  The volunteer fire department will celebrate their 100th anniversary with memorabilia and sale items near the library. As you go from shop to shop, be sure to enter the drawing for a Summer Shopping Spree at participating businesses. The drawing will be held Sunday at 2 PM on the Golden Falcon Field with a grand prize worth over $500 and 2 others worth $250 each.

Not to be left out, the restaurants in town will offer discounts and special food items. The Villager is open for breakfast and lunch, the Fife'n Drum will feature pulled pork sliders under their tent and popcorn at the Gift Shop, Millstone Café will serve Mexican churros, Smoked will have discounted prices while Webster Bank is bringing in their ice cream truck and Backcountry Outfitters will have Cheeseburgers in Paradise on Friday night.

Children will enjoy a Sidewalk Art Contest Saturday morning, face painting each day thanks to Kent Children's Center.  Fire truck rides from the new firehouse, several family exercise opportunities, a Petting Zoo at Three Monkeys and Me and Dancing on Main Street with the Earl Mosley Institute of the Arts are all part of family fun in Kent.

Music is another big part of the Sidewalk Festival with actors from Tri-Arts in Sharon performing excerpts from their current production, Hairspray.  At Kent Coffee and Chocolate you can stop and listen to an  Elvis impersonator that will sing your favorite hits.  There will also be concerts on the porch at Richard Lindsey Bookseller on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. This year the Concerts will benefit the Fisher House of Connecticut. This house, next to the VA Hospital in West Haven, affords military and veteran's family's a place to stay near their loved one during recovery. The line up for the

Concerts includes Andy and Jeannette Hicks, students from the Litchfield Jazz Camp, John Couch, Homegrown Band, the Joint Chiefs, Joe Bouchard and Bruce Wheeler.
Many merchants will also offer demonstrations and activities to inform and entertain. Fitness Matters Studio will offer free Juice Plus+ tastings as well as a polarity therapist, a resistance/stretching trainer and an energy healer Reiki Master (for a fee). Black Sheep Yarns has fiber related artisans doing demonstrations and selling materials,  and Rolling River Antiques will offer chair caning demonstrations. You can get a Henna Tattoo at Terston for a $10 donation to the Kent Food Bank or try various fitness methods at Curves and Mountain Falls Fitness and afterward sample wine at Kent Wine & Spirit.

New this year and sure to be a big hit is Kent Cruise Night Saturday. This is a chance to show off your car, truck or hot rod. The event will also feature great food and music.

Not all events take place all hours each day, but there will be fun for all four days! Parking is available on the street and on the Kent Green property.   For the most up to date information contact the Kent
 Chamber of Commerce at 860-927-1463 and check the website www.kentct.com.  The mission of the Kent Chamber of Commerce is to bring local businesses together to develop and promote balanced economic growth that enhances the quality of life in our community.

Fairfield County CT - The Historical Society of Easton holds Antique Car Show August 7

3rd Annual Antique Car Show Easton CT

The bucolic village of Easton located in Connecticut's Fairfield County is well known for it's beauty. Scenically stunning, almost half of the town's land is owned by the Aquarion Water Company, a major supplier of water for Fairfield County. A drive along the  Hemlock Reservoir and Aspetuck Reservoir is pleasant anytime of year.

As you explore Easton, you will see the Bradley-Hubbell House built in 1816.  This excellent example of Colonial architecture with a center-chimney plan and Federal-style ornaments is on the National Register of Historic Places. In 1912, Bradley descendants sold the property to the Bridgeport Hydraulic Company, which flooded much of the farmland for a reservoir and leased the house to one of its employees. In 1998, the house was donated to the Easton Historical Society, which is restoring it.

On August 7 from 1 pm  to 4 pm the Historical Society of Easton will hold its 3rd Annual Antique Car Show on the grounds of the historic Bradley-Hubbell property.  A grand exhibition of Model T-Fords and vintage cars will be displayed by Easton residents and Connecticut's Crankin Yanks, a Model T Ford antique car association. Visitors are invited to view the antique cars and take a tour through the Bradley-Hubbell Museum and the 1860 historic barn.

The Bradley-Hubbell property is a landmark treasure which serves to educate adults, children and Easton's 3rd grade students about the region's rich agricultural history.  The 1860 barn was a tool for the farmer who worked the land.  Its existence tells a story of farming, family and community.  A rare manuscript was found that was written by John Dimon Bradley, a descendant who lived on the property as a boy in the early 1800's who describes in detail his family's farming activities.  Tours will include docent led demonstrations of the extensive collection of historic 18th and 19th century farm and kitchen tools used by farming families in the region.

Suggested Donation:  $5 per person, children free; to benefit the Barn Restoration Fund. For more information contact HSEastoncCT@gmail.com.  The Bradley-Hubbell Museum is located on Westport Rd. in Easton CT.

Annual Green Corn Festival in Litchfield Hills Connecticut

The Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center  in Washington CT is hosting it's Annual Green Corn Festival on Saturday, August 6  from 11:00 am - 3:00 pm on the grounds of the Museum located on 38 Curtis Road.  The event will be held rain or shine. Adults: $10; children: $6.

Traditionally corn has been an integral part of the annual cycle of life for Native American People and this Festival celebrates the first corn of the season.  Fun filled activities for the whole family including drumming, dancing, face painting, kids’ crafts, and more make this event memorable.

Highlights of the event include exciting Native American ceremonies including traditional Eastern Woodland song & dance with the Wampanoag Dancers & Singer,  guitar music of Ojibwa musician & artist, Allan Madahbee and singing and drumming with the Sint-Sink Singers.  A favorite of young and old alike are the Native American folktales told by storyteller, Janis Us of Mohawk-Shinnecock descent.  Kids will enjoy Native American inspired crafts and facepainting. 

Two not to be missed features of the  Festival are the crafts for sale by local Native American artisans and a taste of traditional cooking including Pow-wow style food for sale  in the outdoor Algonkian Village  hosted by Dale Carson,  of Abenaki descent. 

About the  Institute for American Indian Studies Museum and Research Center

The focus of the Institute has always been stewardship and preservation. In 1991, the name was changed to the Institute for American Indian Studies. With the name change there was a shift in focus to include education in conjunction with research.

The ethnographic collection of the Institute for American Indian Studies contains over 6,000 cultural items. While focusing on the Eastern Woodlands Peoples, the collection represents indigenous communities throughout the western hemisphere. Items vary in raw material composition - textiles, wood, stone, clay, glass, shell and semi-precious jewels – function and style from moccasins, rugs, baskets and leggings to containers, weaponry, personal accessories, recreational objects and fine art. 

The Research & Collections Building is artifact-friendly with a climate controlled vault and spacious laboratory. It is home to an abundance of collections, both ethnographic and archaeological. It also houses both an education and research library, containing over 2,000 books and journals  and is open only by appointment (860-868-0518 ext.109).   

For museum hours and other special events  visit: http://www.birdstone.org.