Flea Market at Lockwood Mathews Mansion

On Sunday, September 23, 2012, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will hold its fifth annual Old-fashioned Flea Market at 295 West Avenue in  Norwalk. The Old Fashioned Flea Market at the Mansion attracts thousands of like-minded shoppers every year looking for special bargains to treasure, and with over 80 vendors this year, the park surrounding the museum will be overflowing with an eclectic mix of old and new merchandise including antiques, repurposed furniture, collectibles, vintage jewelry, household items, clothing, toys and more. General admission to the event is free. The Flea Market will also feature a concert with the Bob Lasprogato Dixieland Band, a display of antique and classic cars, half price $5 mini tours of the Mansion, face-painting, and much more. An all-American barbecue featuring hot dogs, hamburgers and pulled pork sandwiches courtesy of Michael Gilmartin of Outdoor Cookers will be available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Museum's Gift Shop will be open during the event and feature new Fall-Holiday merchandise and a broad selection of gift ideas including vintage costume jewelry, Titanic-related material, porcelain tea cups, books on Victorian era art and architecture, local history, and more. All proceeds will benefit the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum. For details on the full Flea Market schedule please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com.  For area information visit www.visitwesternct.com.

Norwalk Oyster Festival September 7-9

Lobsterman. Photo credit: Kersten Schriel, Shadow Lounge Productions.

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 35th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9. This year’s entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands such as: The Rising on Friday, Village People on Saturday and Lou Gramm on Sunday.  Festivalgoers will enjoy a wide variety of rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise unforgettable fun.

New this year the festival will feature the action packed Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Festival that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. Another new event venue will offer hands on interactive race-themed attractions by nationally recognized Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment. These dynamic additions to the Oyster Festival are awe inspiring and unforgettable.

For the Kids
The festival’s Pirates Coast Adventure will wow children of all ages. 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. This interactive pirate encampment gives kids a taste of what seafaring was like during the golden age of piracy from 1650-1750.  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. The perk of family day on Sunday is that one child under 12 gets in free with each adult paid admission and for a mere $15 can ride all the amusement rides free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To round out the family fun there will be live shows for kids on the festival’s main stage.

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.  A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages.  For on the water fun, head to the festival docks  to tour historic vessels and to cruise the scenic and historic Norwalk Harbor.

For the Foodies

Food demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs will take place throughout the fesitval.  A highlight of the Festival is the wide variety of great food from around the world that 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.

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $5 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Sunday is Family Day with special pricing on that day only — 1 child (age 5-12) free with each paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at www.seaport.org.  Free Parking and Free Shuttle Bus service is provided from four (4) local parking lots, just follow the signs to Oyster Festival Parking.

Festivalgoers can save on admission and rail fare when they purchase the Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival discount package. Packages are available at all ticket offices and ticket machines (except South Norwalk Station) or by visiting www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htmwww.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm

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.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com