Rare Amur Leopard at Beardsley Zoo

In the wild there are only 30-40 Amur Leopards left in the wild and only 176 in captivity worldwide.  One of the newest exhibits at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo features Sofiya, an amazingly rare female Amur leopard that now calls Bridgeport home. She was born on May 10, 2008 at the St. Louis Zoo and now resides in the newly remodeled space that once housed the Andean bear exhibit.

Sofiya’s new exhibit features rock outcroppings that will enable her to explore her surroundings at ground level. It also includes areas as high as 10 feet off the ground, to enable her to view her domain from a different level. Amur leopards have been known to leap more than 10 feet vertically, so Sofiya will have room to stretch her legs. Visitors will be able to meet Sofiya between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily, in this new space located next to the lynx exhibit. The exhibit would not have been possible without the support of the City of Bridgeport, the Connecticut Zoological Society, and through the generous donations of zoo patrons.

About Amur leopards

A rare subspecies of leopard that has adapted to life in the temperate forests from Northeast China to the Korean peninsula, they are often illegally hunted for their beautiful spotted fur. The Amur leopard is agile and fast, running at speeds up to 37 miles per hour. Males reach weights of 110 pounds and females up to 90 pounds. They prey on sika, roe deer, and hare, but the Amur leopard has to compete with humans for these animals. Some scientists have reported male Amur leopards remaining with the females after mating, and possibly even helping to rear the young. They live for 10-15 years in the wild, and up to 20 years in captivity.

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo is closer than you think and open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. Adult admission (ages 12 & older) is $12.00, children (ages 3 -11) and senior admission (62 and older) is just $10.00, and children under 3 years old are free. Zoo members also are admitted free. Parking at the Zoo is free of charge. For more information about Connecticut’s only zoo visit  www.beardsleyzoo.org.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

Frolic at French Farm in Greenwich

French Farm - Greenwich Historical Society

French Farm on 516 Lake Ave. in Greenwich was the first property in the town to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1975; and just recently it was designated as a Local Historic Property that will preserve it for future generations.  

Originally, the house was designed by H. VanBuren Magonigle and was built in 1911-1915 for Mary Billings French.  Today, this four-acre, 100 year old property has beautifully restored farm buildings and a rare plant collection that creates a series of distinctive gardens designed by late owner, David Wierdsma making this landscape a living work of art. Wierdsma inherited the property in 1972 and endeavored to preserve the original structures on the property and to create beautiful and whimsical gardens.

The farm is not always open to the public, however on Sunday, September 15, on behalf of the Greenwich Historical Society, the entire family is invited to visit French Farm for an afternoon of art and nature from 1:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m., rain or shine.

This is the perfect place to celebrate the final days of summer and explore this unique private landscape that is part gentleman’s farm and part living work of art.  Kids will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with the farm’s animal occupants, enjoy a scavenger hunt, press cider, climb the “pterodactyl nest” tower, explore the fossil garden and enjoy nature crafts and activities on the lawn.

Adults have the option of two tours–one led by Florence Boogaerts, focusing on the horticultural aspects of the property; the other by farm manager Jacek Nidzgorski who will talk about the property’s cultural landscape, its collections and its origins and development. Artists are invited to set up their easels during the event, and photographers will be free to snap.

Buffet refreshments, served on the main lawn, will include an artisanal cheese board, seasonal bites and sweet and savory pastries, all created by celebrity chef John Barricelli of Sono Baking Company and Martha Stewart Everyday Cooking fame. Advanced reservations are required no later than September 11 and made be made http://www.hstg.org/adult.php#frenchfarm. 

Admission to this event is $35 for adults, Children 4 to 12: $10. No charge for children 3 and under.

For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Don't Miss the 36th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival

Don't miss the 36th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival that promises to be the biggest and bester ever!

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

 Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 36th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 6 through Sunday, September 8. This year's entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands on all three days.  Festival goers 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 Show that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. This show will take place on all three days: Friday at 7 p.m. and 8:30 p.m., Saturday at 7 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

The New England Fishing Village with demonstrations, samples and displays as well as the International Food Court offering a diverse selection of dining choices add to the fun. 

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 festival.  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 $10 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.

Save on Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Oyster Festival Tickets

Festival goers 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).  On sale starting July 15.  Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: Adults, $26.25; Seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $20.50; Children 12, $21.25; Children 5-11, $4.50; Children under 5, free. - See more at: http://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm#sthash.O3xJx0M4.dpufhttp://www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm#sthash.O3xJx0M4.dpuf

Packages also run from other stations.

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.

Goshen Fair– August 31-September 2

Horse Show courtesy Goshen Fair

‘Tis the season.  In Connecticut’s rural Litchfield Hills, harvest time means the region’s favorite end-of-summer celebrations, old-fashioned country fairs.  In the quiet hamlet of Goshen, one the largest agricultural fairs in the State will be taking place from August 31 through September 2 for the 101 time! 

Many events featured at this country fair have been attracting families for generations. Baking contests, horse shows, and displays of prized sheep, swine, goats, cattle, cows, oxen, and draft horses offer a rare chance for city and suburban youngsters to see fine farm animals close-up.  Live entertainment, mouth-watering food, a colorful midway and a multitude of displays and imaginative entertainment rounds out the fun.

This year’s celebration includes an Adult Spelling Bee, Fireworks, Hay Bale Toss Contest, a colorful Parade, Pie Eating Contest, Skillet Throwing Contest, Vater’s Monster Truck Show and performances by Hypno Lorezo, Changes in Latitudes: a Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band, Nashville Drive, and Apricot Brandy to name a few.

Chainsaw Demonstration courtesy Goshen Fair

There are some new additions for kids as well this year. Near the Antique Barn, be on the look out for the Frozen T-shirt Contest that will take place on Saturday at 3 pm. On Monday, at 11 a.m. Jester Jim will be on the scene with a show sure to delight youngsters.  A special treat for kids on Monday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. is the offer of a $30 wristband for unlimited rides (admission not included).

Special highlights of the fair also include a draft horse show at 8:30 a.m. on Sat. Aug. 31, a Lumberjack Contest and woodcutting demonstration from 12 noon – 3 p.m. followed by the Hay Bale Throw Contest at 4:30 and fireworks at 9 p.m. On Sunday, Sept. 1, some of the highlights include a Junior Open Dairy Show at 9 a.m., a 11 a.m. parade down the midway, a 1 p.m. horse draw exhibit, pie eating contest at 3 p.m., a skillet toss at 4:30 p.m. and Vater’s Monster Truck Show at 7:30 p.m.  On Monday, Sept. 2 there will be a  Dairy Show and Dog Agility Demonstrations at 9 a.m., a woodcutting contest at noon and the adult spelling bee at 2 p.m and much more.  For a complete list of entertainment check out the website.

Pie eating contest. Courtesy Goshen Fair

 Admission to the Goshen Fair is $8 for adults, children under 12 are free. Senior admission will be $5 on Sat. only.  Visit http://www.goshenfair.org/coupon.htmhttp://www.goshenfair.org/coupon.htm for a discount coupon saving $1 off admission on Monday, Sept. 2 only.  The Goshen Fairgrounds are located on the right approximately ½ miles south of the center of Goshen on Rte. 63.  The GPS address is 116 Old Middle Street, Goshen, CT.  For an up to the minute schedule visit http://www.goshenfair.org.  For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Kissable Camels At Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo

Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo is known for offering special family programming during the summer months. In years past, the zoo has featured a free flight bird show, Rainforest Reptiles, and last year's Galapagos tortoises were a huge hit with the public. This summer, two camels have called Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo home through Labor Day.

The camels, named Toby and Goliath, may be found on the greenhouse lawn and rides will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for $5 per person, which includes photos. Visitors will be able to purchase ride tickets at the front gate, gift shop, carousel, and at the camel ride. While there are no age restrictions for riders, anyone five years old and younger requires an adult rider with them. The zoo also is offering a combo ticket for both a carousel and camel ride for $6.00.

Fun camel facts, courtesy of Environmental Graffiti:

Bactrian camels have two humps while Dromedary camels have one hump. (Toby and Goliath are Dromedary camels.)
The name camel comes from Arabic, meaning "beauty."
A camel's hump stores fat - not water - as many believe.
Camels can drink up to 40 gallons at one time.
Camels can go for long periods of time without drinking because of the shape of their red blood cells, which are oval, and allows them to flow easily without clumping. They are the only mammals to have this kind of blood cell.
Camels can kick in all four directions with each leg.
Camels can eat anything without injuring their mouths - including thorny twigs.
Camels can close their nostrils against wind and sand when necessary.
Their coats reflect sunlight and insulate them from the desert heat.
"Spitting" is actually a way that camels defend themselves. They don't actually spit but rather throw up a nasty smelling fluid when provoked.

For more information about Connecticut's only zoo visit www.beardsleyzoo.org. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

August Concerts on Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk

Summer nights in Norwalk mean music by the Sound, and there is no better place to enjoy a concert as the sunsets than at Calf Pasture Beach.  In addition to music, four concert evenings begin with a classic car show organized by The Coachmen for several hundred-car buffs from throughout the tri-state area.

On August 1, Calf Pasture Beach welcomes Dinoman at 6:30 p.m.  Fun for young and old alike, Dinoman ((a.k.a. Bob Lisaius) with the help of life-size inflatable dinosaurs, and his raccoon Reflex (a.k.a. Paul Lavarek) combine audience participation, magic and mayhem to explore how fossils are made and what the earth was like when dinosaurs roamed the area.  At 7:30 p.m. Diamond- One Hot Night takes the stage.  This ensemble features vocalist Tommy Lynn and a ten-piece band from New York. Sure to delight, this show replicates Neil Diamond’s career from start to today. Musicians in the band have played and collaborate with performers like Gloria Estefan, Jon Secada, Michael Jackson, Enrique and Julio Iglesias, Bruce Springsteen,Tommy James, and Gary U.S. Bonds.

Gunsmoke takes the stage on August 7 at 7 p.m.  This award-winning band has been entertaining Country & Western music fans in the Northeast for more than 20 years.  The band now is receiving national attention after its performance on “Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree,” America’s second longest-running radio show, which is broadcast from Nashville, TN, following “The Grand Ole Opry.”  Members of the band are Jeff DeMaio (steel guitar), Nick DeMaio Sr. (acoustic guitar), Nick DeMaio III (bass guitar), Gary Tokarz (drums) and Scott Tyler (electric guitar).  Please note there is no rain date for this show.

A Classic Car Show beginning at 6:00 p.m. on August 14 is followed by the music of The Barons.  The audience will be transported back to the 60s and 70s with one of the tri-state’s hottest “oldies” groups. The Barons are known for their 1963 hits, “Pledge of a Fool”, “Remember Rita” on Epic Records, and “Possibility” on Old Town Records under the name of The Crowns. The Barons have shared the stage with such groups as Brenda Lee, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, The Tokens, The Drifters, The Shangri-las, Lloyd Price, The Del Vikings, The Teenagers and The Chantels. The vocalists, led by Ronnie deAngelis, are Doug “Ice” Dorsey, Doug Muller and Francine Rodriguez backed by Tommy Ardise (guitar/arranger), Dom “Cuz” Cardamone (keyboard/bass guitar/drums/saxophone), Barry Nardi (bass note/lead guitar), Michael “Stix” Bossone (drums) and Ron Yovino (bass guitar).

On August 21 at 7:30 p.m. concertgoers will enjoy the music of Beginnings.  This tribute band brings to life the music of Chicago, recreating songs from every decade of that group’s hits. The veteran New York musicians featured in the band are Jason Chapman (trumpet), Adam Colombo (drums/vocals), Rob Cutts (tenor sax), Joe DeMaio (guitar/vocals), Ed Leon (trombone/vocals), Marty Safran (keyboards/vocals), Adam Seely (alto sax) and Mason Swearingen (bass/vocals). Please note, there is no rain date for this show.

The last concert in August, on August 28 beginning at 7:30 p.m. is a performance by Minute by Minute. This Doobie Brothers tribune band features Nick Ambrosino (keyboard/vocals), Tom Huber and Larry Lippman (drums/percussion/vocals), Diane Marketta (harmonica/percussion/vocals), Paul O’Dell (bass), Rob Sammarco (guitars/vocals) and arranger Adam Seely (saxophones/keyboards/vocals).

To complete the 2013 summer concert season at Calf Pasture Beach there will be a Classic Car Show on September 4 beginning at 6 p.m.  At 7 p.m. Sixology will perform classic rock from the 60s, 70s and 80s, this band features Steve Boccuzzi (guitar), Vinnie Deflorio (drums), Marc Fabrizio (guitar), Geof Skully (keyboards), Bobby Tirado (vocals) and Joe Valenzano (guitar).

The Facts

Each Wednesday night throughout the summer, area residents look forward to packing a picnic and a blanket and heading to the beach to enjoy a relaxing evening of music beside Long Island Sound. A $5.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker. For updates and additional information call the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Office at 203-854-7807. All concerts have a rain date of the following day.  For cancellation information call 203-854-7938.  A $20.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.

Biennial International Miniature Print Exhibition at Center for Contemporary Printmaking

Anne Desmet

The Center for Contemporary Printmaking schedules five major exhibitions per year, in the Grace Ross Shanley Gallery, including an Annual Members' Exhibition, and 3 solo or group shows featuring prominent printmaking artists. The Biennial International Footprint Competition and Exhibition takes place on even-numbered years and the Biennial International Miniature Print Competition and Exhibition takes place on odd-numbered years.

On view through September 1 is the 9th Biennial Miniature Print Exhibition at the Center for Contemporary Printmaking located on 299 West Ave. in Norwalk. Visitors can view 225 tiny prints on the wall and 600 additional miniature prints in loose-leaf portfolios. View original miniature prints from 30 countries worldwide, including Argentina, Austria, Australia, Bangladesh, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, England, Estonia, France, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Romania, Thailand, Germany, Scotland, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, Switzerland, Sweden and the Ukraine.

S. Ragavan

A series of workshops are also being offered in July. To register for a workshop call 203-899-7999 or email info@contemprints.org.

On July 17 there will be a workshop on the figure and the monotype with Monitor Nomi Silverman from 6 to 9 pm and is open to 6 participants. Participants in this class will work from the model, using printing inks and working in much the same way as Degas. The work is printed with the assistance of artist/printmaker Nomi Silverman. Subsequent reworked impressions can also be pulled to achieve depth of color. Or as Degas frequently did, a second paler or ghost impression can also be printed and used as a ground for later pastel additions.

A two day weekend workshop on painterly solarplate prints will take place from July 20-July 21 with Kate McGloughlin.  Participants will create a suite of painterly prints using solar plates and monoprinting techniques to realize their imagery. Workshop participants are invited to bring existing solar plates, or create new ones, using wet and dry media to discover the rich visual vocabulary achieved by various inking and wiping techniques.

A four-day workshop will take place from July 26- July 29 on the painterly print with Julio Valdez. his intensive workshop combines two of the most exciting and safe contemporary printmaking techniques: "silk aquatint" and "monotype". Participants use waterbased inks and a silk aquatint (silk collagraph) plate, a non-acid alternative to etching, to create a series of prints and related works on paper.

For more information visit http://www.contemprints.orghttp://www.contemprints.org.  For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.