Schwenke Auctioneers Fall Anniversary Auction Oct. 4

On Sunday October 4^th,  Schwenke Auctioneers will hold its anniversary fall fine estates auction with an offering of over 530 lots of freshly consigned estate property from estates throughout Connecticut and Westchester County, New York. The auction includes a broad selection of Asian decorative arts, Mid-Century Modern decorative arts, American, English and Continental decorative arts, folk art and American country furniture, English & other sterling silver, jewelry, fine art, miscellaneous decorative arts, and estate oriental rugs.

This anniversary sale is being held at 11:00 am in the firm’s auction hall at 710 Main Street South, Middle Quarter Plaza, in Woodbury. Preview times are Thursday, October 1^st, 10am - 5pm, Friday, October 2^nd, 10am - 5pm, Saturday, October 3^rd, 10am - 5pm, Sunday, October 4^th, 9am to sale time, and other times by appointment.

Flight of Europa

The lead item is the sale is a rare and important bronze sculpture by noted American sculptor Paul Manship. The sculpture, Flight of Europa, is a rare gilded example created by Manship in 1925. The captivating Art Deco group, depicting the Greek myth of Europa being abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull, is a well-known and iconic work, with copies held in a number of prominent public collections, including The Los Angeles County Museum of Art, The Indianapolis Museum of Art, and The Smithsonian. The example being offered by Schwenke Auctioneers was acquired directly from artist Manship by an ancestor of the present owner, and is being sold to benefit a charitable foundation. Conservatively estimated at $100,000-200,000, it represents an opportunity for a sophisticated collector or another American museum to acquire a sought after and dynamic work by this prominent 20th century American sculptor.

Several lots of American formal furniture are on offer in this anniversary sale, including a fine New England Queen Anne wing chair, circa 1740-1760, in early tapestry crewelwork upholstery; a rare Federal inlaid mahogany tall case clock, Philadelphia or Baltimore, circa 1795-1800; a Salem hepplewhite serpentine sideboard with bellflower inlays; two fine New York classical mahogany pier tables, circa 1820-25; a hepplewhite inlaid mahogany "D" shaped card table, probably Philadelphia, circa 1790-1800, 36" wide, 17 1/2" deep, 29 1/2" high; a fine Sheraton carved and inlaid mahogany sofa, having reeded detail throughout and inlaid panels, New England, early 19th century, 35 1/2" high, 75" wide, 25" deep; a fine Boston classical carved mahogany sofa, circa 1825, and a barn found Philadelphia classical mahogany center table, circa 1825-30, attributed to Anthony Quervelle. A number of fine Federal and Classical mirrors are scheduled to be sold, and there are five American tall case and mantle clocks slated to sell on October 4^th.

A substantial number of Asian decorative arts items are also up for bid in this fall sale, most gleaned from a recent consignment which Tom Schwenke called a “treasure trove” of Asian items collected over more than sixty years. The auction staff spent Labor Day weekend cataloging the items, numbering over two-hundred lots, comprising Chinese hand painted scrolls, Chinese and Japanese cloisonné and champlevé urns and vases, Satsuma porcelains, Chinese export and domestic porcelains, Asian bronzes, Chinese wood carvings, Japanese woodblock prints, several Asian folding and hanging screens, and Asian furniture and architectural elements. Among the fine cloisonné and champlevé items is an early 19^th century large size Japanese champlevé lidded censer urn, 27” high and 18” wide, featuring a bronze Shishi mounted and pierced lid and fine early patina. Also, a group of four Chinese Ming bowls, 1 1/4" high, 3 7/8" diameter, are expected to draw significant interest, carrying provenance from the Hatcher Collection, Christies Auction, Amsterdam 1984.  Two pair of Chinese carved hardwood arm chairs are offered on behalf of a Connecticut estate, as well as a Chinese mineral tree set in a fine Chinese cloisonné urn base and a Chinese carved and polychromed wooden Quan Yin figure, 49 1/2" high, 18" wide.

American and European fine arts abound in the sale. Among the more noteworthy lots are an oil on canvas by George Luks, View of Gramercy Park (1932); an elaborately framed Old Master portrait of a maiden; a William Ruthven Wheeler (Am. 1932-1894), "New England Seascape", oil on canvas, signed, dated lower left; Serge Ferat (Russian, 1881-1958) "La Famille Numero 2" gouache on paper, signed in pencil lower right; Jules Benoit-Levy (French, 1866-1952), "Cardinal and Parrot" oil on canvas signed lower left; N.B. Smith (20th century), "Beach Scene with Children" acrylic on board, signed, dated lower right "N B Smith '87"; Ettienne-Prosper Berne-Bellecourt (French, 1838-1910), "Soldier", oil on panel signed lower left; Lowell Blair Nesbitt (Am. 1933-1993), "Lily", signed and titled verso, oil on canvas dated 1964. Provenance: Galerie Jollenbeck, Cologne, Sothebys NY, 9/27/10, Lot 283, Private CT Collection. Exhibited: Andrew Crispo Gallery, NY "Lowell Nesbitt Flowers 1964-1979" Sight size: 77" high, 77" wide; Charles Gruppe (American, b. 1928), "New England Boats, Harbor Scene" oil on masonite, signed lower right; Water Koeniger (American/German, 1881-1943), "Winter Landscape" oil on canvas, signed lower right; Michele Cascella (Italian, 1927-1989) "Little Blossoming Tree", oil on canvas, signed lower right, label verso Galerie Juarez, Ital. Ref. No. 70-79/219 in the Archivo Generale del O'pera di Michele Cascella, compiled by Galleria Torcular, Milan. Sight size: 21 1/4" high, 10 1/4" wide; Keith Miller (Canadian, 20th century), "The Tug Boat Brian McAllister off Liberty Island with Statue of Liberty in Background", watercolor on paper, signed, dated lower right "K. K. Miller '83", with a portrait of the tug verso; Coll Josep Bardolet, Spanish, 1912-2007, "Grupo Mallorquin," oil on panel signed lower right "Coll Bardolet", titled, numbered, signed verso; possibly Josef Israels (Dutch, 1824-1911) "Testing the Water with Father", signed lower right, watercolor on paper, private Connecticut collection; Balcomb (John Wesley) Greene (Am. 1904-1990) oil on canvas of boats at harbor, titled verso "Water & Sunlight". Sight size: 44" high, 54" wide; possibly Edward Redfield (American, 1869-1965), European river landscape scene, with fortifications beyond, oil on canvas, signed lower right; and Nicola Simbari (Italian, 1927-2012), oil on canvas, "Boy with Wine Jug", 1964, signed and dated lower right. Sight size: 23 3/4" high, 13 1/2" wide.

Mid-century modern and contemporary items will also be offered. Notable lots include a modernist chrome Barcelona chair upholstered in blue wool, 27 3/4" high, 26 1/2" wide, 22 1/2" deep; a modernist chrome and black glass dining table marked Calligaris, 29 1/2" high, 33 1/2" wide, 51 1/4" deep; an original Saarinen design glass and chrome tulip table and four lucite chairs by Chromcraft, circa 1960's, chairs with Chromcraft labels on underside; a set of four Calligaris modernist chrome upholstered dining chairs, 32 1/2" high, 17 1/2" wide, 15 1/2" deep; a mid-century upholstered easy chair, possibly Jens Risom, with rounded back and low arm profile, Swedish, 1960's, 34" high, 33" wide, 32" deep; a set of classic eight Edward Wormley for Dunbar bracket back upholstered walnut dining chairs, in perhaps original upholstery; a Fiam molded glass occasional table; an Edward Wormley for Dunbar modern walnut dining table with two leaves, top with banding, sides with recessed apron on shaped straight legs; 30" high, 44 1/2" wide, 67" long; a pair of mid-century flared back upholstered easy chairs, with turned and canted walnut legs, probably Finn Juhl or Jens Risom, 1960's; an Edward Wormley for Dunbar easy chair and matching ottoman, in possible original fabric and finish; a rare pair of Finn Juhl designer sofas, settee form with turned and canted wooden legs, designed in the 1950’s by Finn Juhl for France & Daverkosen of Denmark; an unusual custom mid-century musical themed “bar” cabinet; and a Silas Seandel large cast stone and bronze coffee table, mounted on a square bronze clad pedestal, signed and dated "1982", 15 1/2" high, 25 3/4" wide, 17" deep.

Many lots of fine English and European furniture and related decorative arts will be hammered, most notably a Louis XV/XVI style mahogany and ormolu vitrine cabinet; a pair of French Provincial carved bergere chairs having shell carved crest rails, acanthus carved hand grips on cabriole legs, backs upholstered in floral tapestry panels, 38 1/2" high, 27" wide, 21" deep; a Georgian Revival mahogany and parcel ebonized map chest with two banks of fall front drawers concealing trays, 43" high, 32" wide, 18" deep; a Continental mixed woods inlaid secretaire a abattant, single drawer over drop front with bird and quiver inlay, two cupboard doors below on tapered legs, 57" high, 37 1/2" wide, 17" deep; a Louis XV style marquetry inlaid two drawer chest with marble top, 33 1/2" high, 36 1/2" wide, 18 1/4" deep; a French provincial walnut armoire, 58" wide, 25" deep, 79" high; a rare pair of Regency carved mahogany fire screens, with movable central panel, raised on carved and molded scrolled legs, 19th century, 36" high, 26" wide; a Regency inlaid mahogany and brass mounted breakfront side cabinet, in the Egyptian revival taste, with mirrored doors flanked by open shelved compartments, 19th century with alterations, 36 1/2" high, 95" wide, 15" deep; a French trestle base refectory style dining table 29" high, 35 1/2" wide, 9' 3" long; a companion Set of ten French baroque style needlepoint upholstered dining chairs, 43" high, 20 1/2" wide, 18" deep; and an English regency period drop leaf mahogany sofa table with rosewood crossbanded detail on top and a sabre legged base with casters.

Silver is also offered in some quantity, including traditional sterling silver as well as Mexican artist made items, including a Native American silver and turquoise ladies concho belt stamped "R. Peter Navajo"; a silver cactus form four strand necklace, unmarked, each strand 1/2" wide, 17 1/4" long; a Mexican sterling silver necklace and bracelet, both marked "ARY Sterling"; a Mexican 950 silver and malachite necklace marked TM 153 and a sterling stone pendant marked DK; two Tiffany & Co sterling silver bracelets including an 18K and sterling rope bracelet. 3/8" wide, 7 1/8" long to 3/8" wide, 7 1/2" long; a Mexican sterling silver tray by Juventino Lopez Reyes, 3 1/2" high, 12 1/4" wide; a Danny Martinez Native American sterling silver and turquoise concho belt, buckle stamped "DM Sterling"; an unusual pair of Spanish Colonial silver plaques, framed; and a Jacobi & Jenkins (Baltimore c. 1900) silver repousse rectangular dish 12" long, 9" wide, 2" deep.

Over two dozen estate oriental carpets will cross the block, including Persian, Caucasian,  Indian and Turkoman room and scatter sized rugs, together with other regional Asian rugs of varying sizes. Select among the estate carpets is a fine Caucasian gallery rug, 12' 1" long, 3' 11" wide; an early Turkoman rug, 3'7" by 5'7"; and a Persian Kashan prayer rug, 6' 5" long by 4' 1" wide.

The catalog for the sale is viewable at www.woodburyauction.comhttp://www.woodburyauction.com. Internet, absentee and phone bidding are available for this live gallery auction by registering directly with Schwenke Auctioneers. The sale will be broadcast live through Live Auctioneers and  Invaluable. For additional information please call the auction hall office at 203-266-0323.

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com 

Fall Impressionist Painting Workshop at Weir Farm National Park

There has been a tradition of Impressionist painting at Weir Farm National Historic Site since Julian Alden Weir, the father of American Impressionism, acquired this rural, rustic retreat in Branchville, Connecticut in 1882. To honor and continue this tradition, Weir Farm National Historic Site will be offering a two-day Fall Impressionist Painting Workshop on Saturday and Sunday, October 3 and October 4, 2015 from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm.

Designed for beginning art students and artists, this workshop will engage participants interested in learning more about the science and poetry of Impressionist landscape painting. Participants must have a basic understanding of their selected art form and be able to handle their own equipment for plein air fieldwork as well as for the studio workshop environment. Workshops will include introductory classroom lectures, field demonstrations, and critique of the participant's artwork.

Registration for this workshop is free, but space is limited to twelve artists, so please call early to secure a spot! First choice will be given to artists that have not participated in a previous Impressionist Painting Workshop at Weir Farm National Historic Site. However, for those artists who wish to return, names will be placed on a wait-list and be considered as space allows. To register for the workshop or for more information, please call 203-834-1896 ext. 28.

For more fall event information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Greater Danbury Irish Festival Sept. 18-20

Twenty Years ago, Gerry Curran, who was the President of the Danbury Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, had a dream. Gerry's dream was that there was a need for and that there should be an Irish Festival in the Danbury area to present and perpetuate Irish music and culture. Gerry convinced, the President of the Danbury Division of the Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Sharon Higgins that this was worthwhile project. Together Gerry and Sharon convinced the men and women of the Danbury AOH to support and work to establish an Irish Festival and that any profits would be used to establish an Irish Center in Danbury. This second dream came about in 2009 when the Greater Danbury Irish Center opened on Lake Ave in Danbury

Gerry's dream to establish an Irish Festival became a reality in 1995 when the Greater Danbury Irish Festival made its debut in Rogers Park. The Festival subsequently relocated to the Ives Center.  This year, the Greater Danbury Irish Festival is taking place on the park like grounds of the Charles Ives Center for the Arts located on 43 Lake Ave. Ext. in Danbury on September 18, 19 and 20.  This festival marks twenty years  of entertainment, food  drink and  fun for the whole family.

Festivities begin on Friday night with the Traveling Danbury's from 6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. and is followed by the Humble Hooligans from 8:15 p.m. to 10 p.m.  

Saturday, September 19 begins with a performance by the Grey School of Dance from 1 pm to 1L45 pm and is followed by the Ale Hounds that perform from 2 pm to 3:45.  The Grey School of Dance takes the stage again from 4 pm to 5 pm and is followed by the popular Celtic Cross Pipe and Drums band. At 6:30 pm, Jeff Conlon and Americelt perform and from 8 pm to 10 pm the Mighty Ploughboys perform.

Poor Richard is the first act to perform on Sunday, September 20 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m.  Next to take the stage is the group known as the Gilleoghan Irish Dance group that will perform from 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm. The Fighting Jamesons take the stage next at 2:30 pm and are followed by the Celtic Cross Pipe and Drums band at 4 p.m.  The final act of this festival takes place from 4:45 to 6 pm and features the Cunningham Brothers. 

For more area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Photo: Gilloeghan Irish Dancers perform at the 2013 festival. Photo credit: Wendy Mitchell

Sessions Woods is calling all runners!

If you enjoy walking and running on beautiful nature trails then join the Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) for the 4th. Annual Run for the Woods on Saturday, September 19 at Sessions Woods Wildlife Management Area located on Rte. 69 about three miles south of Rte. 4 in Burlington Connecticut.

courtesy Miranda Linsky

CFPA advocates for people that love the outdoors  with the support of the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection have organized a 10K Trail Race that begins at 8:30 a.m., a 5K Trail Race at 9 a.m. and a 5K walk at 9:00 a.m. at Sessons Woods. 

Participants will walk or jog on beautifully maintained trails and will pass by wetlands, meadows, and a beaver pond.  Lucky participants may even catch a glimpse of a pileated woodpecker, white-tailed deer, wild turkey, ruffed grouse or a majestic broad-winged hawk.

Registration fees are $25 for the 5K run or walk, and $35 for the 10k run. Registration increases by $5 on the day of the race. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. on the day of the race. If you can’t join in the events, and love the outdoors, you might consider making a general donation to CFPA or dedicating it to one of the runners or walkers. All donations go to the protection of Connecticut forests and trails. For more information, registration, and pledging guidelines visit http://www.ctwoodlands.org/runforthewoods2014

courtesy William Breck

This year CFPA’s Run for the Woods has joined the Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series. The races, which are run primarily on the Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails (BBHT), are organized and directed by a variety of running enthusiasts and clubs across the state. The Connecticut Forest & Park Association (CFPA) is grateful for their cooperation and support in making this series possible. The goals of the series are to promote and create greater awareness of trail running on the BBHT System, attract more runners to Connecticut trail running races, strengthen the running community, raise awareness for CFPA’s trail maintenance efforts and enhance the experience for the runners who already support our races through series points and recognition. To learn more about the Blue-Blazed Trail Running Series, please visit http://www.ctwoodlands.org/run-for-the-woods

About Sessions Woods

The biggest threat facing CT’s wildlife is the loss of habitat.  Since more than 90% of land in CT is privately owned, the Wildlife Division established the Sessions Woods Management Area to begin to meet the needs of the State’s wildlife.

Sessions Woods is more than a tract of natural land set aside for wildlife, it also introduces visitors to wildlife and natural resources management through a variety of educational programs, demonstration sites, displays and self-guided hiking trails.

When you walk the trails here, you experience more than just the benefits of a healthy hike in the fresh outdoor air. Along the sides of the Beaver Pond Trail, Forest Meadow Trail and in the Backyard Habitat Demonstration Area you will find demonstrations of wildlife and habitat management practices.

About CFPA

The CFPA is Connecticut’s first nonprofit conservation organization that was established back in 1895 and is best known for maintaining the 825-mile Blue Blaze hiking system.  Their mission is to protect forests, parks, walking trails, and open spaces for future generations by connecting people to the land. CFPA directly involves individuals and families, educators, community leaders, and volunteers to enhance and defend Connecticut's rich natural heritage. CFPA is a private, non-profit organization that relies on members and supporters to carry out its mission.

CFPA envisions Connecticut as a place of scenic beauty whose cities, suburbs, and villages are linked by a network of parks, forests, and trails easily accessible for all people to challenge the body and refresh the spirit. They picture a state where clean water, timber, farm fresh foods, and other products of the land make a significant contribution to our economic and cultural well being.

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

10th annual Watertown House Tour

The 10th Annual Watertown House Tour will take place on Saturday, September 26 from 11am to 3pm, rain or shine. Six fabulous properties will be featured in this year's tour including: The Academy and Woodward Chapel at 25 and 39 The Green, The Coachman’s House at 57 Academy Hill Road, The Buzzee House at 31 Woodbury Road, Summit Farm at 1180 Guernseytown Road, and The Griswold House at 61 Warren Way. The Watertown Historical Society Museum and the Nova Scotia Schoolhouse at 22 DeForest Street will also be open for viewing.

The Watertown House Tour is a benefit for the Watertown Historical Society and Museum in Watertown, CT. The Watertown Historical Society is a private, nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Watertown and Oakville's history through the Museum.

Advance house tour tickets are $25 per person, and will be $30 the day of the tour. Tickets for this self-guided house tour and are non-refundable & can be purchased by mailing a check or money order to: Watertown House Tour, 22 DeForest Street, Watertown, CT 06795.  Checks should be made payable to the "Watertown Historical Society". Tickets can also be purchased online with a credit card or Paypal at: www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org

Tickets and maps will be mailed to those that make advance purchases. Advance orders must be received no later than Friday, September 18. Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the Museum.

House Tour tickets are available to purchase at the following retail locations: LaBonne's Market in Watertown, Chubba's in Watertown, the Health Complex, The Watertown Library, Hosking's Nursery, Depot Square Farm Shoppe, and Jimmy's of Watertown. House Tour tickets will also be for sale at the Watertown Farmers Market on Sept. 12 and the Watertown Fall Festival on Sept. 19.

On the day of the tour tickets will be available at all of the businesses, all of the houses, and at the Museum, which will be tour headquarters. Call the Museum at 860-274-1050 or view www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org for more information.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

Don't miss the 38th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival

Don't miss the 38th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival that promises to be the biggest and bester ever!

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 38th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 11 through Sunday, September 13. This year's entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands on all three days including John Cafferty of Creed and the Beaver Brown Band on Friday and JDennis De Young: The Music of STYX on Saturday at 9 p.m., and Smash Mouth on Sunday.  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.

A festival favorite  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. There is also a 65 - ft Gondola Ferris wheel, the Nerveless Nocks Thrill Show, and more.

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 Kids Cove will wow children of all ages. The Kids' Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. 

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 celebrity Slurpoff will be held on Saturday at 3 p.m. in front of Oyster Pavilion.

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

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).  On sale starting July 15.  Package price from GCT/Harlem-125th Street: Adults, $27; Seniors, persons with disabilities and individuals receiving Medicare, $21; Children 12, $22; Children 5-11, $5; Children under 5, free. - See more at: http://web.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm

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.

Celebrate Easton - The Burning of the Morehouse Farm - Revolutionary War Reenactment Weekend

The Historical Society of Easton and Easton’s Parks and Recreation Department,have teamed up to co-sponsor, a two day of living history event on  Saturday September 19^th and Sunday September 20^th.   There will be more than 125 re-enactors from the 5^th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment encamps on the fields of  the Samuel Staples Elementary School and the action planned for this event will make it an unforgettable experience for you and your family.  

On July 18, 1782, Lt. Ebenezer Morehouse was taken prisoner by a British raiding party of approximately 60 men who landed at Compo Beach, Westport from their schooner. The raiding party was bent on plundering and destruction.  Also captured were Benjamin Allen, William Allen, Abraham Elwood, Thomas Phillips and Nathaniel Johnson. Morehouse so irritated his captors that the British marched to his farm and burned it.

Members of the 5^th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment portraying Patriot and British Military Regiments will set up camp, perform drills, skirmish and recreate the burning of Morehouse Farm. Children can drill with the regimental soldiers and watch as they fire their weapons. Besides military drills and a cavalry demonstration, attendees may be amazed at a surgical demonstration highlighting the treatments and remedies available to the army surgeon on the colonial battlefields.

 Visitors will be able to explore exhibits of uniforms, clothing and fashions of the day. A highlight is  the early evening candlelit tour of the camp site and watching a cannon pyrotechnic demonstration. Through interaction with the reenactors, visitors will learn about life at camp and on the home front from soldiers, surgeons, cooks, spies, and other colonial re-enactors. A complete schedule of events can be found at www.historicalsocietyofeastonct.org.

The 5^th Connecticut Volunteer Regiment is made up of local individuals who enjoy learning and teaching about early American history. Members include men, women, and children from the surrounding areas who are dedicated to the creation of a living history experience for their community. By including women and children in the regiment, a broader representation of colonial life beyond the military is brought to each event.

This Regiment was created in 1974 and is based on the original 5^th Connecticut regiment which served during the Revolutionary War. The original 5^th Connecticut was mustered in May 1775 as one of the six regiments formed by Connecticut in response to the events at Lexington and Concord, MA. It was made up of officers and men from Fairfield County. Easton (which was then part of Fairfield) would have sent soldiers to this regiment. Due to illness and casualties, the regiment only lasted one year. It was re-formed in early 1777 under the direction of Colonel Philip Burr Bradley. As the regiment was being mustered, the British launched the raid on Danbury and Colonel Bradley responded with roughly 50 untrained troops. The 5^th Connecticut played a vital role in the defense of Ridgefield and two of its soldiers, Private Bradley Dean and Sergeant Clement Lloyd, were killed. The connection to local history makes this event a truly spectacular opportunity for the Historical Society of Easton.

The event will take place on Saturday September 19 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday September 20 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at 515 Morehouse Road, Easton, CT.

The event will take place rain or shine. Food vendors will be on-site. Admission:  For both days: $20 per Adult, $15 per Child, Children under 8 will be admitted for free. For one day: $15 per Adult, $10 per Child. There will be a $5 parking fee. A discount is available on tickets purchased prior to September 5^th through the follow link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/1996120.

To learn more about the 5th Connecticut, please visit their website: www.5cr.org. For more information please contact the Historical Society of Easton at 203-292-3533, by email: hseastonct@gmail.com or visit our website: www.historicalsocietyofeastonct.org.

19th Annual Constitution State Feis Returns To Quassy

The 19th Annual Constitution State Feis (Irish dance competition), presented by the Horgan Academy of Irish Dance of Naugatuck, Conn., will take place Sept. 5 & 6 at Quassy Amusement & Waterpark, 2132 Middlebury Road here.
It marks the ninth consecutive year Quassy has hosted the event.

The competition will kick off at 8:30 a.m. both days at the Carousel Theatre stage with the Saturday, Sept. 5, schedule to include championships. All non-championships (beginners through prize-winners) will be held on Sunday, Sept. 6.

Perpetual trophies, 1st place sashes, and medal rounds will be presented in the preliminary and open championships, and all traditional and contemporary set competitions.

Spectators are welcome both days with only a $7 parking fee charged at Quassy Amusement Park. Guests watching the Feis are encouraged to bring lawn chairs for seating. There are fees for the rides, waterpark, food and other attractions.
Hundreds of competitors from throughout New England, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Canada take part in the two-day event.

About Quassy
Quassy Amusement & Waterpark is in its 107th year of operation and features FRANTIC, a new spectacular family thrill ride. The park is also home to the award-winning Wooden Warrior roller coaster. There are more than two-dozen rides and attractions, restaurant, redemption arcade, games, beach and live entertainment.

Labor Day weekend will also feature the final 50-Cent Fabulous Friday of the season. Rides, hot dogs and small Pepsis are 50 cents each after 5 p.m. Fridays through Sept. 4. Also, the last $40 Saturday evening carload special of the year takes place on Sept. 5. After 5 p.m. up to 10 persons safely seatbelted in a car receive evening wristbands for only $40, parking included.

Labor Day Campership Event

Monday, Sept. 7, Labor Day, will also feature a $40 carload special to benefit the Greater Waterbury Campership Fund. The rides and Splash Away Bay waterpark operated 11 .m. to 6 p.m. Up to 10 persons safely seatbelted in a car receive all-day wristbands for only $40, parking included.

The park will operate weekends after Labor Day through Oct. 11. For more information visit www.quassy.com or call 203-758-2913.

Hollister House Garden Study Weekend September 12 – 13

The Hollister House garden was one of only one of 50 to be included in the Garden Conservancy’s new book, “Outstanding American Gardens: A Celebration – 25 Years of the Garden Conservancy. It was built over the past thirty-six years by the esteemed antiquarian dealer George Schoellkopf as an American version of an English manner, accommodating the Connecticut climate and soil, our New England landscape and history, and adding the special exuberance of lush English flower gardens. It’s a spectacular collection of distinct outdoor rooms— each with its own unique personality.

On September 12,  is The Living Garden: Nature and Design at the Heritage Hotel. This symposium is part of Geroge’s commitment to bring to Western Connecticut garden experts who can help garden enthusiasts, professionals, or  those who just want a more beautiful home garden. It is a rare opportunity. Breakfast and lunch are provided. There will be a cocktail reception for networking, asking questions, and to buy plants ahead of the public sale the next day, and a book signing for the Conservancy’s book. Local Connecticut resident and garden author Page Dickey is the editor. 

The Moderator for this event is New York Botanical Garden’s Todd Forrest, who  is responsible for all aspects of horticulture activities and programs across the Botanical Garden’s 250-acre site, Todd was instrumental in the planning, construction, and planting of NYBG's 11-acre Azalea Garden and the new Native Plant Garden. He also advises on seasonal events, exhibitions, and stunning horticultural displays.

A highlight of the weekend are the three highly knowledgeable speakers, Rick Darke, Sheila Brady and Bill Noble.   Rick Darke is an author, photographer, lecturer, and biodiversity consultant and is considered to be a leading voice in the call for the home garden to be built around the constructs of biodiversity and sustainable beauty. His projects include parks, scenic byways, transportation corridors, corporate and collegiate campuses, conservation developments, post-industrial brownfields, botanic gardens, and residential landscapes.

Sheila Brady, from Oehme, van Sweden & Associates advocates for ecologically responsible design. She is a registered landscape architect and has been elected to the Council of Fellows of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Recent projects include designing the Native Plant Garden and the Azalea Garden at the New York Botanical Garden and the National World War II and Martin Luther King memorials in Washington, DC.

Bill Noble, garden designer and preservation professional is the director of preservation for the Garden Conservancy, Bill worked to restore dozens of gardens across the U.S. His own garden in Vermont is included in the Smithsonian Institution’s Archive of American Gardens and he lectures widely on garden history, design, and preservation.

A midday break will give garden professionals and enthusiasts an opportunity to meet and share ideas over lunch and to shop. Hickory Stick Bookshop will be at the Saturday symposium selling garden-related gifts and books and noted botanical illustrator Bobbi Angell will be selling her drawings.

After the symposium, participants are invited to a cocktail reception at Hollister House Garden in the nearby town of Washington, with early access to the Rare and Unusual Plant Sale that will be open to the public the following morning. Admission to the reception is included in admission to the symposium, but admission to the cocktail party and plant sale preview is also available separately.

Registrationsfor Saturday
Registration for the symposium and cocktail party, including early buying at the sale of Rare and Unusual Plants, is $180 per person for registrations for members of Hollister House Garden and the Garden Conservancy. 

On Sunday, September 13 the weekend continues with the public portion of the plant sale at Hollister House Garden and the opening of exceptional Litchfield County gardens as part of the Garden Conservancy’s Open Days program. 

Specialty vendors for the Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants will include:

Avant Gardens, North Dartmouth, MA
- Uncommon yet undemanding plants for New England garden
Broken Arrow Nursery, Hamden, CT
- Rare, unusual, and garden-worthy plants
Cricket Hill Gardens, Thomaston, CT
- Rare and unusual peonies as well as perennial landscape edibles
Falls Village Flower Farm, Falls Village, CT
- Outstanding perennial plants for the Tri-State region
Opus, Little Compton, RI
- Unusual perennials—under-cultivated but garden-worthy

Admission to the Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants at Hollister House Garden is $10, including Open Days admission to the garden.

September Fun @ Stepping Stones Museum for Children

The Stepping Stones Museum for Children, located at 303 West Avenue, Norwalk, has planned an exciting September for kids and families.  September is "explore the Southwest" month at the museum and kids are invited to join the staff as they travel to the Southwest part of the United States and celebrate the history of this region, including the wonder of the Grand Canyon!

On September 5, there is an Around the World  creative session that begins at 2 p.m.  The topic is the Grand Canyon and kids will investigate the natural process that carves rocks into canyons using water and sand. Participants will take home their own canyon creation made with different layers of sand. There is limited space – tickets available at 1:30 pm. For children ages 2 and older.

On Saturday, Sept. 12, Ernie Sites takes center stage with  music and the Western Frontier.  In full Western clothing, Ernie Sites combines traditional and original western singing, songwriting, yodeling, cowboy poetry, storytelling and trick-roping demonstrations! This program begins at 2 p.m.

September 13 and September 26 are extra special days because Grandparents enjoy free admission to the museum All day!  On September 13 the Around the World Show beginning at 2 p.m. features The Tale of Sally Ann Thunder Ann Whirlwind. Kids will enjoy listening to this American Tall Tale and making their own doll using pipe cleaners. Limited space – tickets available at 1:30 pm. For children ages 5 and older. And, on September 26, the special feature is a Grand Display of Past and Present: “Typewriter meets IPhone® 6”!  This will also mark the grand opening of the newest exhibit experience: Broken? Fix it!

Rounding out the month, on September 26, there is a Family Concert featuring TESS, a Mixed Ensemble at 3:00 pm. Families will enjoy listening to a mixed ensemble concert featuring children ages 4 – 12 from the Talent Education Suzuki School (TESS). They will perform classical selections for violin, piano, cello and guitar. Afterwards, visitors can play child-sized instruments!