The 44th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 09, Sat., Sept. 10, and Sun. Sept. 11 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk

 

One of New England's favorite events, the Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank is back in full swing in 2022. There is no better way to say goodbye to summer, than at the three-day festival-taking place from Friday, September 9th through Sunday, September 11th at Veterans Park, adjacent to Norwalk’s historic harbor. “Performances by nationally known musicians, incredible family entertainment, and “Kids Cove” activities are free with admission, making it fun for the whole family,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “For 15 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition." “As the official end of summer celebration, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is something that First County Bank and the Fairfield County community looks forward to year after year,” said Robert Granata Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of First County Bank. 

 For the Whole Family 

There are so many ways for families to have fun this year. Nationally enjoyed professional entertainment will be taking place throughout the day at various locations on the festival grounds. If you are feeling lucky, head to the midway where you will find a variety of exciting games of chance. Don’t miss the mind-boggling act called Big Bee the Transforming Robot Car. Kids are thrilled to watch a regular car turn itself into a 15- foot action robot and, then get their photo taken with it! There is always something around the next corner that amazes and delights young and old alike. Here is a partial list of some of the acts you can catch, free of charge with the price of admission. 

Ready Go Dog Show 

This year the whole family will enjoy the Ready Go Dog Show that packs plenty of oohs and aahhs with its combination of comedy, family fun, and amazing high-flying canine athletes. The show consists of rescued dogs and features champion Frisbee dogs, thrill-seeking diving dogs, and the highest box jump dog in the world! A highlight for the audience is the chance to meet and greet the four-legged stars of this thrilling show after their riveting performance. The Ready Go Dog Show has been seen on the FOX game show, Game of Talents, ESPN, the Today Show and Friends, and many others!

Sheffield Island Circus 

Pink cotton candy, the smell of popcorn, glittering costumes, and the astounding feats of daredevils make the Sheffield Island Circus something magical. Show favorites include clowns whose laugh-out-loud antics will have children rolling with non-stop laughter! The circus fun doesn’t stop there. For thrill-seekers, there is the terrifying Globe of Death motorcycle performance that keeps spectators at the edge of their seats. The performers have been amazing audiences around the world, as two or more motorcycles run together in the large steel globe known as the “Globe of Death.” This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it always delivers the “wow” factor. Other acts include the performance of elegant aerial tricks from more than 20 feet up in the air and the colorful and fast-moving hula-hoop show. 

Sunday is Family Day Plus Rides and Wristbands 

Sunday, September 11th is Family Day all day when all kids get in Free with one paid adult admission. Carnival rides are one of the most exciting and thrilling things you can do at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. One of the best deals around on Saturday and Sunday is the specially priced wristband @ $30 each which is available for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for everyone. 

 The Music 

The 2022 has live music from dozens of bands on multiple stages throughout the weekend and features a variety of crowd-pleasing entertainment. 

On Friday night, September 9, the Norwalk Oyster Festival kicks off with Jana Kramer direct from Nashville. Kramer is an actress, an AMC award-winning country music singer, and a New York Times best-selling author. Known for her role as Alex Dupre in the television series One Tree Hill, she started her music career in 2012, seven of her singles charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 platinum-selling hits "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy." Kramer went on to win ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards and, in 2015, she was nominated for ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year at the ACMs. 

To get Saturday night rocking, Alex Shillo takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with his eclectic brand of rock and country music with a nod to his favorite, Bruce Springsteen. Shillo's band is composed of top-notch musicians, that have performed with such artists as Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Gloria Gaynor, and John Cafferty, to name a few. 

When Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot, take the stage on Saturday @ 8:30 p.m. the party really gets started. Mike DelGuidice, a multi-instrumentalist, dynamic vocalist, singer, songwriter, and recording artist is currently on tour with Rock N Roll Legend Billy Joel. Mike DelGuidice and his band, Big Shot is known nationwide for performing a show of astonishing renditions of Billy Joel’s songbook, in addition to songs by Elton John, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Marc Cohn, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, John Denver, James Taylor, Chicago, and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more. DelGuidice is a world-class vocalist and can sing just about anything. “We are delighted to bring this world-class entertainer and his band to the 44th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. 

This year on Sunday, September 11, the Norwalk Oyster Festival wraps up with the high-energy music of Get the Led Out, a band that has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin. Hailing from Philly, this band of six accomplished musicians brings Led Zeppelin to the Main Stage in all its mythic glory. Their two energy-driven heart pulsing set spans the career of the legendary “Zep” in all its depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed live. Whether you like blues-soaked groove-driven rock anthems or more intimate acoustic sounds, by the end of the performance, you will understand why Get the Led Out has been hailed as “The American Led Zeppelin” nationally. 

New This Year - Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow 

New this year, the Sheffield Island Laser Lightshow promises to take you on a phantasmagorical journey. This 22- minute 3-D laser beam light show will be projected over the heads of the entire audience at the festival. The show is set to the music of Pink Floyd which is sure to carry the audience away with cutting-edge effects, high-powered lasers, and tons of smoke and haze effects. The show features bright colorful laser beams that sweep and move thru the sky at night along with animated artwork projected all over the stage. This professionally produced award-winning laser show will take place on Friday and Saturday night at the conclusion of the Main Stage entertainment to keep the party going just a little bit longer. 

Arts and Crafts Galore 

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where there’re more than 100 fine artists and crafters that display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found here. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items on sale celebrating the island and lighthouse. 

For the Foodies

Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or an afternoon or evening snack, you’re guaranteed to find a favorite fair food at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and much more. After exploring the fairgrounds head to the International Food Court that dishes up everything from Mexican, Columbian, Greek, Jamaican, and Italian to funnel cakes, cotton candy, and, popcorn to name just a few goodies. New England favorites include fresh oysters shucked before your eyes, authentic New England lobster dinners, and fresh melt-in-your-mouth lobster rolls. Some of this culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise funds for their charitable causes. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from lemonade, fruit, and soft drinks to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers. 

Where 

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission This year pricing is Adults -$14, seniors - $10, Children - 5 to 12 years old $6 on Friday and Saturday, and Children under 5 are free. Sunday is Family Day and all children are free! To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org. 

Hours: 

Friday, Sept. 9, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 10, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 11 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Parking & Shuttles 

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations: 9/10 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m. 9/11 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 9/12 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m. 

Fee Parking 

Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works garage. All are within walking distance of the festival. 

About First County Bank  

Presenting Sponsor First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.7 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com

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; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.

Celebrate Harborfest in Stamford August 27, 2022

 

Be there with SoundWaters to welcome thousands back to Stamford’s waterfront for HarborFest, Stamford’s celebration of its thriving and historic harbor. This year HarborFest will take place on Saturday, August 27. HarborFest is the highlight of the Stamford summer season and 2022—the event’s 6th anniversary—will be the best yet. Hosted at Harbor Point, home to 5,000 affluent residents Includes fun activities for all ages on and beside the harbor Features environmentally friendly activities, exhibitors, and vendors. There is free admission and free parking.

The event schedule is as follows 

10:00am – 6:00pm HarborFest Daytime Activities

• HarborFest Village
• Seaside Mini Golf*
• Kids Boat Building
• Education Stations
• Touch-A-Boat
• Touch-A-Truck
• Face Painting*
• Waterfront Painting w/ Pinot’s Palette*
• Marine Animals
• Kids Boat Building

10:15am: Harbor History Tours, sponsored by O&G (also 11:15, 12:15 & 1:15)*

11:00am: Harbor Boat Rides, sponsored by ShopRite (also 12:15, 1:30, 2:45 & 4:15)*

Noon – 6:00pm: Oyster Lounge / Wine & Beer Sales / Food Trucks*

12:30pm: “Under the Sea” Dog Costume Parade

1:00 – 3:00pm: Cardboard Kayak Building**

3:15 – 4:00pm: Aquarion Cardboard Kayak Race

5:30 – 7:30pm: Schooner SoundWaters Sunset Cruise**

*Additional fee required

** Additional fee & preregistration required

A highlight of the day is the 6th annual cardboard kayak race! Teams of six boat builders build a cardboard kayak using provided materials and race on it in Stamford Harbor! The boat building takes place from 1 pm-3 pm and the race is 3:15 pm - 4:15 pm.

All Jazzed Up @ A Star Party @White Memorial Foundation in Litchfield

White Memorial Foundation is located off Rte. 202 in Litchfield and is the largest nature and conservation center in Connecticut. It boasts more than 35 miles of trails through a variety of habitats. It has a beautiful nature museum that highlights natural areas that are preserved here making exploring easy before setting out.

Courtesy White Memorial Foundation

White Memorial Foundation also has a number of interesting programs offered to the public. On Friday, August 26 at 8 p.m. in the A.B. Cedar Room guests are welcome to participate in the Star Party, an event perfect for stargazers. This astronomy program is organized by members of the Litchfield Hills Amateur Astronomy Club and the Mattatuck Astronomical Society. Weather permitting, there will be star gazing after the program. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. You are invited to bring your own telescope or binoculars. This program is free of charge and open to the public.

On Saturday, August 27 folks are invited to bring a picnic and BYOB and settle down for a sultry evening of soothing jazz standards from the American Songbook and more. South Lake Jazz will be performing standard favorites from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. in the activity shed. South Lake is Jon Concilio: Double Bass, Brendan Walsh: Guitar, Mik Mitnik: Drums, and Allan Becker: Soprano, Alto, and Tenor Sax, Flute, and Keyboards. Tickets are available online and are $10. Please pay in advance by going online or calling 860-567-0857.

Jazz in the Activity Shed - photo courtesy White Memorial Foundation

Rare Online Auction of the Art of Rosemary Connor @ New Milford Historical Society

 The New Milford Historical Society is hosting a one-of-a-kind auction through Thursday, August 18 at 7 p.m. of the art of Rosemary Connor. The Rosemary Connor collection was generously donated by her family to the New Milford Historical Society & Museum to be used for fundraising purposes. All sales proceeds of this artwork will benefit the museum located at 6 Aspetuck Avenue in downtown New Milford, CT. Click here to bid.

Rosemary was born in Bridgeport, CT in 1944. She began an apprenticeship at the young age of 7 with the renowned watercolorist Woldemar Neufeld. Rosemary then went on to receive a bachelor of fine arts degree from Pratt Institute. Upon graduation, Rosemary worked as an art director at New York advertising agency J. Walter Thompson Co. In1 966 Rosemary began exhibiting her works in oil, watercolor, and acrylics throughout New York and New England.

Rosemary went on to gain worldwide recognition by virtue of her harmonious paintings being exhibited in galleries, public institutions and museums inclusive of works in the permanent collections of The National Arts Club in N.Y.C., The New Britain Museum of American Art, The New Milford Historical Society, The Springfield Art Museum and The Slater Memorial Museum.

As a proud member of one of New Milford, Connecticut's founding families, Rosemary was a longstanding contributor of her art and time to the local community for fundraising and to increase public awareness of the arts. In

In addition to this art collection, included are many other items of local historical interest. These items have been donated to the museum for fundraising purposes or consigned to this specialty auction. Most are related to New Milford, CT, and surrounding Connecticut towns including Brookfield, Danbury, Newtown, Bethel, Bridgewater, Warren, Litchfield, Sherman, and Ridgefield.

Local Collectibles Include

Books: Danbury Images of The Past, Eric Sloane (One Signed), Yearbooks, Church History Books, Woldemar Neufeld New Milford Portfolio, Tales of Old New Milford, Howard Peck's New Milford, Edith Newton's New Milford, 1955 Flood History

Bottles: Noble Pharmacy, Marcus Dairy Bar, Lover Lane Dairy, New Britain Peplau's Dairy, Tollgate Dairy Farms (Litchfield), State of Connecticut Milk, New Milford Hunt & Miller Hutchinson, Judd's Bridge Dairy, Marcus Dairy Milk Carton, Milk Bottle Caps

Postcards: Greenlawn Inn, Young's Hotel, Washington Oak, First National Bank Building, Canterbury School, New Milford Main Street, New Milford Town Hall, Homestead Inn, Stanley's Diner, Danbury Fair Racetrack

Souvenir Plates: Congregational Church of Brookfield, Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, St. Francis Xavier Church, 1976 New Milford American Bicentennial

Local Advertising: New Milford Savings Bank Ruler, Danbury News Times Newspaper Box, Bethel Dolan Hat, Danbury Colonial, Ford License Plate, Mayflower Inn Creamers and Ashtray, Kimberly Clark Mugs, 1991 Ridgefield Map, Vintage Gift Boxes

Other Artwork: Prints by Robert Parker, Charcoal Children's Portrait by Edd Ashe, Trivets/Ceramic Tiles by Eric Sloane, Classic Car Club of America Museum Signed Poster by Chris Osborne, Woldemar Neufeld Bandstand Print & Historical Society, Railroad Station Print by Dennis Stuart

Other Really Cool Items of Interest: New Milford Wannopee Lettuce Leaf Plate, Housatonic Art League Banners, New Milford Christmas Ornament, Framed New Milford 250th Anniversary Banner, New Milford Baseball Hats, Knapp House Anniversary Rug Fragment, White Memorial Award Cup, Connecticut Grange 100th Anniversary Horseshoe Paperweight, Declaration of Independence Connecticut Signers Bronze Medal, 1907 New Milford Bicentennial Medal, Immaculate High School Medals, Newtown Plate by Woodbury Pewter, Sports Banners, Connecticut License Plates, McGrath Realty Sign, New Milford Flag, Conn's Dairy Cream Transport Cylinder, Reproduction New Milford Map, Class of 1933 Danbury Normal School

Bradley International Airport Launches New, Nonstop Service to Las Vegas

 The Connecticut Airport Authority (CAA) is pleased to announce that new, nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Las Vegas is launching today. The first flight is scheduled to depart for Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) this afternoon. “We are thrilled to celebrate Frontier Airlines and their inaugural flight to Las Vegas,” said Kevin A. Dillon, A.A.E., Executive Director of the Connecticut Airport Authority. “Thanks to new nonstop service and Frontier’s low fares, our passengers can get to this exciting destination easily and affordably. We are grateful for Frontier’s continued investment at Bradley International Airport and look forward to our continued partnership in bringing exciting new routes and great travel deals to Connecticut.” 

 “Frontier is excited to continue to grow in Hartford,” said Daniel Shurz, Senior Vice President of Commercial at Frontier Airlines. “Our new nonstop service from Bradley International Airport to Las Vegas offers consumers an affordable and convenient option for visiting one of the most popular vacation destinations in America.” 

 The new service to Las Vegas operates daily, with the inaugural flight taking off as follows:

 

BDL to LAS: 5:46 PM ET (Departure) – 8:22 PM PT (Arrival) 

 The new nonstop service complements Frontier Airlines’ existing menu of nonstops from Bradley International Airport. In addition to Las Vegas, the airline currently offers service to Atlanta, Denver, Orlando, Raleigh-Durham and San Juan. Frontier Airlines has been operating at Bradley Airport since 2018. For flight schedules, fare information and booking options, visit www.FlyFrontier.com 

 About Bradley International Airport Bradley International Airport 

(BDL) invites you to “Journey On” and once again experience the convenience of traveling at New England’s second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops, expanded services and accredited COVID-19 safety measures. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more info, visit www.flyBDL.org.

Glow Wild Lantern Festival at Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo this fall

Journey through a wonderland of illuminated larger-than-life lanterns inspired by our wild world at the Beardsley Zoo this fall. It is a phantasmagorical experience that is fun and educational.

This amazing festival will culminate a year of festivities celebrating the Zoo’s 100th birthday and will be held every Thursday - Sunday from September 15- November 27. The festival will showcase more than 35 large-scale illuminated displays, featuring hundreds of beautiful individual and interactive lanterns. 

Spanning the width and breadth of Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo’s 30 acres, guests are invited to walk through glowing corridors. Displays of flora and fauna will light up the night sky, dazzling guests of all ages! The Glow Wild Lantern Festival is designed for everyone to enjoy –whether a family outing, romantic date, or coworker get-together. 

Celebrate Summer 2022 @ Weekend in Norfolk

 

It’s summertime, and that means road trip season. Time to hit the open road and see the sights. For the ideal “nearcation" and the perfect alternative to those hot, crowded city streets, Norfolk, Conn.’s 7th annual Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) is close at hand in beautiful northwest Connecticut. 

WIN is a small-town festival with the perfect mixture of easy family fun and sophisticated things to see and do. Once in town, people slow down and linger over all the activities that are easygoing, friendly and, best of all, mostly free. Everything is close together or just a short walk away through this lovely, historic village; it’s easy to relax and enjoy everything. And WIN offers endless opportunities for summer fun. You can get married or renew your vows on the Village Green, discover the town’s vibrant art and music scene, get soaked playing water soccer, get a 3-card Tarot reading and connect with nature by learning how to fly-fish. At WIN, you and your family and friends will have a “winning” time… because there’s something to please everyone. WIN is ready to welcome you on Friday, August 5; Saturday, August 6, and Sunday, August 7 when Norfolk's red carpet will be fully rolled out! 

Enjoy live music

Highlights - Friday, August 5, 2022 

On Friday, August 5, give your kids the lay of the land, by taking a short walk around Norfolk Green, one of the most beautiful in the state. The fountain at the south end of the green is picture-perfect. The marble fountain was designed by famous architect Stanford White in 1889 and has two basins including one for small animals! Don't forget to stop by the library, the Norfolk Hub, and the Guilded Artisan to view the art shows. A highlight of the day is the stained glass tours. View the intricate windows created by Franz Mayer of Munich at the Immaculate Conception Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the beautiful windows at the Battell Chapel created by D. Maitland Armstrong and Louis Comfort Tiffany from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. If you are in a romantic mood, you are invited to get married or renew your vows on the Village Green - bouquets are supplied and a justice of the peace, ring bearers, and witnesses are on hand! The fun continues with an opening reception at the Art Barn Gallery on the magnificent Battell Stoeckel Estate from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. while kids are invited to a hula-hoop event on the Village Green from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. As for music, get ready for a free concert on Station Place by the Grantville Dawgs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The evening concludes with a ticketed concert at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival Shed. 

Treasure Hunt at a town-wide tag sale

Highlights - Saturday, August 6, 2022 

For those who didn't get up early to take the Hike-the-Peaks challenge or the self-guided walking tour of Norfolk's historic houses, the fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday with the Farmers Market on 19 Maple Ave. This lively gathering offers fresh fruit and vegetables, cooking demos, as well as an interesting array of arts and crafts. New this year, the Farmer’s Market has planned a special event just for kids! Talk about engaging and exciting fun that includes a scavenger hunt, corn hole toss, candy jar guess, face painting, giant bubbles, free hot dogs and sodas for kids, plus prizes! For the outdoor sports enthusiast in your family, don't miss the fly fishing lessons at 9 a.m. and 12 noon with expert fisherman Doug McDevitt who will demonstrate the art of casting and share many insider tips and tricks that will help you land the big one! 

Go to the opening of the Asia-Connecticut Cultural Center

New this year for sleuths and treasure hunters is the town-wide tag sale from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., maps will be available online and at WIN's information center, 2 Station Place. Another new and exciting event is the grand opening of the Connecticut - Asia Cultural Center, which consists of three floors, each dedicated to one Eastern religious culture including Taoist, Confucian, and Buddhist cultures. If your children love water, don't miss the popular fire hose water soccer game that begins at 12 noon at the Town Playing Field on Mountain Road. The day is rounded out by free three-card Tarot Readings by the Healing Nest from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Art lovers will enjoy the tour of stained glass windows at Immaculate Conception, Battell Chapel, and the Church of Transfiguration that begins at the Battell Chapel at 12:30 p.m. There is also a special guided walk of the historic Main Street with the Director of the Norfolk Historical Society Museum at 2 p.m. Afterward, visit the museum to see their exhibit called Main Street: A Look Back 100 Years.

Kids have fun @ WIN

 Saturday night is the Family Fun Day and Movie event ($10 per family) from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. at the Botelle School. The movie will be Disney’s Encanto, which tells the tale of an extraordinary family living in a magical house in the mountains of Columbia. There will be loads of fun for kids including face painting, a bounce house, candy, drinks, snacks, and much more. For classical music lovers, there is a ticketed concert at the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival Shed from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. 

Get fly-fishing tips from experts

Highlights, Sunday, August 7, 2022 

Sunday begins with the Church of Christ Congregational outdoor worship service on the Green from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The art galleries in town will be open all day and stained glass window tours will be offered at the Immaculate Conception Church from 12 noon to 1 p.m. and at the Battell Chapel from 12 noon to 3 p.m. A fly fishing lesson at Wood Creek Pond from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. is perfect for sports lovers and hiking the many trails in Norfolk is a great way to reconnect with the great outdoors. An afternoon highlight for kids is a magic show called “Magic Moments” with Master Magician Brian Lazotte at the Berkshire County Store. And if you are wondering what fun the future holds, don't miss the three-card tarot reading by Healing Nest from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. There is also a special guided walk of the historic Main Street with the Director of the Norfolk Historical Society Museum at 2 p.m. Afterward, visit the museum to see their exhibit called Main Street: A Look Back 100 Years. 

Visit the WIN website for up-to-the-minute details about Weekend in Norfolk -your perfect family road trip to Norfolk, Connecticut. And, don't forget to make sure your cell phone is charged up for Instagrammable photos of good old-fashioned summer fun!

A Little Bit Country and A Lot of Rock and Roll @ The 44th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival 2022 September 9, 10, and 11

 

“The Norwalk Oyster Festival and the music that we provide, free of charge, with admission, is always highly anticipated and world-class. This year, festival goers will be entertained by a wide variety of musical genres from country to rock and roll from as far as Nashville! We think that many different styles of music are great ways to celebrate the 44th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival…so get ready to party and enjoy! Our volunteers have been working around the clock to make this year’s festival extra special because we know that the Norwalk Oyster is a tradition for so many people – from near and far and that makes us happy. We would also like to give a special shout-out to First County Bank, our main sponsor that helps to make this festival happen,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. For tickets click https://www.seaport.org.

Jana Kramer - Direct from Nashville

Entertainment Line Up 

 Friday, September 9 – Jana Kramer @ 8:30 p.m. 

The festival kicks off with Jana Kramer direct from Nashville who is an actress, an AMC award-winning country music singer, and a New York Times best-selling author. Known for her role as Alex Dupre in the television series One Tree Hill, she started her music career in 2012, with the release of her self-titled debut album, Jana Kramer. Her next album, Thirty-One, released in 2015, met with high accolades from the country music industry and the rest is music history. Seven of her singles charted on Hot Country Songs and Country Airplay, including the top 10 platinum-selling hits "Why Ya Wanna" and "I Got the Boy." Kramer went on to win ‘New Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the 2012 Academy of Country Music Awards and, in 2015, she was nominated for ‘Best Female Vocalist of the Year’ at the ACMs. Kramer continues to record her and folks can listen to her on her award winning iHeart Podcast, Whine Down with Jana Kramer while sipping her recently launched specialty wine, One Brick Wines. 

Alex Shillo kicks off Saturday night

Saturday, September 10, 2022 - Entertainment Line Up Alex Shillo - Singer/Songwriter @ 7:30 p.m. 

To get Saturday night rocking, Alex Shillo takes the stage at 7:30 p.m. with his eclectic brand of rock and country music with a nod to his hero, Bruce Springsteen. Shillo's band is composed of top-notch musicians, that have performed with such artists as Clarence Clemons of Bruce Springsteen's E Street Band, The Four Tops, The Temptations, Johnny Mathis, Gloria Gaynor, and John Cafferty, to name a few. Alex and his band have opened for major acts like Big & Rich, Eric Church, Parmalee, and many others. Shillo finds inspiration from his father and is following in his footsteps. Shillo’s dad was the founder/lead singer/songwriter of the late 70s and 80s band SILVERADO who toured the world with Steppenwolf and others and had hit songs on the Billboard charts. Shillo has been enthralled by music since a very early age and his performances show a depth of style and experience. He is the perfect opener to get Saturday night off to a rocking start. 

Dynamic and Entertaining Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot

Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot Celebrating the Music of Billy Joel & Much More @ 8:30 pm 

Mike DelGuidice, a multi-instrumentalist, dynamic vocalist, singer, songwriter, and recording artist is currently on tour with Rock N Roll Legend Billy Joel. From New York and Billy Joel’s Band, Mike DelGuidice tours with Billy Joel all over the world including every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden, in New York City. While on tour with Billy Joel he shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, Adam Levine, and many others. DelGuidice is scheduled to perform with his band, Big Shot on Sept. 10 at 8:30 p.m. at the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Mike has been featured on The NBC Today Show, CBS This Morning Show, as well as in Rolling Stone Magazine, The New York Times, and CNN, to name a few. 

World-class entertainment @ Norwalk Oyster Festival

Mike DelGuidice and his band, Big Shot is known nationwide for performing a show of astonishing renditions of Billy Joel’s songbook, in addition to songs by Elton John, Van Morrison, Paul McCartney, Marc Cohn, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, The Eagles, John Denver, James Taylor, Chicago, and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more. DelGuidice is a world-class vocalist and can sing just about anything. “We are delighted to bring this world-class entertainer to the 44th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival this year,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. At present, while still touring with Billy Joel, Mike is releasing new music. He has released two albums, “My Street,” and “Miller Place,” and is working on a third. His new song, is “Where Do the Heroes Go.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgjPrFazFaI. Mike also scored the Theme song to Actor/Comedian Kevin James Sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait” with his original song, “Ordinary Guy,” which he wrote, recorded, and produced. https://www.billyjoel.com/news/tune-in-mike-delguidice-ordinary-guy-premieres-tonight-kevin-james-new-sitcom-theme/ Kevin is featured in Mike’s original song video, “Mona Lisa” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TvOZNVW_nsc 

Rock to the "American Led Zepplin with Get the Led Out!

Sunday, September 11 – Get the Led Out @ 5 p.m. 

This year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival wraps up with a bombastic bang featuring “Get the Led Out,” a band that has captured the essence of the recorded music of Led Zeppelin. This band of six accomplished musicians, hailing from Philly, brings Led Zeppelin to the Main Stage in all its mythic glory. Their two hour plus set spans the career of the legendary “Zep” in all its depth and glory with the studio overdubs that Zeppelin themselves never performed live. Whether you like blues-soaked groove-driven rock anthems or more intimate acoustic sounds, by the end of the performance, you will understand why Get the Led Out has been hailed as “The American Led Zeppelin” by fans and music critics alike and has met with outstanding national reviews. 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival 

Now in its 44th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the Seaport Association and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. This is a three-day festival celebrating the maritime heritage of Norwalk that is held every September. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for music, its wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

About First County Bank - Presenting Sponsor First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, Conn. for 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 16 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $1.7 billion and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Seaport Association Offers More Seating On Cruise to Sheffield Island

 

The Norwalk Seaport Association is offering a number of seats at no charge for one adult and one child from Connecticut as part of the Connecticut Summer at the Museum Program. This program is geared toward families exploring the beauty of Connecticut's attractions together. "We have been overwhelmed by the demand and positive response from this program and have made more seating available to meet the demand," said Jerry Toni, Business Manager of the Seaport Association. "We are thrilled to participate in this program this year because it helps us accomplish our mission of educating young people about the importance of Connecticut’s maritime heritage and why preservation is so important." 

Helpful Tips to Make Booking Easy 

There are a few things to keep in mind when booking your tickets at Eventbrite so we have outlined a few helpful tips. 

The child and accompanying adult must be Connecticut residents. This offer is valid for the three-hour cruise to Sheffield Island; the boat departs from the dock on Water Street Wednesday- Sunday at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Reservations must be made online in advance. 

The tickets are not available for special events or sunset cruises. 

Be patient and check back often. Sometimes tickets are booked and then canceled, so availability is fluid. 

In the spirit of this wonderful program, the Seaport Association strives to add additional seating to cruises as inventory becomes available so it is important to check back often. 

When taking the cruise to Sheffield Island don't forget your camera, sunscreen, a picnic lunch, and, most importantly your sense of adventure and fun! For tickets click seaport.org.

Jazz in the Garden @ Torrington Historical Society

 

The Torrington Historical Society is excited to announce its popular ‘Jazz in the Garden’ outdoor concert series set on the lawn of the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main Street in Torrington. This year’s concert series features highly accomplished jazz musicians from New England and New York, many of whom have previously performed at the Torrington Historical Society. All of the musicians have recorded and performed widely with a variety of jazz greats. 

The series, which will include three concerts, is sponsored by Northwest Community Bank. Attendees should bring a lawn chair or blanket and are also welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets for all concerts are $15 for Torrington Historical Society members and $18 for non-members. Tickets may be purchased by clicking here. In the event of rain, the concert will be held at Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive in Torrington. 

New Chordtet will open the summer series on Saturday, July 23rd at 6:30 pm. New Chordtet features Peter McEachern (trombone), Mike DiRubbo (saxophone), Dave Santoro (bass), Tom Melito (drums), Larry Ham (piano), and Dave Ballou (trumpet). The group has found fertile ground in jazz classics by important and under-appreciated composers such as Sonny Clark, Herbie Nichols, Curtis Fuller, Carla Bley, and Roswell Rudd, as well as originals by members of the group. 

The next two performances are the Adam Nussbaum Trio on August 6th and the Kris Jensen Quartet with vocalist Linda Ransom on August 26th. 

About the Torrington Historical Society

The Torrington Historical Society, located at the historic Hotchkiss-Fyler estate, is an active not-for-profit educational organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Torrington's rich and diverse history. The museum operates the Torrington History Museum, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, and the John H. Thompson Library and Archive and also hosts frequent public programs. To learn more about the Society and membership opportunities, please visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org

Make it a Beach Party to Remember! Sheffield Island @ the Beach July 23, 2022 With the Norwalk Seaport Association

Kick-off your sandals, sink your toes in the sand, and grab a cold drink, listen to the music and the sound of the waves because summer 2022 is here. And, what better way to celebrate than with the Norwalk Seaport Association, right on beautiful Calf Pasture Beach in Norwalk. On Saturday, July 23, the Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an in-person seaside celebration, Sheffield Island @ The Beach from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. 

Culinary Delights, Signature Drinks, Music & More! 

The Seaport Association has whipped up a recipe for a night to remember! The festivities include delectable specialties from the land and sea by Ripkas Beach Café’s, Chef Clyde, highly esteemed for his culinary creativity. A highlight of Sheffield Island @ the beach will be a Raw Bar of fresh, local clams and oysters that can be washed down with signature cocktails like the Seaport Swizzle, beer, wine, a selection of soft drinks, and infused water. 

The culinary delights don't stop there! For example, delicacies that may be included on the menu for seafood lovers could be mini crab cakes, fried oysters, conch fritters, and, other delights to name a few. Meat lovers aren’t left out and might enjoy mini Cubano bites, coconut curry chicken sate, mini beef kebobs, and more. Vegetarians can indulge at the cheese, crudités, and tapenade tables as well as at the wood-fired pizza station. Many more tantalizing goodies will be served at this amazing beach party that is not to be missed! 

Friends, Sunsets, & Laughter all for a Good Cause 

A beautiful sunset, seeing friends, S'mores on the beach, fire pits, and music add to the convivial ambiance of this seaside celebration. The tickets @ $125 per person are on sale now and are limited to 125 people. Tickets are available online at seaport.org or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used in the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon. 

About the Seaport Association 

 The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Seaport Association Receives Funding from CT Humanities For Connecticut Summer @ the Museum

The Seaport Association was awarded a grant from CT Humanities for participating in Connecticut Summer at the Museum 2022 initiative. This program invites Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult to visit participating museums free of charge from July 1 through September 5, 2022. Funding for the initiative is provided by the CT General Assembly, with the support of Connecticut Humanities, the Department of Economic and Community Development, and the Office of the Arts, which also receives support from the federal ARPA.

“We are very proud to be among the grant recipients,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. “This infusion of funding will help us achieve our mission of education by introducing children from Connecticut, 18 years old and younger to our historic lighthouse and its maritime history that is such an important part of Connecticut’s cultural heritage. We are looking forward to sharing this experience with families from Connecticut this summer.” A day out on the water and a visit to Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a historic museum provides a special opportunity that can positively impact mental health, demonstrably improve learning outcomes among children and youth, and offer positive activities and outlets in many of the neighborhoods, towns, and cities that we serve. As children and students missed out on more than two years of group and school visits to our institutions as part of hands-on, interactive learning, the CT Summer at the Museum Program gives these children and students a chance to experience our maritime heritage and our historic lighthouse on Sheffield Island in Norwalk. The program, that the Seaport Association is participating in invites Connecticut children ages 18 and under plus one accompanying Connecticut resident adult to visit participating museums free of charge from July 1 through September 5, 2022. The Seaport Association is offering a three hour cruise to Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum as part of this program Tuesday- Sun @ 11 am and 3 pm from July 1 – September 5. Reservations must be made in advance online only. There is a limited number of tickets allocated for each day. To make reservations for a cruise to Sheffield Island Lighthouse Museum click here. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2022-sheffield-island-ferry-cruise-tickets-263021834387?aff=CT Tickets are subject to availability. Special events are excluded. Children will enjoy narrated tour on the way to the island and an hour or so of picnicking on the beach or in the new wooden pavilion, touring the historic lighthouse, looking for shells on the beach, and taking a walk to the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge to view the colorful sea birds sheltered in the marshes and sandy shores of the island. If the day is clear, the New York City skyline can be seen. An added bonus is the telescope installed by the Seaport Association that is free to use and affords fabulous views of the Connecticut coastline. About the Seaport Association The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage. About Connecticut Humanities CT Humanities (CTH) is an independent, nonprofit affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. CTH connects people to the humanities through grants, partnerships, and collaborative programs. CTH projects, administration, and program development are supported by state and federal matching funds, community foundations, and gifts from private sources. Learn more by visiting cthumanities.org. About Connecticut Office of the Arts The Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) is the state agency charged with fostering the health of Connecticut’s creative economy. Part of the state’s Department of Economic and Community Development, the COA is funded by the State of Connecticut as well as the National Endowment for the Arts.

An Ecology Walk Along the Shepaug River

A summer walk along the Shepaug River that runs through Washington is a rewarding experience, especially when guided by IAIS Educator and ecologist, Susan Scherf on Saturday, July 9 at 10 a.m. The cost of this program hosted by the Institute for American Indian Studies on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children, and $5 for members. This hike is perfect for nature lovers and will have them looking at the natural world in a new and exciting way.

The Shepaug River whose Native American name means "rocky waters" has a long history of habitation.  Native Americans have lived overlooking this river for thousands of years. Many stone tools and items such as bone needles and punches, wooden spear shafts, tool handles, and much more have been found in archeological excavations along the banks of the Shepaug.

Rivers are considered the lifeline of ecosystems around the world. On this guided walk participants will learn that Native peoples traditionally recognized that all beings are interconnected. An important life lesson of this walk is to realize that we can learn about our environment by observing wildlife, plants, trees, and flowers. Summer is one of the best times to observe wildlife along the Shepaug from watching a great blue heron hunt to listening to frogs croaking, and feeling the exoskeleton of a crayfish. Walking along this babbling river Susan will discuss animal adaptations and explain what to look and listen for when trying to identify different species in the Eastern Woodland environment.

Participants should wear sturdy hiking or walking shoes, and be prepared to walk about a mile along the river with frequent stops along the way. Participants are encouraged to bring water and extra shoes or sandals to change into down by the river if you plan to get your feet wet. Space on this hike is limited and pre-registration is required. To reserve your space visit http://www.iaismuseum.org to reserve a space through Eventbrite. If you have questions, call 860-868-0518 or email events@iaismuseum.org.

Go on a Mushroom Walk @ Sugar Hill in Salisbury

 Salisbury in the far northwest corner of the Litchfield Hills is a quite bucolic town replete with the White Hart Inn, a New England classic on the village green. Known for its unspoiled natural beauty, Salisbury is the perfect place to go on a mushroom hike. 

On July 9 at 10 a.m. rain or shine, join Dave Patton, who has been foraging and writing about mushrooms for over 30 years, will lead a walk looking for mushrooms on Sugar Hill in the Amesville section of Salisbury.  The program will focus on common and easy-to-identify species that are edible, toxic, and also known to have medicinal properties. 

 Dave will give an introductory talk and show various specimens before leading the group.  He recommends bringing:

• Hiking shoes
• Magnifying glass for better viewing
• Camera or phone for taking photos
• Rain gear or umbrella if weather is wet

The Sugar Hill meeting location is the beginning of an Appalachian Trail access spur at the end of Sugar Hill Road in the Amesville hamlet of Salisbury. Sugar Hill Road is 0.4 miles north of the Amesville/Water Street bridge. Parking is next to the trailhead at the very end of the paved roadway.

This event is sponsored by the Salisbury Land Trust. For more information call 860-435-0566 or email info@salisburyassociation.org.

Norwalk Seaport Association Offers Sunset Cruises July, August, and September

 

Departing from Norwalk Harbor at the Seaport Dock located on 10 North Water Street in Norwalk, guests are in for a picture-perfect experience at sunset with the Norwalk Seaport Association. Imagine relaxing on comfortable seats and watching the stunning scenery of Long Island Sound glide by as you sip on your favorite glass of wine and nibble on the goodies that you have packed to bring aboard the vessel. 

This summer the Association is offering Sunset cruises Wednesday – Sunday from June to September. Sunset cruises depart at 6:30 p.m. and return at 8:30 p.m., just in time for a late-night snack at your favorite restaurant. On a sunset cruise time seems to slow down giving you the opportunity to unwind and toast the end of the day or celebrate the end of a busy week! A special perk of taking a sunset cruise is that it allows you to spend some quality time with whomever you are with. 

The friendly crew welcomes passengers as the Captain tells stories of merchants and sailors that have used this scenic waterway for centuries. Learn how Native Americans introduced oysters to English settlers and how captains of industry used this area to develop trade routes that went as far as the West Indies. The narrative gives a new understanding of Norwalk historically, and also reflects the importance of this scenic harbor today. 

As the vessel travels into Long Island Sound it will give passengers a close-up view of several of Norwalk’s islands and the beautiful homes that are built on them. The cruise also passes three historic lighthouses, Peck’s, Green Ledge, and, the maritime icon of Connecticut, Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Architecturally stunning the Sheffield Island Lighthouse is a perfect example of Victorian stone masonry. Green Ledge and Peck’s are fine examples of sparkplug lighthouses, of which only 33 remain in the United States. The view of these three lighthouses up close as the sun begins to set is magical. 

Guests will travel in safety and comfort with no more than 49 passengers on board the vessel owned by the Seaport Association. Passengers can eat, drink, and be merry on the sunset cruise because alcoholic beverages and snacks are allowed, just don’t forget to bring cups and openers! A sunset cruise is a magical time of day. The sky is filled with various hues of blue, yellow, pink, and orange making it a relaxing experience that is hard to forget. 

Sunset Cruise Schedule & Parking 

The boat leaves from the dock on 10 North Water Street at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday – Sunday evenings, June through September. The Seaport Dock is adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and North Water Streets. Parking is available in the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-9444. Sunset cruises are $33 per person. The boat sails promptly as scheduled so it is best to arrive at the dock 30 minutes before departure to facilitate the boarding process.