Celebrate A Three-Day Extravaganza of Fun, Food, and Music 46th Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival Set for September 6, 7, 8

 The 46^th Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk is all about bringing together world-class entertainers and having family fun, at the last great event of the summer. Two stages, the Main Stage sponsored by Optimum and the Entertainment Tent sponsored by Abbey Tent, food from around the world, craft beer and thirst quenching drinks, shopping, arts and crafts, and Kids Cove, an exciting children’s area is included with paid admission to the festival is what this three-day festival is all about.

“First County Bank is thrilled to continue our support of the 46^th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival,” said Robert Granata, Chairman, and CEO of First County Bank. “We look forward to this weekend celebration every year, a popular event that always generates a large turnout of Fairfield County residents and beyond. “

 This is a special year for the Seaport Association, as they are celebrating their 46^th year as an organization, and the 156^th anniversary of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime icon. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival, the Seaport Association’s largest fundraiser helps us in our mission of education, preservation, and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Come join us for three days of fun, music, arts and crafts, and food at Veterans Park, a beautiful venue on the water in Norwalk, Connecticut,” said Mike Reilly, Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival and President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival’s volunteers, sponsors, members, and vendors are what keeps the Seaport Association viable and thriving year after year,” Reilly stated. 

For the Whole Family

There are so many family-friendly events offered at the Norwalk Oyster Festival that will keep parents and kids entertained for hours. There is always a spellbinding line-up of shows that deliver an incredible range of experiences. Best of all, these events are not only included with the price of the ticket, but they also take place throughout the day at various locations so attendees never miss a performance, or can see their favorite act as many times as they like! On Sunday, kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. A $35 unlimited ride wristband is being offered on Saturday and Sunday which is good from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

New This Year

XPOGO Show

See Pogo like never before! This classic toy has been turned into a high-tech big air machine jettisoning professional stuntmen high into the air! This year, the Xpogo Stunt Team, composed of Championship Pro Athletes will make its debut at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and are sure to amaze the crowd with their high-flying acrobatic performance. The Xpogo Stunt Team is the most talented and experienced extreme pogo performance team in the world. Be prepared to have your minds blown by their stunning tricks off of obstacles, crowd-pleasing flips, and the high jump where these athletes jump more than ten feet into thin air! Xpogo will leave you breathless until their final flip! Get a close-up view of this extreme sport that has taken the world by storm. They have performed in 25-plus countries and appeared on ABC, NBC, CNN, and America’s Got Talent. They also have the unique honor of holding 14 Guinness World Records.

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 is part of  ESPN’s Greatest Half-Time Acts and has been seen on the FOX game show, Game of Talents, the Today Show, Friends, and many others!

 

Entertainment Line-Up Optimum Main Stage

We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank, and Optimum our Main Stage sponsor.

 

Friday, September 6

 

Funky Dawgs  - 7 p.m. - Funky Dawgz kicks off the evening on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. on the Optimum Main Stage with an exuberant performance that combines a contagious upbeat mix of original music, hip-hop, funk, and today’s top hits played with a brass twist.

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes – 8:30 p.m.  - Dubbed, “the Godfather of New Jersey Sound,” Southside Johnny has been bringing “the party” to stages around the world for close to 50 years. On Friday at 8:30 p.m., he is bringing his powerful sound, gritty vocals, charismatic personality, and quirky sense of humor to the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Fans are likely to hear some of the band’s best-known songs like “I Don’t Want to Go Home”, “Havin a Party”, and “The Fever,” along with some new music from the highly acclaimed Soultime album and Live from E Street.

 

Saturday, September 7

BADBOY – 1 p.m. - Saturday’s music on the Optimum Main Stage starts when BADBOY takes the stage at 1 p.m. They are rocking music from every decade and genre from 80s classics to top forty hits to country music and more. Their performance gets the afternoon off to an exciting start as attendees immerse themselves in the irresistible spirit of their sound.

JD Leonard @ 7 p.m. - A long-established “go-to” singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard, who hails from Tennessee, is opening for Mike DelGuidice on Saturday at 7 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler (“Love is the Knife”) and placed a number of songs in over a dozen films. Tonight get ready to celebrate the music of JD Leonard, his “Just Drive Show” and much more. His performance highlights the best of modern country music that is timeless.

Mike DelGuidice @ 8:30 p.m. - “The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to be welcoming back renowned vocalist, singer /songwriter, and recording artist, Mike DelGuidice,” said Mike Reilly. “Currently DelGuidice tours the world with Billy Joel including performances every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City and we are happy that he will be here at the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 p.m.,” Reilly continued. “This will be an unforgettable evening with Mike DelGuidice and his band, performing a show of astonishing renditions of some of the biggest names in Classic Rock and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more,” Reilly concluded.

Sunday, September 8

 

Drew Angus – 2:00 p.m. - The fun continues on Sunday afternoon with the soulful voice and riveting performance of Connecticut’s own, Drew Angus, who has shared the stage with Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Andrea Bocelli, and many others. Oyster Fest attendees are in for a musical treat, as this rising star performs a combination of his music and covers by other artists that is polished, free-spirited, upbeat, and irresistible.

Let’s Sing Taylor @ 4 p.m. - The final musical event of the festival is calling all Taylor Swift fans to head to the Optimum Main Stage at 4 p.m. for a riveting live band experience celebrating the music of Taylor Swift. This has been hailed as the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift that has taken the country by storm! This show exudes feel-good energy! So put on your Taylor Swift-inspired clothes and get ready to sing along with the band. It may not be the real thing, but it is packed with all the fun that comes with a Swift concert.

 

Entertainment Tent

Once again this year Abbey Tent is sponsoring our Entertainment Tent that will be jamming with some of the area's most entertaining local bands that will keep the party going all day and night. Enjoy music from nearly every genre of music performed from country to good old rock n' roll.

For the Foodies

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is a gastronomic extravaganza! Foodies rejoice at the fest’s unique offerings from Mexico, Columbia, Greece, Jamaica, and Italy. Not to be forgotten are the “gifts of the sea,” that New Englanders have celebrated for a good long time - lobsters, clam chowda, and oysters, of course! Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, an afternoon or evening snack, you’ll find it here. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from soft and exotic fruit drinks, to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers.

Go On A Treasure Hunt

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where 80+ fine artists and crafters 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. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, and Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items celebrating the island and lighthouse.

 

 

Where - The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

 

Admission- Adults $15, Seniors  $10 (65+), Children 5 - 12 $8, (Free on Sunday with paid adult), and Children under 5 are free. To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org Credit cards are accepted at the gate. Three ATMs on the festival grounds.

 

Ride Wrist Bands- Ride wristbands are available Saturday and Sunday for $35 for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Hours- Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Parking & Shuttles

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:

9/6 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m.

9/7 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

9/8 - 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 Garages. All are within walking distance of the festival.

 

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 13 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 $2 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces Award 2020-2023. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

 

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

Learning to Manage Forests to Meet Today’s Needs - The Woodland Academy at Great Mountain Forest Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village

People who own and manage woodlands play a vital role in our region because a healthy forest delivers essential benefits for our climate, wildlife, and communities, including recreational and economic opportunities. 

To spread the art and science of making sound forest management decisions, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) is launching a Woodland Academy for people who steward forested land on three Saturdays, Aug. 3, Aug. 17, and Sept. 14. GMF is one of Connecticut’s leaders in sustainable forest management, located on 6,000 acres in Norfolk and Canaan. These first Woodland Academy workshops will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Yale Forestry Camp located in the heart of this independent non-profit’s vast forest. 

One of the goals of the Woodland Academy is to assist both experienced and new stewards of the land to develop, reevaluate, or enhance their forest management plan to keep their land productive and healthy, now and into the future. 

While this program is best suited to landowners and forest managers, such as land trust stewards, GMF welcomes all who love the woods including foresters, environmental advocates, engaged citizens, educators, and students. This workshop’s modules will help participants navigate the evolving woodland landscape they manage amid the challenges of sustainability, invasive pests, and climate change. 

The curriculum was created and will be delivered by the foresters at Great Mountain Forest and collaborators from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and Sharon Audubon. The Woodland Academy is inspired by the Coverts Project previously led by UConn Extension, the Connecticut Forest and Park Association, and CT DEEP. The three modules will cover the ecological underpinnings of land management, how to assess habitat viability for wildlife, show participants how to identify and interpret woody plant species, and review the public management resources and tools of the trade available to manage one’s forest. 

 “We believe that forest management strategies should be flexible and adaptable over time, meeting the needs of each unique forest, landowner, and community. This workshop will help forest stewards to make the informed decisions needed to achieve their goals” said Michael Zarfos, Ph.D., and Executive Director, Great Mountain Forest. 

Pre-registration for each workshop is required. Each seminar is $75 and includes time in the classroom as well as in the field, and lunch. Sign up via the GMF events page: https://greatmountainforest.org/events/ 

About Great Mountain Forest Great Mountain Forest 

(GMF) is a leader in forest stewardship. For more than a century, we have been demonstrating how sustainable management can protect biodiversity and support ecosystems. By serving as a hub for education and research, we are spreading the benefits of sustainable management so that communities across New England derive educational, economic, recreational, and health benefits from their forests—now and well into the future. GMF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit encompassing 6,200 acres of contiguous forestland in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village Connecticut.

Swashbuckling Adventure Pirates Weekend Cruises to Norwalk’s Sheffield Island July 27 and July 28

It will be yo, ho, ho, and a barrel of fun on Sheffield Island at the annual Pirates Weekend and Cruise. Scallywags of all ages can step into a world of pirates and roguish fun on Saturday, July 27, and, Sunday, July 28 when purchasing a ferry ride ticket to Sheffield Island for the Pirates Weekend hosted by the Seaport Association in Norwalk and back once again by popular demand. 

Swashbuckling rogues, dastardly villains, infamous she-pirates, and wicked wenches will find their sea legs and hop aboard the C.J. Toth Ferry for a cruise to Sheffield Island. Arriving on the Island, kids will be entertained by nationally known pirate re-enactors, the Bawdy Buccaneers. They will hunt for treasure on the beach, play games, sing sea chanteys, watch swordplay, and listen to tall tales of thrills and danger from visiting pirates. Who knows what secrets they will reveal? 

This is the weekend to experience the freedom of a pirate’s life, and to learn about their lore and history! The pirates that invade Sheffield Island every summer are different. They enjoy taking a break from their adventures on the seven seas and come to Sheffield Island to have a boatload of fun with those lucky scallywags visiting during the Pirates Weekend. 

All pirate fun and games are free with the purchase of a ferry ticket. The ferry departs the dock at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. on both days, Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28. It is best to arrive 30 minutes before the boat departs the new dock located at 70 Water Street in Norwalk. Parking is available at the Maritime Garage. For tickets http://www.seaport.org 

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 Norwalk 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, which strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for our environment and how the preservation of historic buildings and nature contributes to our quality of life. We believe that preservation strengthens the perpetual partnership between the past, the present, and the future. 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.

Entertainment Line-Up for 46th Norwalk Oyster Festival Something for Everyone - September 6-8, 2024

The Norwalk Seaport Association has announced the music entertainment line-up for the 46th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival taking place on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. Tickets are on sale online now @ http://www.seaport.org and will be available at the gate during the event. 

What makes the Norwalk Oyster Festival special is that it brings music lovers together for three days of fun. “This is the last big event of the summer that is put together to support the continuing restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. We have a variety of top entertainment that will please all age groups,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “It’s a great family-fun event that won’t break the bank because all the entertainment is included with the price of the ticket. We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank, and Optimum for our Main Stage sponsor,” Reilly concluded. 

 Entertainment Line-Up Optimum Main Stage

Friday, September 6 Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes 

Southside Johnny, who has been dubbed, “the Godfather of New Jersey Sound,” has been bringing “the party” to stages around the world for close to 50 years. On Friday night at 8:30 p.m., he is bringing his powerful sound, gritty vocals, charismatic personality, and quirky sense of humor to the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Fans are likely to hear some of the band’s best-known songs like “I Don’t Want to Go Home”, “Havin a Party”, and “The Fever,” along with some new music from the highly acclaimed Soultime album and Live from E Street. Tinged with exuberant rhythm and blues, the high-energy performance of these Jersey rockers encompasses a legendary horn section along with the driving sound of rock, soul, and R&B, that always gets the audience up, and moving. The band has released more than 30 albums, with Hearts of Stone named as one of the “top 100 albums of the 70s and 80s,” by Rolling Stone. Southside Johnny is an incredibly talented frontman who is backed by a band of extremely talented musicians that are bursting with energy and enthusiasm making the band’s camaraderie entertaining to watch. 

Saturday, September 7 JD Leonard @ 7 p.m. 

A long-established “go-to” singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard, who hails from Tennessee, is opening for Mike DelGuidice on Saturday at 7 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler (“Love is the Knife”) and placed several songs in over a dozen films. Tonight get ready to celebrate the music of JD Leonard, his “Just Drive Show” and much more. His newly released album, “Just Drive,” made with Nashville legend, David Huff and recorded at Blackbird Studios has been highly acclaimed for its modern country vibe that is uniquely today. JD entertains with lush melodies, poignant lyrics, chart-topping hits, and storytelling that keep fans mesmerized. Backed by top-notch musicians his high-energy performance highlights the best of modern country music that is timeless.

Mike DelGuidice @ 8:30 p.m.

 “The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to be welcoming back renowned vocalist, singer /songwriter, and recording artist, Mike DelGuidice,” said Mike Reilly. “Currently DelGuidice tours the world with Billy Joel including performances every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City and we are happy that he will be here at the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 p.m.,” Reilly continued. “This will be an unforgettable evening with Mike DelGuidice and his band, performing a show of astonishing renditions of some of the biggest names in Classic Rock and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more,” Reilly concluded. 

DelGuidice has been wowing audiences around the world with his powerful vocals, showcasing his talent, eclectic songwriting, friendly, and engaging stage presence, and has built a national following as a full-time touring member of Billy Joel's Band. If you've been to a Billy Joel concert in the past 11 years, then you've seen Billy Joel spotlight Mike's powerful vocals and talent. While on tour with Billy Joel, DelGiudice has shared the stage with Bruce Springsteen, Sting, Bryan Adams, Tony Bennett, Paul Simon, John Mayer, John Mellencamp, and Adam Levine, to name a few. Mike has appeared on CNN, The NBC Today Show, and the CBS This Morning Show, and has been written up in Rolling Stone Magazine, and The New York Times among others. At present, while touring with Billy Joel, Mike is releasing new music including three albums, "My Street," "Miller Place” and most recently "Mask Production,” while working on his fourth. Mike also scored the Theme song to Actor/Comedian Kevin James' Sitcom 'Kevin Can Wait’ with his original song “Ordinary Guy” with Kevin featured in Mike's original song video "Mona Lisa.” 

 Sunday, September 8 

Drew Angus – 2:30 p.m. 

The fun continues on Sunday afternoon with the soulful voice and riveting performance of Connecticut’s own, Drew Angus, who has shared the stage with Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Andrea Bocelli, and many others. He has appeared on SNL with Jimmy Fallon, Jennifer Lopez has called him, “A real talent,” and in 2023, Elton John shared one of his recordings with millions of followers. Oyster Fest attendees are in for a musical treat, as this rising star performs a combination of his music and covers by other artists that is polished, free-spirited, upbeat, and irresistible. Fans describe his shows as flawlessly blending Americana sounds and Rock n’ Roll with a dash of Funk and Retro-Soul that overflows with stirring vocals and heartfelt lyrics that are captivating and timeless. 

photo credit Kari Meiers

Let’s Sing Taylor @ 4 p.m. 

Calling all Taylor Swift fans to the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Sunday at 4 p.m. for this riveting live band experience celebrating the music of Taylor Swift. This has been hailed as the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift that has taken the country by storm! All “Swifties” should get ready to dance and sing their hearts out to some of the most famous songs of this music icon’s catalog. Led by a look-alike Taylor, Emily’s pitch-perfect voice, charismatic stage presence, sequined costumes, flashy jewelry, and exuberant dancers make this show amazing. This show exudes feel-good energy! So put on your Taylor Swift-inspired clothes and get ready to sing along with the band. 

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival

Now in its 46th 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, a wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

Bark Rattle Workshop at Institute for American Indian Studies

In Native American communities bark rattles are used in a number of traditional ceremonies, dances, and spiritual gatherings. For dancers, they help maintain the beat of the music by complimenting drums. On Saturday, June 22, at 10 a.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies is holding a Bark Rattle Workshop with Richard Chrisjohn (Oneida). An advocate for Indigenous sovereignty and the preservation of traditional teachings, Chrisjohn is a fourth-generation woodcarver who lives on the St. Regis Mohawk Reservation, Akwesasne, in Hogansburg, New York. This hands-on workshop will give participants a better understanding of the Iroquois culture and their traditional approach to our environment.

The highlight of this workshop is to make an elm bark rattle whose shape is dictated by the bark being used or a bark rattle necklace. Rattles and necklaces are made using the inner bark of the American elm tree. The inner portion of the rattle will be filled with small objects that create a rattling sound when shaken. During this workshop, participants will also learn about the history and culture of the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, as well as the traditional uses of various trees and natural materials.

This is an outdoor program so participants should dress accordingly. If there is heavy rain or high temperatures, the program will move inside the Institute. 

Space is limited and pre-registration is requested. Please visit our website to register online at http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call (860) 868 0518. The price of participation, including materials is $30 for non-members and $20 for members. 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Strawberry Moon Volunteer Day Algonkian Village @ Institute for American Indian Studies

By filling critical roles, volunteers are an integral part of the operation of many museums nationwide. It is fulfilling to work together toward a common goal. Being a volunteer offers the chance for people to give back, become engaged, learn new skills, and connect with like-minded members of the region. If you are looking to get involved, head to the Institute for American Indian Studies on Saturday, June 15 from 10 a.m. to noon, or from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to participate in the first Algonkian Village Maintenance Day with the staff of the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington, Connecticut.

As a volunteer for this event, you will gain a greater appreciation for the traditional lifeways of local Native American communities while supporting an award-winning non-profit institution. This special day is a hands-on outdoor program that will take place in the authentically Replicated Algonkian Village on the grounds of the Institute. The Village consists of several traditional dome-shaped structures known as wigwams that are made from bark, saplings, and reeds, as well as drying racks, a Three Sisters Garden, and more to show how indigenous people lived in the Eastern Woodlands for thousands of years. The Village is an important component of the Institute’s educational programs that requires ongoing maintenance. A highlight of this program is to learn about the traditional tools and techniques used by Native American communities to maintain their village; and to try your hand at them. Since this program requires physical work, an adult should accompany all minors. Participants should dress for the weather, wear appropriate shoes, and bring along a set of gloves. Although strawberry-themed light refreshments will be offered, it is suggested that you bring water and lunch, especially if you are staying for both time slots.

This is a free event, but pre-registration is requested. To register online visit http://www.iaismuseum.org, email events@iaismuseum.org, or call 860-868-0518. About The Institute for American Indian Studies Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

 

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor. 

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association. 

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them - so make sure you come hungry! It's fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn't stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and a scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders. 

A highlight of the event is its location -- right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are "planted" on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause! 

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets click here if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444. 

About the Norwalk 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.

The Power of Storytelling Darlene Kasack, Schaghticoke Tribal Nation Wins Prestigious Spencer Shaw Award

 In the age of our impersonal, worldwide, sprawling electronic communication networks, telling and listening to stories, in person, remains a powerful communication tool that is intrinsic to humanity. Telling stories, especially those that are passed down through generations is one of the best ways to build connections and relationships with one another and, with the world around us.

Photo L.E. Agnelli

Award-winning Storyteller, Darlene Kascak, of the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation understands and cherishes the importance of telling stories as a way to keep knowledge and traditions alive. “As a storyteller in Native communities, I bear a profound responsibility. I am entrusted with the task of preserving, protecting, and passing down oral stories that are hundreds, if not thousands, of years old. This role is not just a duty, but also a deep-rooted passion that I hold dear. I am driven by the urgency to keep this tradition alive so that future generations can experience the beauty of learning through storytelling. It is a commitment that I take very seriously.” 

In April, Kascak won the prestigious Spencer Shaw Award for Nurturing Education through Professional Storytelling & Storytellers in Connecticut Classrooms & Afterschool Programs for Connecticut Children, from the Connecticut Storytelling Center. This award, named after a famous storyteller, is given to one person annually for their exceptional contributions to storytelling and education. For Kascak, an educator at the Institute for American Indian Studies winning the award was a humbling and gratifying experience because it stands as a testament to the profound significance and value of storytelling in our society. “I am deeply connected to the Connecticut Storytelling Center, not just as a recipient of this prestigious award but also as a member who actively contributes to the organization's mission of promoting storytelling and cultural exchange. I encourage people to learn the history and stories of their own cultures and share them with their families. It helps them to understand who they are and where they came from, instilling a sense of pride in their ancestors.”

 

Kasack’s role as an educator at the Institute for American Indian Studies allows her to educate thousands of children about the history of Connecticut’s Indigenous Peoples through their student field trips and outreach programs. Telling the stories not only keeps them alive, they also imparts valuable life lessons to the next generation. “I enjoy telling children’s stories the most because of the lessons they contain within them. “ How Rabbit Got His Long Long Ears,” teaches children how to be kind to those who are different from them. “The Maker of All Things” teaches the consequences of being selfish and demanding and how that affects others. “Why Canines Sniff Each Other’s Tails” and “Turtle Learns to Fly,” teach that everyone is unique and different; we have something special that we are supposed to share with the world. For that gift to come out, we need to be true to ourselves and not try to act like someone we are not. These stories, with their universal themes and engaging narratives, are not just entertaining but also serve as powerful tools for character development and moral education. “

Photo L.E. Agnelli

Inspired as a child by her mother’s cousin, Trudie Lamb Richmond, Kascak learned about the beauty of her culture and how to act respectfully with the world. “I heard the stories of the survival of my ancestors who endured rough times and still held onto their beliefs. I watched as she stood up for our people by fighting for causes important to us. I am proud of her work, which included advocating for the inclusion of our history in the Connecticut Education Curriculum. These stories and experiences helped to shape who I am today—a strong, compassionate, and proud Schaghticoke woman.”

 

About The Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16^th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, in Washington, Connecticut.

Visit Two Historic Lighthouses in Norwalk June 8 and July 13 Sheffield Island Lighthouse and Greens Ledge

 The Norwalk Seaport Association and the Greens Ledge Light Preservation Society have teamed up to offer a five-hour exclusive cruise that includes an hour-and-a-half stop at both Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the recently opened Greens Ledge Lighthouse on Saturday, June 8, and July 13. The boat will depart the Seaport's new dock at 70 Water Street at 10 a.m. and return at 3 p.m. This tour is open to the public and offers the rare opportunity to visit two architecturally unique lighthouses that have guided ships with welcoming beacons through Norwalk Harbor for hundreds of years. Tickets are available online at http://www.seaport.org.

Sheffield Island

This fascinating cruise begins as the Seaport's vessel wends its way through Norwalk Harbor passing a necklace of habited and uninhabited islands, to its first stop, Greens Ledge Lighthouse. This recently refurbished Spark Plug Lighthouse sits on a reef named after Pirate Green, who sailed with the infamous Captain Kidd. Local legend has it that Pirate Green was tied in chains to Greens Ledge as a warning to deter the dastardly deeds of marauding buccaneers. 

Greens Ledge

Greens Ledge, on the National Register, is only one of 33 remaining spark plug lighthouses in existence in the United States. Named sparkplug because of their unique shape and water-tight structure made of metal, Greens Ledge construction was completed in 1902, for $60,000 ($2.5 million in 2024 dollars) to help mariners through the rocky shoals at the west entrance of Norwalk Harbor. Today its 90-foot tower remains an active aid to navigation with its automated light and foghorn maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard. This lighthouse, whose Rip Rap was added from the Radio City Music Hall and Rockefeller Center excavation in 1932 is thought to be the inspiration for the legendary “Green Light” in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel, The Great Gatsby. It was occupied by lightkeepers for 70 years and is owned by a non-profit that restored it for 2.5 million in 2023.

Visitors on this cruise will be able to tour both the inside of the Lighthouse as well as the outside pad and lower decks. The indoor tour includes the Trombos Research Center, the Pettee Family Gallery, the Bunkroom, Kleeman Keeper Quarters, the Maclean Watch Room, DeChellis Lookout, and the Beacon Room with its automated light. Afterward, passengers can relax at the picnic tables and in Adirondack chairs located on the deck. 

Located at the southern end of the outer harbor, Sheffield Island Lighthouse, on the National Register, is the final stop on this maritime excursion. Constructed in the Victorian style in 1868 of limestone masonry, Sheffield is a classic lighthouse replete with a distinctive metal octagonal light tower in the gable that offers views of the Manhattan skyline. 

This lighthouse has a fascinating history of industrious lighthouse keepers before being decommissioned in 1902 by the opening of Greens Ledge. After it closed, the island became a haven for rumrunners during prohibition, a sanctuary for mothers and children during the cholera epidemic, and the location for a country club, before the Norwalk Seaport Association saved it in 1978. Visitors can climb the tower that affords splendid views and tour the many rooms of the lighthouse that are being reinterpreted to the way lightkeepers would have lived here in the 19th century. Afterward, there will be enough time to picnic in the wooden pavilion, walk along the beach, use the telescope, and explore the adjacent Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, a birding hot spot.

It is suggested that you pack a picnic lunch and beverages for this excursion in coolers or carry-ons that can fit beneath the seats of the vessel (18-20 inches). It is best to arrive at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure. If the trip is canceled due to weather conditions, you will be notified by email. For safety reasons, wear closed-toe shoes and pack plenty of sunscreen, and don't forget to bring your sense of fun and adventure to this extraordinary experience.