Harvest Fun @ Country Fairs in Litchfield Hills

'Tis the season. In Connecticut's rural Litchfield Hills, harvest time means the region's favorite end-of-summer celebrations, old-fashioned country fairs. On weekends from late August to mid-October, these much-loved traditional events will feature farm shenanigans from racing pigs to tractor pull competitions, competition for blue ribbons for prize animals and crops, midway rides, non-stop entertainment and plenty of good food.

All the fairs include judging of prize sheep, cows, pigs and goats, a rare chance for city and suburban youngsters to see fine farm animals close-up. Many of these events have been attracting families for generations. The Goshen Fair has been a tradition for over 107 years, the Bethlehem Fair has been offering up family fun for 94 years the Riverton Fair dates back to 1909, and the granddaddy of them all, the Harwinton Fair, is past its 160th birthday.

Almost every fair offers tractor pulls and lumberjack contests that send chips flying, but each event also has its own unique attractions. Fair-goers in Bethlehem can see wood chopping contests, antique tractor pulls, horse shows and even a Hollerin Contest! 

Goshen’s antique barn is a perennial draw for its demonstrations of handcrafts such as quilting, weaving, and basketry. Special contests at the Goshen Fair include a frozen t-shirt contest, hay bale toss, pie-eating contest, and skillet throw contest! The last major fair of the season, the Harwinton Fair is known for its country store and working blacksmith shop. 

The Riverton Fair, now in its 109 -year has a pie-eating contest and women’s skillet throw, lumberjack competition, rides and several drawings that include a bicycle and a Hitchcock Chair.

Litchfield Hills Country Fair Schedule
Goshen Fair August 31 – Sept. 2, Bethlehem Fair September 6-8, the Harwinton Fair October 4-6, and the Riverton Fair, October 11-13.

LOCKWOOD-MATHEWS MANSION MUSEUM JOINS SMITHSONIAN MAGAZINE’S 15TH ANNUAL MUSEUM DAY

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will open its doors free of charge to all Museum Day ticket holders on Saturday, September 21, 2019, 12-4 p.m. as part of Smithsonian magazine’s 15^th annual Museum Day, a national celebration of boundless curiosity in which participating museums emulate the free admission policy at the Smithsonian Institution’s Washington D.C.-based museums. Museum Day represents a nationwide commitment to access, equity and inclusion. Over 450,000 tickets were downloaded for last year’s event, and Museum Day 2019 is expected to attract more museumgoers than ever before.

This year, Museum Day will celebrate the Smithsonian Year of Music, an institution-wide initiative celebrating the Smithsonian’s vast musical collections and resources through 365 days of music-related programming. Music is not only a reflection of human creativity and innovation, but also a key method of communication and cross-cultural exchange and understanding. The Smithsonian Year of Music crosses disciplines, bringing together music-related resources in art, history, culture, science and education.

“The Board of Trustees and I are thrilled to join Smithsonian Magazine and offer universal access to all Museum Day participants. Visitors will have an opportunity to take a sneak-peek at the Museum’s music box collection and enjoy live music in this inspiring and illuminating National Historic Landmark” said LMMM Executive Director Susan Gilgore.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum will display several 19^th and early 20^th century music boxes and phonographs in the Museum’s Music Room drawn from the Mansion’s permanent collection.  These musical machines, produced regionally as well as in several European countries, will include an Orchestral Cylinder Music Box with bells, miniature drum and wood block ca. 1880; a Graphone Type B ca. 1897; and a Victor Phonograph Type B, the first to use a 78 RPM record, ca. 1904; among others.  Choral music will be performed in the Mansion’s Rotunda by The Serendipity Chorale and The Suffragist Choir of the Unitarian Church of Westport. For a schedule of performances please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com

Visitors will learn that the simpler music boxes, which are precursors of the record player, were mass-produced and available to the general public for $10-$20. Museum Day ticket holders will also be able to view the Museum’s exhibition, From Corsets to Suffrage: Victorian Women Trailblazers sponsored in part by CT Humanities The Museum’s 2019 Season is made possible in part by generous funding from LMMM’s Founding Patrons: The Estate of Mrs. Cynthia Clark Brown and the Museum’s Distinguished Benefactors: City of Norwalk and The Maurice Goodman Foundation. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  For more information on schedules and programs please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799. Museum Day tickets will be available for download at Smithsonian.com/museumday beginning August 15. Visitors who present a Museum Day ticket will gain free entrance for two at participating venues on September 21, 2019. One ticket is permitted per email address. A list of participating museums, which will be continually updated, can be found at Smithsonian.com/museumday/search. For more information, please visit Smithsonian.com/museumday.

New Saturday Night Sunset Cruises Offered by the Seaport Association

While many enjoy the summer and early autumn sunset from the shoreline, there is something very special about seeing the sunset on the water where the horizon seems endless. The Seaport Association has long offered Friday evening cruises, and, new this year, they are also offering sunset cruises on Saturday nights.

The Seaport Association's vessel is roomy and comfortable with plenty of space for passengers to unwind as they glide through the historic Norwalk Harbor and catch glimpses of sea life, birds, and the necklace of islands in Long Island Sound. Passengers are encouraged to BYOB and snacks, making this cruise the perfect way to end the workweek.

The sunset cruise is also ideal for a romantic night out. There is nothing more relaxing - and romantic than watching the sun dip beyond the horizon while gazing at the beautiful Connecticut coastline with a glass of wine or Champagne in hand and the sea breeze in your hair. This on the water excursion is the perfect way to step away from the hustle and bustle you find on land and enjoy a picture-perfect sunset…on the water.

Friday night cruise dates are Friday, August 23 and 30, and September 13 and 20. For Friday night cruise tickets click here.  The Saturday night cruises are offered on August 31, and September 14, 21, and 28.  For Saturday Night tickets click here. The boat departs Norwalk Harbor at 6:30 p.m. for a two-hour cruise. 

Live Birds of Prey @ Institute for American Indian Studies Aug. 24

On August 24 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. the Institute for American Indian Studies located on 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is welcoming staff from the Sharon Audubon Center for a program featuring live birds of prey.

Native American people revere birds of prey for their majestic appearance as well as for their hunting prowess. Native people wear or carry bird of prey feathers to invoke the spirit of these powerful and magnificent predators. Of special interest is the beauty of black and white tail feathers of golden eagles and the wing feathers of hawks and falcons with their beautiful patterns that are reminiscent of arrowheads. Across the United States, Native American culture celebrates these predators in art, jewelry, crafts, beadwork, and basketry.

This joint program hosted by the Institute and the Sharon Audubon strives to increase public understanding of these North American birds of prey and their importance to Native American culture in the Eastern woodlands.  A highlight of this program is that visitors will be able to meet these fascinating creatures up close and watch them being handled by a Sharon Audubon educator.

This special event is included in the price of admission to the Institute of American Indian Studies. Adults are $10, Seniors are $8, and children are $6; members of the Institute are free. For more information visit the website or call 860-309-9215.

THE ANNUAL SALE OF RARE AND UNUSUAL PLANTS RETURNS TO WASHINGTON, CT SEPTEMBER 7-8th

Hollister House Garden invites garden enthusiasts for the annual ‘Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants’ Saturday, September 7^th and Sunday, September 8^th.  Attendees are invited to discover unique plants, tools and garden accessories from thirteen vendors from throughout New England exhibiting at the sale.  Interested plant sale attendees can choose from two options ‘Preview Buying’ on Saturday, September 7^th includes garden admission and cocktail party $65/pp 4-6:30 pm or enjoy the ‘All-Day Plant Sale’ only $10/pp (includes admission to the garden) on Sunday, September 8^th from 9am-3pm.   

The thirteen vendors that will be on premises for the ‘Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants’ include; Broken Arrow Nursery, Cricket Hill Garden, Falls Village Flower Farm, Garden Vision Epimediums, Green Spot, Issima, Meadowbrook Gardens, O’Brien Nurserymen, Oesco, Shakespeare’s Garden, Snug Harbor Farm, Toho Studio, and Young’s at Three Rivers.  New this year, a certified arborist from SavATree will be onsite to share his knowledge and expertise on topics related to keeping your trees, shrubs and lawn beautiful, healthy and safe.  Attendees are encouraged to bring along your landscape questions and concerns. 

The Sale of Rare and Unusual Plants ‘Early Buying and Cocktails in the Garden’ tickets for Saturday, September 7^th are $65 for non-members and $50 for HHG members, available through reservation at https://hollisterhousegarden.org/events/cocktails-and-preview-buying-at-the-sale-of-rare-and-unusual-plants/ /.  Tickets for the ‘All-Day Plant Sale and Garden Admission will be available for $10 purchase at the gate.   Please visit www.hollisterhousegarden.com for more information.  

Hollister House Garden is open to visitors through October 12th. Wednesday and Friday hours are 1-4PM and Saturdays 10-4PM. Private group visits are welcome weekdays by appointment only.  Directions to the garden’s 300 Nettleton Hollow Road location are also available on the website.  Contact:  Pamela Moffett, 860-868-2200 office@hollisterhousegarden.org

Celebrate the Music of Billy Joel with Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot @Norwalk Oyster Festival 2019

Three days of fun, food, and dazzling free entertainment on multiple stages, plus a myriad of special events for families and friends, from nine to ninety marks just some of the activities planned for the 2019 Norwalk Oyster Festival hosted by the Seaport Association on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8, 2019 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. “Our 42^nd annual festival is packed with value-added extras especially when you consider that all the entertainment including the headliners Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot, and Brian Howe, former lead singer of Bad Company are included in the ticket price,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “This season has been one of our best with the addition of a free-standing timber pavilion on Sheffield Island that will host parties and events for years to come. Our mission has always been to preserve and share our maritime heritage, to help with the environment of Long Island Sound, and to have children experience our 151 year-old Lighthouse and Gate Keepers Cottage and, this festival helps us do just that,” adds Reilly. For tickets click here https://www.seaport.org.

Headliner of Oyster Festival, Sept. 7 – Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot @ 8:30 pm

The late summer tradition of the Norwalk Oyster Festival is one of Connecticut’s most iconic festivals which is why Mike DelGuidice, a multi-instrumentalist, and vocalist touring internationally with Billy Joel is taking a night off from his touring schedule to perform with his band, Big Shot on Sept. 7 at 8:30 pm. In addition to producing two of his own albums, one of DelGuidice’s original songs, “Ordinary Guy” was the theme song for actor/comedian Kevin James sitcom, “Kevin Can Wait.” Kevin James also stars in DelGuidice’s new music video featuring his new original song, Mona Lisa, https://youtu.be/TvOZNVW_nsc.

DelGuidice has spent the last 18 years building and perfecting his encyclopedic knowledge of Joel’s musical catalogue. After Billy Joel heard Mike sing, he hired him, literally on the spot to be in his band. Mike is probably one of the few artists around where the front guy of the band is actually in the band of the artist his band covers. DelGuidice’s band, Big Shot includes other current long-time members of Billy Joel’s touring band including guitarist Tommy Byrnes and drummer Chuck Burgi, along with John Scarpulla, Carmine Giglio, and Nick Dimichino, who also have impressive resumes.

DelGuidice and Big Shot packs hit after chart topping hit in an amazingly high-energy show that leaves audiences wanting more. “We are thrilled that DelGuidice is taking a night off from touring with Billy Joel and performing at this years’ Oyster Festival. DelGuidice stature as a well -known worldwide performer makes his band highly sought after because they are such crowd-pleasers. After all, DelGuidice was handpicked by Billy Joel himself and hired, and on Saturday night he will be rocking the Oyster Fest. We would also, once again, like to acknowledge that First County Bank is our presenting sponsor for the ninth year in a row.” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Main Stage Performance – Sept. 7 @ 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. Growing up in a musical household has its advantages. One super advantage is that Shillo grew up in a home with a recording studio where a variety of musicians had sessions. Needless to say, Shillo has been enthralled by music since a very early age and his performances show a depth of style and experience well beyond his years. Shillo finds inspiration in 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 that had songs on the Billboard charts. Recently Shillo released his first CD, “Had It All, ” that shows his sound is matched by his excellent songwriting skills.

Main Stage Performances Sept. 6, 7 and 8

Music on the Main Stage is scheduled for all three days and features a variety of crowd-pleasing musical entertainment. “The Oyster Festival is the last big thing that takes place before the end of the summer. This is the perfect time for folks to come to the Festival and say goodbye to the summer of 2019; and to help us celebrate 151 years of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse,” says Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Oyster Festival.

Main Stage –Tim Curries Tumblin’Dice Band Sept. 6 @ 6:30 pm

On Friday, Sept. 6 the first night of the festival, Norwalk’s own Tim Curries will entertain audiences at 6:30 p.m. Get ready to rock out to the 1960s with songs by some of the best artists of the decade. The range of music played is amazing from Carol King and Guess Who to Lovin’ Spoonful, Grass Roots and many more. The music of the 1960s is contagious and will have you tapping your feet and, dancing as the sunsets! Tim is the drummer and is surrounded by some of the best musicians in the area that will bring you back to the summer of love.

Main Stage – Sacred Fire – Sept. 6 @ 8:30 p.m.

You are in for a treat if you like Latin music, because the headliner act, Sacred Fire is taking the Main Stage on Sept. 6 @ 8:30 p.m. They are a fantastic tribute band to Santana with an amazing repertoire. The robust energy of this band’s live performances makes Sacred Fire a band to be reckoned with! Sacred Fire is blistering six-piece Latin rock band considered by many to be one of the hottest, hippest live shows that perform the songs spanning the entire 50-year career of Carlos Santana. Sacred Fire brings a sound that sizzles with guitar, organ, percussion, and vocals.

Main Stage – Ripchord – September 7 @ 2 p.m.

Saturday afternoon kicks off with a Connecticut favorite, Ripchord, the Official Band of the Connecticut National Guard. The 102 Army Band plays a variety of music from classical and jazz to rock and patriotic; sure to please listeners of all ages. As goodwill Ambassadors of Connecticut and the nation, they perform at concerts, ceremonies, and parades all over the U.S. and around the world. 

Main Stage – Virginia Military Institute Commanders – Sept. 8 @ 1 p.m.

Get ready to swing into Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. with the Commanders that will perform music from the Big Band Era and beyond. Listening to the music of Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, Duke Ellington, and Glen Miller you will be doing the Lindy Hop, (named after Charles Lindberg’s Trans-Atlantic flight) before you know it! The VMI Commanders have a long and distinguished history. They were first formed in 1917 as the Ramblin Keydets and have provided music for dances and social events since that time. The big band, is styled after Glenn Miller’s Band from the 1940s swing era and consists of 17 cadets at the “I” and a vocalist. Today this band travels all over the world performing at a variety of venues. The cadets in the band are from all majors and branches of the Military ROTC Department at the Virginia Military Institute.

Main Stage Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band, Sept. 8 @ 2 pm

Great ready to escape to “Margaritaville” at the Oyster Festival on Sunday, September 8, beginning at 2 p.m. when the ultimate beach party tribute band, Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band plugs in and lights up the stage...after all, it is almost 5 o’clock somewhere! The goodtime vibe of the Jimmy Kenny Band will put you in an endless summer state of mind. So put on your best “Parrothead” gear - your favorite Hawaiian shirt, straw hat, and flip-flops, grab some food and drinks from one of our nearby vendors and get ready to sing and dance along to some of the best of Jimmy Buffett, Kenny Chesney and the Zac Brown Band plus a variety of country favorites, summer pop, reggae and tropical classics. 

Main Stage – Bad Company former Lead Singer – Brian Howe @ 5 p.m.

Brian Howe, former Lead Singer of Bad Company will close out the 42^nd Norwalk Oyster Festival with style, exuberance, and a blast from the past of some of our favorite songs ever. Howe has one of rock’s most legendary voices and as he croons hit after hit he will have you dancing as the sun goes down. Howe fronted Bad Company between 1986 and 1994 and provided hit vocals on hit albums including Dangerous Age (1988) and Holy Water (1990). Today he is performing all the Bad Company hits like  “Feel Like Makin Love,” “Good Lovin’ Gone Bad,” “Can’t Get Enough,” and other hits. Howe has pursued his solo career with passion and enthusiasm, and he always ignites and entertains the crowds that he performs for.

Multiple Stage Performances Sept. 6,7,8

In addition to Main Stage performances, the 2019 Oyster Festival features dozens of local and regional acts on multiples stages. For a complete list of multiple stage performers check out our website https://seaport.org/Entertainment.

About the Oyster Festival

Proceeds go to The Norwalk Seaport Association (a not-for-profit 501 C3 organization) that is wholly responsible for organizing and financing the annual Oyster Festival. Funds raised from the Oyster Festival allow the Seaport Association to continue its educational programs, stewardship for the 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Norwalk Islands, habitat restoration projects with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, and other services.  The First County Bank has been a presenting sponsor for eight years.