July 25, 2008

This Weekend, It’s Family Time!

Summer has officially been here for more than a month, but how much quality time have you spent with your family? If you’re having trouble answering this question, it’s time to get out and experience the wide array of events in Connecticut this weekend that guarantee fun for the whole family. Kick off the weekend at the Sunrise Resort in East Haddam with the Great Connecticut Traditional Jazz Fest, a weekend-long event featuring top bands from around the world. Jump, dance and swing your way to a great weekend with the family, and enjoy resort activities, food and camping and lodging on-site. Head on over to the Town Dock in Stonington on Saturday for Blessing of the Fleet, a two-day festival with a boat parade, lobster bake and dancing on the docks on Saturday. For the family with a competitive streak, the Nutmeg State Games kick off on Saturday in Danbury. The whole family can participate in this multi-sport, Olympic-style festival, open to Connecticut residents ages 8 to 80. On Sunday in East Granby, see a demonstration of Colonial spinning, and put on your game face during qualifying rounds for the fourth annual Skittles Tournament at Spinning More Than a Tale: Colonial Textiles with Lois Viets at Old New-Gate Prison. Finish off the family weekend at the Midsummer Festival in Old Lyme, featuring live music on the banks of the Lieutenant River on Friday and an open market with Connecticut-grown flowers, produce and other foods on Saturday.

More family fun this weekend!

Fish Tales, Tugs & Sales , New London, (860) 444-2489
This nautical-themed event offers a variety of activities for the whole family. Choose from storytelling, balloon sculpting, sailing races, a fishing tournament, live music or a Reading Tent that will feature famous children’s authors. It all happens on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Summer Family Camp-Out, Stamford, (203) 322-1646
Help the kids pitch the tent, and then enjoy a barbecue dinner and all of the activities being offered at the Stamford Museum and Nature Center, including a tour of the farm, star-gazing from the observatory and a planetarium show. Set up camp at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday and stay until 10 a.m. on Sunday.

Antique and Classic Boat Rendezvous, Mystic, (888) 973-2767
The whole family is sure to enjoy seeing pre-1950s wooden sail and motor boats. On Sunday, dozens of these beautifully restored boats will parade down the Mystic River with their costumed crews. The boats set sail on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

EcoFestival (opens in a Word document), Middletown, (860) 346-4390
Being environmentally conscious requires a family effort. Learn how to go “green” at this eco-friendly festival, featuring musicians, circus performers, interactive Shakespeare, local organic produce, artisans, green vendors, crafters and local and national environmental organizations. This event takes place at 4 p.m. from through Sunday at Middlesex Community College.

These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, click on Specials and/or Events.  If you are a Connecticut resident, remember to take advantage of the Staycation Destination program. Choose from more than 300 participating attractions, lodging properties, restaurants and shops offering discounts and special values.

This Weekend in Connecticut
July 25, 2008

BETHLEHEM
July 26-October 25 – Bethlehem Flea Market – Bethlehem Fair Grounds, 384 North Main Street (Route 61), Bethlehem, CT. Time: Saturdays only, 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. Meet over 200 dealers with plenty to offer, including antiques, collectibles, plants, household items, arts and crafts, and more. Admission: Free. Phone: (203) 558-3327

NORWALK
July 24-September 26 – Clambakes at Sheffield Island – Departs from Seaport Dock, Washington and Water Streets, Norwalk, CT. Time: Thursdays at 6 p.m. Enjoy lobster, chicken or beef while taking in the ambiance of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Admission: $55 per person, $75 for a lobster dinner. Phone: (203) 838-9444.

MILFORD
July 25 – Summer Nights by Harbor Lights – Rotary Pavilion, Fowler Field, Milford, CT 06460. Time: 7 p.m. Enjoy the ambiance and all kinds of music, including big band, rock and roll, and country. Admission: Free. Phone: (203) 878-1681.

WINDSOR
July 26 – Ice Cream Social – Oliver Ellsworth Homestead, 778 Palisado Avenue, Windsor, CT. Time: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Celebrate Windsor’s 375th anniversary with a bake sale, farmer’s market, magician, food and house tours. Admission: Free. Phone: (860) 688-8717.

FRANKLIN
July 26 – Farm Tour and Corn Roast – Cushman Farms, Route 87, Franklin, CT. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Walk through the barns and fields, see the rotary milking parlor and enjoy fresh roasted sweet corn. Children also get coloring books. Admission: Free. Phone: (866) 355-COWS.

HARTFORD
July 26 – Opera Al Fresco and Bocce Tournament – Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard, Hartford, CT. Time: Tournament 4 p.m. and Opera at 7:30 p.m. Earlier in the afternoon, take part in the fun of a bocce tournament. After participating in or watching the tournament, enjoy various opera singers in a performance with the 35-piece Hartford Festival Orchestra. Admission: Free. Phone: (860) 713-3131.