May 16, 2008

A Fun Mix of Events and Activities this Weekend!

With so many different types of fun activities to discover this weekend, there’s only one way to describe them all in one word – exciting! Adults can kick off the fun early this week at the 8th Spring Food Stroll on Wednesday evening. Stroll the Waterfront District in New London to sample delectable treats, gourmet dishes and house specialties from more than 50 restaurants and specialty shops. If you’re still hungry and thirsty for more, head to Hopkins Vineyard in New Preston for the 30th Barrel Tasting on Saturday and Sunday. Take in the beautiful surroundings, enjoy wine tastings and seminars, artisan cheese sampling, live music and an art show, and bring home your complimentary wine glass to remember the day. If art is what you crave, you’re in luck. Wallingford is hosting Artfest at the parade grounds and on South Main Street. The festival features a juried art and craft show for all to view on Saturday and Sunday. Also going on Saturday and Sunday is the 31st Antique Engine & Tractor Show at Four Town Fairgrounds in Somers. Watch a tractor parade (held daily), and explore many working displays of operational antique engines, tractors and machinery that were used on the farm. On Sunday, the Stamford Museum & Nature Center in Stamford will hold Spring on the Farm. This outdoor events guarantees a fun time for all ages, featuring sheep sheering, a plant sale, hayrides around the blossoming grounds, face painting, pony rides and many more activities.

More ways to mix things up!

“Hairspray” , New Haven (800) 228-6622
Can a big girl with big dreams – and even bigger hair – change the world and still have time to win the boy she loves? Find out at this mega-hit, piled bouffant-high with laughter and romance. This show will run at the Shubert Theater Friday at 8 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m.

CAFA 7th Annual Open House, East Hartford 860-525-8338
The Connecticut Association for Aviculture, Inc. welcomes bird enthusiasts of all ages to learn about ownership and care of parrots and other pet feathered companions. Refreshments and fundraiser tickets will be sold. Join the festivities at the Veterans Memorial Clubhouse on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

2nd Annual Jibboom Club Parade , New London (860) 443-1209
Celebrate National Maritime Day in an exciting parade recognizing New London’s maritime heritage. The parade begins at 11 a.m. on Saturday and follows State Street from Waterfront Park to City Hall.

Bear Awareness Weekend, Bridgeport (203) 394-6565
Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo welcomes all to learn about bears in a weekend full of featured talks and crafts. This special event runs from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

Spring Concert , Newtown (203) 743-0473
The Connecticut Master Chorale, conducted by Tina Johns Heidrich, invites its audiences to sit back, relax and enjoy the muscial sounds of springtime. The concert will take place on Satuday at 8 p.m. at St. Rose of Lima Church.

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.

This Weekend in Connecticut
May 16, 2008

STAMFORD
May 16 - “The Musical Adventures of Flat Stanley” - Palace Theatre, 61 Atlantic Street, Stamford, CT. Time: 7 p.m. Watch as your favorite book comes to life on stage, as Stanley sings and dances his way to being...well...not so flat. Admission: $18. Phone: (203) 325-4466

TORRINGTON
May 17 - The Majesty of the Organ - Trinity Episcopal Church, 320 Prospect Street, Torrington, CT. Time: 7:30 p.m. Enjoy an angelic performance by the Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra featuring Migot, Debussy and Saint-Saens. Admission: $10-$22. Phone: (860) 584-1055

WEST HARTFORD
May 17 - 2 9th Annual Farm Day - Westmoor Park, 119 Flagg Road, West Hartford, CT. Time: Noon to 4 p.m. Celebrate farm culture with music, games and other activities for the entire family. Admission: Free. Phone: (860) 232-1134

WILLIMANTIC
May 17 - 5th Annual Riverfest - Railroad Museum, Bridge Street, Willimantic, CT. Time: 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. This festival is packed full! Take part in a family canoe kayak trip, a road race, nature events, environmental groups and booths with interactive educational activities as the Battle of the High School bands provides live musical entertainment. Admission: Free. Fee for those who participate in the road race and river trip. Phone: (860) 423-6389

GUILFORD
May 18 - 13th Annual Guilford Savings Bank Run - Jacobs Beach, Guilford, CT. Time: 9 a.m. Challenge yourself to a four-mile foot race or .5-mile Kids Run to raise funds for local organizations. Phone: (203) 481-5933.