Author: Janet

Corn is an integral part of the annual lifecycle of Native American people. Traditionally, corn was an important source of food, as well as a significant element of religious and ceremonial life that brought communities together. For generations, many Native American communities have welcomed the season when corn ripens with a celebration. In recognition of this time-honored tradition, the Institute for American Indian Studies, located in Washington, CT, is holding their 16th annual Green Corn Festival on August 15 from Noon to 4:00 pm at the Riverwalk Pavilion, 11a School Street, in Washington, CT.

Join Museum Staff and Friends as they welcome the first corn of the summer 2021 season with music, drumming, dancing, children’s activities, stories by a professional Native American Storyteller, the sale of arts and crafts, and much more! Riverwalk Pavilion is an idyllic park just minutes from Washington Depot with plenty of parking, a beautiful park, and tables and chairs in a sheltered wooden pavilion.

A highlight of the Green Corn Festival event is the Native Nations Dance Troupe led by Erin Meeches, from the Schaghticoke Tribal Nation. Each dance performed has an uplifting and unique story or purpose. Some use movements that imitate animals and others represent an aspect of cultural significance. These traditional dances are sure to delight because they evoke the beauty, honor, and tradition of Native People.

A special treat of the Green Corn Festival is the chance to try authentic powwow-styled food such as the perennial favorite, frybread, three sisters rice, butternut squash and corn, chicken tacos and kabob, chicken over rice, fruit cups, and fresh fruit kabobs. There will also be several venison choices including venison over rice, venison cheesesteaks, venison kabobs, and tacos. If you work up a thirst, don’t miss the blueberry and sassafras tea!

If you enjoy shopping for handmade Native American arts and crafts, you won’t be disappointed. Vendors will be on hand selling everything from handmade jewelry and flutes to baskets, weavings, and much more.

About Green Corn
The expression “Green Corn” refers to the first ripened sweet corn that you can eat. The Green Corn Ceremony is marked with dancing, feasting, fasting, and religious observations. In the Eastern Woodland areas, Native people depended on three staples – corn, beans, and squash. These food items were so important that they were called “The Three Sisters.” The Three Sisters were mixed together to make a vegetable dish called succotash that is still popular today.

Admission for this event, held rain or shine is $10 for adults; and $ 5 for Members, and free for children under 12. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated for this event by visiting the Institute’s website.

About 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 the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present that 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 on 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

Weir Farm, Connecticut’s only National Park and the only park in the country dedicated to impressionist art is hosting an Art in the Park contest. The public is invited to celebrate creativity at Weir Farm by participating and submitting a work of art. All artists, from beginner to professional, are encouraged to take part in this contest by submitting an image of a piece of artwork inspired by or made at the park. Any original work created at or inspired by Weir Farm in any visual art medium may be entered into the contest. This includes paintings, drawings, pastels, fabrics, sculpture, photographs, mixed media, and more!

Submissions will be accepted online through September 1, 2021. Once entered, artwork will become part of a virtual exhibit that is focused on showcasing artistic inspiration and creativity at Weir Farm, launching on our website on October 1, 2021. Participants enter by emailing an image of their artwork to amanda_thibault@nps.gov and filling out this form to provide information about their art and permission to use the image on the park website.

This is your chance to become part of Weir Farm’s long-lasting artistic tradition by sharing your artwork with the park today!

On Saturday, August 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the Sharon Historical Society is hosting a booth at the 62nd. annual Sharon on the Green Arts and Crafts Fair.

At the Historical Society’s booth, children may try crafts and pick up activity kits. Learn about 18th and 19th-century crafts and games, such as weaving and ring toss, which are still enjoyed today. Crafts and games will be facilitated by staff of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum. Parents or guardians must be present in order for children to participate or pick up activity kits. No registration is required. Space will be limited to six children at one time for the facilitated craft activities. These activities are free. To register click here.

A highlight of this event is the sixty-plus vendors that are offering a wide array of original work. The arts and crafts market is open rain or shine from 10 am to 5 pm. If you work up an appetite, no worries, food is also available. This event is free.

Summer brings family road trips, ice cream sundaes, and playing water tag. One of the best warm-weather activities for families that want to bond and have fun at the same time is to attend a festival like Weekend in Norfolk (WIN). This town-wide celebration was created to offer something for everyone, with activities that won’t break the bank, because all are free!

From an exciting water soccer event, and chalk painting sidewalks with professional artists, to visiting real-life New England farms, and live music galore, there is something to please every member of your family. This year WIN is being held throughout the timeless town of Norfolk on Friday, July 30, Saturday, July 31, and Sunday, August 1.

If you plan on getting out with your kids this weekend, here is a list of some of the activities WIN is offering to help you plan your visit.

On Friday, July 30, 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! At 4:30 p.m. it is time to team up and head to the bocce court to test your throwing skills. At 5 p.m. there will be a live performance at nearby Station Place where you can grab a snack and listen to the music of the Grantville Dawgs. The Animal Embassy arrives at 6:30 p.m. and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser because it offers a hands-on experience with a variety of live animals that have been rescued. During this interactive program, your kids will learn about the diversity of life in a fun and entertaining way. And, at the same time and place, there will be all kinds of lawn games to enjoy!

The fun begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 31 with the Farmers Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables as well as an interesting array of arts and crafts. Just for Weekend in Norfolk, there’ll be an equestrian parade, starting at the market at 11 a.m. If your children love water, don’t miss the popular fire hose water soccer game that begins at 1 p.m. at the Town Playing Field on Mountain Road. For the budding artist in your family, head to the sidewalk painting area at Robertson Plaza in Station Place at 3 p.m. and let your imagination soar. Artist Susan Anderson well known for her pet portraits and scenic paintings will be on hand to offer stylistic tips and advice. The afternoon is rounded out by live music by Michael Cobb at Station Place beginning at 5 p.m.

Sunday is Farm Funday with a special visit to each of Norfolk’s four farms. Start the day at Husky Meadow Farms where kids will see fields, barns, an ancient orchard, and greenhouses. Kids can watch how bees pollinate the crops and learn how vegetables and fruits are grown organically. At Autumn Harvest Orchard, a highlight is to learn about beekeeping when visiting the hives at the orchard’s apiary. Lost Ruby Farm is perfect for the animal lovers in your family. Here kids will get a sneak peek at the farm resident Saanen goats, a breed from Switzerland, plus chickens, pigs, and heritage breed turkeys. If you love tomatoes, stop in at Broad Field Farm to learn how they grow their heirloom tomatoes and to meet their two adorable farm dogs.

If you want to take a break from the self-guided farm tour, there is a nature walk of the North Swamp Trail at 10 a.m. and a photography session that will start out on Norfolk Green. For art lovers, there is a painting demonstration by watercolor artist Pamela Harnois at 1 p.m. in front of a wonderful arts and crafts shop, the Guilded Artisan, at 3 Station Place. To try out your artistic skills under the guidance of professional artist Turi Rostad head to Robertson Plaza, Station Place at 2 p.m. to try your hand at the sidewalk chalk painting event. WIN’s final concert, beginning at 4 p.m., features the acoustic music of singer, songwriter Jamal Ford-Bey.

For up to the minute details about Weekend in Norfolk, visit the website to plan your perfect family road trip to Norfolk, Connecticut, and don’t forget to bring your camera!

Have you ever wondered what it was like to cook on the open range? Join the “Frontier Mess” chuckwagon cooking at the Glebe House Museum for two open fire cooking workshops. Participants will learn the history of cooking on the trail, how to make a fire appropriate for cooking meals, what cooking implements were employed and how to use them. Workshops will be offered in two sessions. Part I: Sunday, August 8th will focus on history, making a fire, cooking implements, and a simple recipe. Part 2: Sunday, August 15th use your skills to create a small meal and a dessert.

Each workshop will begin at 10:00 am and run until Noon. Workshops will take place in the Glebe House yard with the “Frontier Mess” chuckwagon. Participants will be broken into 4 groups with a maximum of 20 participants. Each group will be socially distanced with a comfortable space for all. Each workshop is $45 for Members and $55 for Non-Members and includes all supplies and take-home resource materials. Register online at www.glebehousemuseum.org, and for more information email the Museum Office Office@glebehousemuseum.org or call at 203-263-2855.