Category: Connecticut Travel

Three Days of Fun! Norwalk Oyster Festival September 6, 7, 8

The last great event of the summer is taking place at Norwalk’s Veteran’s Park on September 6, 7, and 8 with tickets on sale at seaport.org and at the gate. This festival is the Seaport Association’s largest fundraiser that helps with its mission of education, preservation, and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime icon. One of the most unique things about the Norwalk Oyster Festival is that all the entertainment is included with the price of a ticket, and all kids, 12 and under get in free on Sunday with a paying adult, making this one of the most family-friendly events around.

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This year’s stellar entertainment line-up on the Optimum Main Stage will please all age groups. Friday night kicks off with the exuberant performance of Funky Dawgs at 7 p.m. and is followed by the high-energy performance Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, Badboy takes the stage at 1 p.m. and is followed by JD Leonard known for his modern country vibe that keeps fans mesmerized. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to welcome back Mike DelGuidice who will be performing at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday. 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. On Sunday, Connecticut’s own Drew Angus will be performing with his band at 2:00. This year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is ending with “feel good energy” when Let’s Sing Taylor gets all the “Swifties” in the crowd up dancing and singing along with what has been hailed nationwide as the ultimate Taylor Swift tribute band.

The entertainment doesn’t stop there. New acts this year include the Ready Go Dog Show featuring high-flying canine athletes. The second new act is the XPOGO Show composed of the most talented and experienced extreme POGO champion pro athletes who have performed in 26 countries and on America’s Got Talent. There is plenty of family fun, especially in Kids Cove where unlimited ride wristbands are offered for $35 on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For shoppers and treasure hunters, the New England Crafts Village offers the work of 80+ vendors that offer items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. And, for 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!

Admission is $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, and $8 for kids 5-12 (free on Sunday with a paying adult). On Friday the festival hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tickets are available online at seaport.org and at the gate. Shuttles are available from Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach. For detailed information seaport.org.

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

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Annual Founders Day Clambake to Raise Funds for the Institute for American Indian Studies Local Indigenous Artists to be Celebrated

The Institute for American Indian Studies is celebrating its annual Founders Day Clambake on Saturday, September 14, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Riverwalk Pavilion in Washington Depot, 11 School Street. Along with the traditional Indigenous foods of lobster, clams, corn, and potatoes, guests will be treated to an array of artworks by two featured artists, painter Claudine Purdue and fashion designer Brandi Sawyer-Emmons. A silent auction will feature original artwork by local artists such as Elizabeth McDonald and Ruth Jaffe, as well as prints by Cora Marshall, a Native American artist, gift certificates and items from local businesses, and many other items and collectibles. Ojibwe flute artist Allen Mahahbee will perform and is offering one of his hand-made flutes to the silent auction.

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The cost to attend this fundraiser is $75.00 per person. Tickets are limited and must be purchased in advance. No tickets will be sold at the door. To register, visit online at https://www.iaismuseum.org by September 12.

The focus on Indigenous visual arts is new this year, as the IAIS is publicizing its annual art scholarship program. The Institute gives a small stipend to an emerging Native American artist currently enrolled in an arts program and offers them an opportunity for a one-person show at the museum. This year’s recipient will be announced at the event. Claudine Purdue is the 2023 artist. Her paintings explore the stories of Mi’Kimaq and Acadians who are her ancestors. Brandi Sawyer-Emmons, known as BThunder, creates Native American-inspired apparel and accessories including her popular Teepee handbag. Clambake attendees will have an opportunity to bid on items created by these two award-winning artists, along with the other silent auction items. Winners will be announced after this dinner.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits and a replicated 16th-century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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2024 Forestry Interns Complete Summer Intensive at Great Mountain Forest

For each of the last 76 years, Great Mountain Forest (GMF) has offered a select group of forestry undergraduate students from around the country an immersive summer program in all aspects of forest management in GMF’s more than 6,000 acres of diverse landscapes and managed forests in Norfolk, Canaan, and Falls Village, Connecticut.

Working under the direction of experienced forester Matt Gallagher, who holds a Master of Forestry from the Yale School of the Environment, this summer’s forestry interns gained hands-on, in-depth experience and skills working through a curriculum that included measuring forest tree species diversity and regeneration on 550-acres, harvesting, and processing timber, managing invasive plants and insects, and maintaining the infrastructure of a working forest. In addition to hard work, the interns explored some of the career paths they might pursue visiting a local sawmill, shadowing a researcher at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, and visiting with state and nonprofit forestry and conservation professionals.

The 2024 GMF Forest Interns were Ian Montgomery-Gehrt, a senior at Paul Smith’s College majoring in Forest Ecological Management, Kyle Joray, a junior at Paul Smith’s College studying Ecological Forest Management, and Daniel Semmel, an undergrad at the University of Connecticut in the Natural Resource Program. The long-term impact of the Great Mountain Forestry Intern program can be seen through the careers of hundreds of men and women graduates who have gone on to a range of important forestry and conservation-related professions throughout the country from professors of ecology and forest firefighters to forest managers, directors of land trusts, and loggers.

To learn more, see this short video celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the GMF Forest Intern Program at https://vimeo.com/870470040

“It is so rewarding to see the way these forest professionals grow, working out in the field and developing a diversity of skills whether it is learning how to work the sawmill, collect forest data, or simply build professional relationships,” said Michael Zarfos, Ph.D., and GMF Executive Director. “Our ultimate goal is to impart meaningful skills, experience, and a landscape of possibilities, positively influencing the interns’ careers. They are the future of our New England forests.”

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, and 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.

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Bradley Airport Celebrates National Dog Day!

Bradley International Airport (BDL) is helping to spread joy by celebrating National Dog Day. Several four-legged members of the Bradley Buddies therapy dog program, along with their human counterparts, were at BDL today, walking through the terminal and interacting with travelers.

The larger-than-normal grouping of fury friends allowed passengers to stop and pet the dogs and even take photos for National Dog Day. Some of the breeds that were part of today’s visit included a German shepherd, Australian shepherd, border collie, goldendoodle, golden retriever, and Yorkshire terrier.

The Bradley Buddies program, which was launched in August 2017, is marking its seventh anniversary this month. The certified therapy dogs visit the airport regularly to help brighten the day of passengers as they arrive and depart from BDL. There are currently a total of 16 teams participating in the program.

Bradley Buddies is organized in partnership with Bright Spot Therapy Dogs, Inc. For more information about the Bradley Buddies program, visit www.bradleyairport.com/bradley-buddies

About Bradley International Airport

Bradley International Airport (BDL) is New England’s second-largest airport. Recognized nationally by leading travel publications for its ease of travel, Bradley International Airport is ready to welcome you with new nonstops and expanded services. The award-winning airport is operated by the Connecticut Airport Authority, and its operations are entirely self-funded. The airport contributes nearly $3.6 billion to the regional economy. For more info, visit http://www.bradleyairport.com.

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#HandsOnHistory – Threading the Needle: From Field to Fabric @ Keeler Tavern

Ridgefield’s Keeler Tavern Museum‘s award-winning exhibition, #HandsOnHistory, is back for another year of interactive experiences for visitors of all ages. Threading the Needle: From Field to Fabric highlights the production of the three types of textile fibers commonly produced in our region in the 18th and 19th centuries – linen, wool, and silk – from their cultivation as raw materials to the finished fabric. Hands-on activities include carding wool, spinning fibers, dying fabric, and replicating and creating patterns for weaving and embroidery.

This exhibition is open August 17 through November 3 on Wednesdays through Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Educator-led tours of the exhibit for school and youth groups are FREE thanks to our generous sponsors. Email education@keelertavernmuseum.org to book.

Sponsored by NCL Ridgefield, Jean and Michael Jaykus, Anita and Nick Donofrio, Annette and Dan O’Brien, Joel Third, and Rhonda Hill.

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Entertainment Line-Up for 46th Norwalk Oyster Festival Something for Everyone

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

Funky Dawgs – 7 p.m.
Funky Dawgz kicks off the festival 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. From playing sold-out shows at Madison Square Garden as the horn section for Dispatch to Okeechobee to closing out The Peach Music Festival, Oyster Festival attendees are in for a rocking good time.

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes – 8:30 p.m.
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
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 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 unique 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.

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 makes 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. It may not be the real thing, but it is packed with all the fun that comes with a Swift concert.

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, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

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