Category: Connecticut Travel

Pond Walk at Weir Farm August 19

Are you a frequent hiker to the pond at Weir Farm National Historic Site?

Take a closer look. What may seem like a simple walk to the pond is

actually a complex foray into a cultural landscape. On Sunday, August 19

from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m., join Park Ranger David Low for a new look at this

popular local trail. Explore the ways people have shaped their natural

environment, and discover sights that often go unexamined–ones which you

may have passed several times and never thought to consider. You will find

the Pond Trail has many surprises. There is no fee to participate, but

registration is required. To register or for more information, please call

(203) 834-1896 ext. 28. This is not a strenuous hike, but the walk will

consist of standing with short periods of walking. Bringing a water bottle

and wearing appropriate footwear is recommended.

About Weir Farm

Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only National Park Service site

dedicated to American painting, was home to three generations of American

artists including Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and

the development of American Impressionism. Today, the 60-acre farm, which

includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir

Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art.

For more information about Weir Farm National Historic Site or the National

Park Service, please visit www.nps.gov/wefa or call (203)834-1896.

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Kayak to Cockenoe Island on Aug. 18

On Saturday, Saturday, August 18, from 1-3:30 pm the Westport Historical Society is hosting their 3rd annual kayak tour to Cockenoe Island lead by author David Park. The tour group will meet at Longshore Sailing School, Longshore Park, in Westport Connecticut. The cost to participate is $20 for non-members of the Historical Society and $18 for Members. The Raindate is August 19. Kayak rentals are available from Longshore Sailing School, for reservations, call 203-226-4646. Intermediate level kayak ability is required.

Cockenoe Island, is a 28 acre island one mile off the coast of Westport. The tour will be led by David Park, board member of the Norwalk River Watershed Association and author of the guidebook “Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands.” This year, the tour is being offered in conjunction with the Westport Historical Society’s current exhibit “The Sound and the Saugatuck” which runs through September 1st.
Cockenoe Island is open to the public thanks to the hundreds of Westport residents and town officials who fought against the proposed construction of a nuclear power plant back in 1967. The plan was brought forward by the United Illuminating Company who had purchased the island a year earlier from the Smith family, the owners of the island at the time. After the plan was defeated, the town of Westport purchased the island as open space and it is now enjoyed by all types of recreational users and nature enthusiasts. The acquisition was heralded as a significant conservation victory for the nation by Life Magazine.

The tour group will land on the island for a stroll and hear about how the Saugatuck River watershed effects the water quality of Long Island Sound and wildlife of the Norwalk Islands. Cockenoe Island is of particular interest because of the current conservation efforts and successful nesting colonies of egrets, herons and terns

Copies of “Kayaking in and around the Norwalk Islands” is available for $10 at the WHS Remarkable Gift Shop, 25 Avery Place in downtown Westport.

About the Westport Historical Society

The Westport Historical Society, founded in 1889, is an educational organization dedicated to preserving, presenting and celebrating the history of Westport, Connecticut. It is committed to increasing awareness of the importance of preserving our town’s heritage and its historic buildings and landmarks.

Wheeler House is the Society’s headquarters, at 25 Avery Place, Westport, Connecticut, was purchased in 1981. The house, built in 1795, was remodeled in the Italianate style in the 19th Century and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the Connecticut Register of Historic Places. The house has three Victorian Period rooms and a gift shop. The only octagonal-roof, cobblestone barn in Connecticut, which is on the property, was completely restored over a ten-year period and houses the Museum of Westport History displaying a diorama of the town as it looked toward the end of the 19th Century. For additional information on programs visit www.westporthistory.org.

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Free August and September Entertainment in Norwalk

Each Wednesday night throughout the summer, area residents can head to Calf Pasture Beach on Calf Pasture Beach Road in Norwalk (06855) to enjoy an evening of free musical entertainment. A $5.00 parking fee is charged for cars without a Norwalk beach sticker.

8/15 6:00 p.m. Classic Car Show – This gathering of than 100 vehicles is hosted by the
Coachmen Rod and Custom Club, an organization of men and women who enjoy classic cars. Owners of 1981 and older cars can participate in the shows, which attract owners from throughout the tri-state area. Each car show participant is asked to contribute canned food or make a donation to the St. Vincent De Paul food bank.

7:00 p.m. The Barons – Return to the 60s and 70s with one of the tri-state’s hottest “oldies” groups. The Barons are known for their 1963 hits, “Pledge of a Fool”, “Remember Rita” on Epic Records, and “Possibility” on Old Town Records under the name of The Crowns. The Barons have shared the stage with such groups as Brenda Lee, Johnny Maestro & The Brooklyn Bridge, The Tokens, The Drifters, The Shangri-las, Lloyd Price, The Del Vikings, TheTeenagers and The Chantels. The vocalists are Led by
Ronnie deAngelis, the vocalists are Doug “Ice” Dorsey, Doug Muller and Francine Rodriguez backed by Tommy Ardise (guitar/arranger), Dom “Cuz” Cardamone (keyboard/bass guitar/drums/saxophone), Barry Nardi (bass note/lead guitar), Michael “Stix” Bossone (drums) and Ron Yovino (bass guitar). http://www.baronsmusic.com

8/22 7:00 p.m. Gunsmoke – This award-winning band has been entertaining
Country & Western music fans in the Northeast for more than 20 years. The band now is receiving national attention after its performance on “Ernest Tubb’s Midnight Jamboree,” America’s second longest-running radio show, which is broadcast from Nashville, TN, following “The Grand Ole Opry.” Members of the band are Jeff DeMaio (steel guitar), Nick DeMaio Sr. (acoustic guitar), Nick DeMaio III (bass guitar), Gary Tokarz (drums) and Scott Tyler (electric guitar). http://www.gunsmokeband.com

8/29 7:30 p.m. Rockers & Crooners — Connecticut native Billy Genuario has been
performing professionally since age seven. His engagements have taken him from New York City to Las Vegas to Hong Kong, including appearances at The Rainbow Room, Tropicana Hotel, Disney and MGM Grand Arena. This new show featuring great songs and many humorous impressions is a tribute to some of the best singers and bands of our time.

SEPTEMBER

9/5 6:00 p.m. Classic Car Show – This gathering of than 100 vehicles is hosted by the
Coachmen Rod and Custom Club, an organization of men and women who enjoy classic cars. Owners of 1981 and older cars can participate in the shows, which attract owners from throughout the tri-state area. Each car show participant is asked to contribute canned food or make a donation to the St. Vincent De Paul food bank.

7:00 p.m. Déjà Vu – For ten years, this popular group has been performing “golden oldies” at events from New Haven to New York. The group includes Dominick Muro (lead vocals), Tony Masi (keyboards/lead vocals), Arthur Armstrong (lead vocals), George Gionios (saxophone/vocals), Rocco Castango (drums/vocals), John Skrensky (bass guitar/vocals) and Sal
Salta (lead guitar/vocals).

For updates and additional information call the Norwalk Recreation and Parks Office at
203-854-7807. The rain date for all concerts is the following day. For cancellation information call 203-854-7938.

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Sharon Audubon Festival August 11th and 12th

Wendy with Sophia

The 45th annual Sharon Audubon Festival will be taking place at the Sharon Audubon Center, located on Route 4 in Sharon, CT on Saturday and Sunday, August 11th and 12th. The Audubon Festival is an event where people of all ages can learn about nature in a fun and interactive way, and features two full days of nature walks and programs, live animal presentations, children’s activities, food, music, exhibits, vendors and more. Whether one is a seasoned naturalist or a young explorer, there are activities for all ages and experience levels.

Erin with a Red Hawk

Two keynote presentations will also take place each day. At 1:00 pm and 3:30 pm on Saturday, Talons will engage visitors with a falconry demonstration. These amazing birds of prey will also be on display throughout the day on Saturday. A live animal show presnted by Rainforest Reptiles known for their dynamic educational programs will take place at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoon. The festivities will close on Sunday with Flight of the Raptor, another exciting falconry demonstration back by popular demand.

Scheduled programs take place at 10:00, 10:30, 11:00 and 2:15 each day. Examples of programs include Exploring Bog Meadow by Canoe, Porcupines, Tree Identification Walk, Swarming Behavior of Honey Bees, Bird Banding, Orienteering, Reptiles, Bears, Pressed Flower Bookmarks and much more. Ongoing activities such as a live animal exhibits from the Beardsley Zoo and Wonders on Wheels and the children’s Merry Marsh Activity Tent, as well as various vendors, will be on hand throughout each day. Food is also available for purchase.

Gates are open from 9:30am-5: 30pm each day. No pets are allowed inside the gates. Admission is $7 for adults and $5 for children ages 12 and under. A complete schedule and description of programs can be found at www.sharon.audubon.org or by calling 860-364-0520 for more information.

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Fly and Tour a Legacy – B-17 Returns to Oxford- Waterbury Airport

B-17

“Aluminum Overcast,” the Experimental Aircraft Association’s (EEA) restored B-17 bomber, will descend upon Waterbury-Oxford Airport in Oxford, Connecticut (330 Christian St.) on August 7-8 as part of its 2012 “Salute to Veterans” national tour. The “Aluminum Overcast” presents an opportunity for the public to experience, firsthand, the allure of this historic war bird on the ground and in flight that helped turn the tide of World War II.

“Aluminum Overcast” brings a living link of aviation’s and World War II’s past for people of all ages to enjoy. Known as “The Flying Fortress,” the B-17 bomber is considered one of the greatest military airplanes ever built and one of the best- known aircraft types of the World War II era.

History comes alive as you step back in time and imagine the role of bombardier, navigator, and waist gunner as you walk around this magnificent aircraft. This authentic and unforgettable experience allows visitors to relive the legacy of the thousands who heroically flew World War II bombing missions.

Aluminum Overcast has been doing national tours since 1994.

EAA’s “Aluminum Overcast” B-17 was built in 1945, but was delivered to the Army Air Corps too late to see active service in World War II. In 1981 this B-17 was donated to the EAA Aviation Foundation with the provision that the aircraft be maintained in airworthy condition. After being displayed at the EAA Air Venture Museum in Oshkosh, Wis., for a decade, the B-17 made its national tour debut in the spring of 1994.

Among the original military equipment restored to EAA’s B-17 are the installation of a replica top turret just behind the pilot and co-pilot seats, waist guns located on each side of the bomber, rebuilding the radio compartment (including original communication).

At each stop, flight “missions” are available. For more information, including rates for flights and ground tours, visit www.B17.org or contact EAA’s B-17 Tour Office at 800-359-6217. Special pre-book rates on flights are available for EAA members and non-members. Flight purchase is also available on site.

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to take a mission flight or ground tour when Aluminum Overcast comes to Oxford –Waterbury Airport.

Ground Tours 2-5 p.m.

$10 Individual Rate
Family Rate: $20
(adults & children up to age 17; immediate family)
Free: Children under 8
(with paying adult)
Free: Veterans / Active Military

Mission Flights

10 a.m.-2 p.m.,
weather permitting
Pre-book
$409 EAA Members
$449 Non-Members
Walk-Up
$435 EAA Members
$475 Non-Members

About The Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress

The Boeing B-17 “Flying Fortress” is a World War II bomber used primarily in Europe. B-17s from the Eighth Air Force participated in countless missions from bases in England. These missions often lasted for more than eight hours and struck at targets deep within enemy territory. Because of their long-range capability, formations of B-17s often flew into battle with no fighter escort, relying on their own defensive capabilities to ensure a successful mission.

During the war, B-17s were among the most modern aircraft in the U.S. inventory. However, the advent of the jet age and advances in technology made the Flying Fortress obsolete soon after the conclusion of the war. In the years following World War II, most B-17s were cut up for scrap, used in Air Force research or sold on the surplus market.

In 1934, the Boeing Aircraft Company of Seattle, Wash., began construction of a four-engine heavy bomber. Known as the Boeing model 299, it first took flight on July 28, 1935. The government ordered production of 13 of these aircraft, now designated the Y1B-17. Delivery of these first production models was between January 11 and August 4, 1937.

The B-17 received the name “Flying Fortress” from a Seattle reporter who commented on its defensive firepower. The B-17 underwent a number of improvements over its 10-year production span. Models ranged from the YB-17 to the B-17-G model. Throughout the war, the B-17 was refined and improved as battle experience showed the Boeing designers where improvements could be made. The final B-17 production model, the B-17G, was produced in larger quantities (8,680) than any previous model and is considered the definitive “Flying Fort.” With its 13 .50-caliber machine guns – chin, top, ball and tail turrets; waist and cheek guns – the B-17G was indeed an airplane that earned the respect of its combatants. In addition, air crews liked the B-17 for its ability to withstand heavy combat damage and still return its crew safely home.

Between 1935 and May of 1945, 12,732 B-17s were produced. Of these aircraft, 4,735 were lost during combat missions.
Today, fewer than 100 B-17 airframes exist and fewer still are in airworthy condition. At one time, more than 1,000 B-17s could be assembled for mass combat missions, less than 15 of Boeing’s famous bombers can still take to the air.

About EEA

EAA, a non-profit membership organization based in Oshkosh, Wisconsin that embodies the spirit of aviation through the world’s most engaged community of aviation enthusiasts. EAA’s 170,000 members and 1,000 local chapters enjoy the fun and camaraderie of sharing their passion for flying, building and restoring recreational aircraft. For more information on EAA and its programs, call 800-JOIN-EAA (800-564-6322) or go to http://www.eaa.org. For continual news updates, connect with http://www.twitter.com/EAAupdate.

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Norwalk Oyster Festival September 7-9

Fun for families and friends from nine to ninety, the 35th annual Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival will be held this year from Friday, September 7 through Sunday, September 9. This year’s entertainment highlights include music from nationally known-bands such as: The Rising on Friday, Village People on Saturday and Lou Gramm on Sunday. Festivalgoers will enjoy a wide variety of rides, cooking competitions, arts and crafts and a diverse assortment of attractions and entertainment that promise unforgettable fun.

New this year the festival will feature the action packed Paul Bunyan Lumberjack Festival that will feature world champion lumberjacks demonstrating their log rolling, axe throwing, chopping, sawing, tree climbing and dragster chainsaw skills. Another new event venue will offer hands on interactive race-themed attractions by nationally recognized Fast Action Motorsports Entertainment. These dynamic additions to the Oyster Festival are awe inspiring and unforgettable.

For the Kids

The festival’s Pirates Coast Adventure will wow children of all ages. Here, kids can meet real life pirates and look for booty in treasure hunts, hear storytelling and join in other fun-filled activities. The Kids’ Cove includes games, rides and entertainment. This interactive pirate encampment gives kids a taste of what seafaring was like during the golden age of piracy from 1650-1750. In addition, there will be an action-packed performance by Marvel Super Heroes.

Sunday is Family Day with special family and children’s packages for entrance, rides and meals. The perk of family day on Sunday is that one child under 12 gets in free with each adult paid admission and for a mere $15 can ride all the amusement rides free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. To round out the family fun there will be live shows for kids on the festival’s main stage.

For the Whole Family

The festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts. A multitude of fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets and ages. For on the water fun, head to the festival docks to tour historic vessels and to cruise the scenic and historic Norwalk Harbor.

For the Foodies

Food demonstrations and competitions, including the always-popular chowder and chili cook-offs will take place throughout the fesitval. A highlight of the Festival is the wide variety of great food from around the world that is available at the International Food Court. This culinary fare is prepared by dozens of local nonprofit organizations allowing them to raise vital funds for their charitable causes. At the Oyster Pavilion, learn about Norwalk’s oystering history while watching slurping and shucking contests.

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $5 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Sunday is Family Day with special pricing on that day only — 1 child (age 5-12) free with each paid adult admission. Tickets can be purchased at http://www.seaport.org. Free Parking and Free Shuttle Bus service is provided from four (4) local parking lots, just follow the signs to Oyster Festival Parking.

Festivalgoers can save on admission and rail fare when they purchase the Metro-North Railroad/Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival discount package. Packages are available at all ticket offices and ticket machines (except South Norwalk Station) or by visiting www.mta.info/mnr/html/getaways/outbound_oyster_fest.htm

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 and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org or call (203) 838-9444.

For area information visit www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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