Category: Fairfield County CT

Come Join the Fun @ the 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival Fri., Sept. 08, Sat., Sept. 09, and Sun. Sept. 10 @ Veterans Park, Norwalk

The 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank on September 8-10 at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk is all about bringing together world-class entertainers, family fun, and moments that you just can’t miss. Two stages, one sponsored by Ford and another sponsored by Abbey Tents, local eats and drinks, shopping, arts and crafts, and an expanded children’s area that includes the chance to tour the historic Amistad with paid admission to the festival is what this three-day festival is all about.

“We like to think that the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the region’s “official end of summer,” celebration, and this year we are going all out. Festgoers will enjoy unparalleled live music by nationally known performers, like Gary LeVox, lead singer of Rascal Flatts, and John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band that have enthralled audiences nationwide. All shows and performances are free with the price of admission,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “To make it even more affordable for families, on Sunday, September 10, kids 12 and under get into the Festival free with a paid adult, plus there are discounted ride wristbands available on Saturday and Sunday. We appreciate the generosity of our sponsors and the thousands of volunteers who make this event possible. For 16 years First County Bank has supported us, helping to make the Norwalk Oyster Festival a longtime Fairfield County tradition that people from near and far look forward to year after year,” Reilly concluded.

For the Whole Family
There are so many free shows taking place throughout the day at various locations that are perfect for the entire family, and best of all, they are included with the price of the ticket. These shows take place throughout the day at various times so festgoers never miss a performance, or can see their favorite act as many times as they like!

New this year is the WOW Water Circus that will take festival guests on a fanciful and whimsical journey above and below the water as performers take a deep dive for adventure and fun under the high seas! See intrepid aerialists perform daring feats, cheer on castaway pirate clowns, and watch mermaids as they tumble with the surf exploring the vast beauty of the ocean. Among the many daring feats of this aquatic spectacular is the daring high-speed Jet Ski aerial act that is as unique as it is thrilling.

If you are an animal lover, you won’t want to miss the new show, Canines in the Clouds. Part of this show’s charm is the heartwarming story about the journey of these talented canines from shelter to stardom, and their new life of pampering and excitement. This diverse cast of canine athletes performs high-energy gravity-defying stunts that are unique to this show and sure to dazzle you.

Another new opportunity with paid admission to the Norwalk Oyster Festival is a free tour of the 129-foot Amistad Schooner that will be docked at Veterans Park. This fascinating tour highlights the story of the Amistad beginning in Africa, and the rebellion on board, the impact of its legacy, and its relevance to Connecticut’s history.

If you are a fan of Renaissance Fairs don’t miss your chance to see a medieval fighting troupe that specializes in scripted and unscripted demonstrations. Step back in time and experience the magic as you watch knights in armor sparring, and, afterward, explore a mini Medieval Village. This experience is perfect for fair maidens on a quest and brave knights looking for action! Don’t miss the chance to learn about elves and fairies, kings and queens, and life in the 16th century.

And, don’t forget to explore our midway, there is always something around the next corner that amazes and delights.

Music on the Built Ford Proud Stage

This year, the “Built Ford Proud Main Stage” offers a diverse line-up of some of the biggest names around. These performances are always hotly anticipated and a highlight of the festival. So, get ready to party 1980s style on Friday, September 8, with Mullett on at 8:30 p.m. Mullett is known nationwide as one of the most authentic 80s tribute bands in the nation. Pimpinella, opens for Mullett and will get the party started at 7 p.m. with their special blend of timeless 70s classic rock hits, Funk, Disco, Soul, and R&B.

On Saturday, September 9, Gary LeVox, lead singer of the iconic country group, Rascal Flatts, takes the Build Ford Proud Stage at 8 p.m. Founded in 2000 Rascal Flatts scored 17 No. 1 hits, sold more than 23 million albums, and won 40+ award-show trophies, making them the most awarded country group of the last decade. LeVox is known for having one of country music’s most distinctive voices that is a pure joy to listen to. He will be performing the chart toppers and well-known hits of Rascal Flatts as well as some of his new music. Singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard from Nashville is opening for LeVox on Saturday at 6 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and placed a number of his songs in over a dozen films.

Sunday’s musical extravaganza begins @ 3 p.m. with BadBoy, which will get the crowd energized with their rock and country hits. The final concert of the 45th annual Oyster Festival ends on a high note at 5 p.m. with the legendary East Coast Rock ‘n’ Roll group, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. The band is well known for their performance “On the Dark Side,” from the motion picture Eddie and the Cruisers, which is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. This band puts on a fantastic show that is sure to get people up and dancing, which is the perfect way to end the 45th annual Oyster Festival.

Music @ the Entertainment Tent
One of the highlights of the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the music performed on multiple stages throughout this three-day event. The Entertainment Tent sponsored by Abbey Tent has live non-stop music all weekend long performed by some of your favorite regional bands. This area is a musical celebration of rock, jazz, hip-hop, Latin, and countless other genres. Whether you’re looking to kick back and relax or surrender to the beats and riffs, the Entertainment Tent is not to be missed.

For the Foodies
If you come to the Norwalk Oyster Festival for the music, you will stay for the food! Foodies rejoice at the fest’s unique offerings from Mexico, Columbia, Greece, Jamaica, and Italy to good old New England lobsters, and oysters, of course! Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth or an afternoon or evening snack, you’ll find it here. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from soft and exotic fruit drinks, to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers.

Arts and Crafts Galore

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where 80+ fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, and Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items celebrating the island and lighthouse.

Where – The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

Admission– Adults $15, Seniors (65+) – $10, Children 6 – 12 – $5 (Free on Sunday with paid adult), and Children under 5 are free. To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.org.

Ride Wrist Bands– Discounted ride wristbands are available Saturday and Sunday for $30 for unlimited rides.

Hours– Friday, Sept. 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 9, from 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 10 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Parking & Shuttles

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:

9/8 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m.

9/9 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

9/10 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

Fee Parking

Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works Garages. All are within walking distance of the festival.

About First County Bank
First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 14 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 $2.0 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces 2020-2022 award. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, 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 or call (203) 838-9444.

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Gary LeVox Lead Singer for Rascal Flatts Headlines 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival

The Seaport Association is proud to announce that at the 45th Norwalk Oyster Festival Gary LeVox, Lead Singer for the contemporary country music band Rascal Flatts will Headline the 45th annual Norwalk Oyster Festival. This year the festival will take place on Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10. On Saturday, September 9th, LeVox will perform countless #1 Rascal Flatts hits and some new music too.

“We are so excited to bring Gary LeVox, a world-class entertainer to the Norwalk Oyster Festival to help us celebrate our 45th annual Festival,” says, Mike Reilly, Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “Mr. Levox’s award-winning songs and legendary voice promise guests a show with all the hits that people love from Rascal Flatts plus some new stuff that they haven’t heard yet, making this performance one they will remember for years,” Reilly continued.

Gary LeVox along with bandmates Jay DeMarcus, and Joe Don Rooney, founded Rascal Flatts in 2000, and they went on to enjoy one of the most successful careers in modern country music. Infusing the genre’s traditional sound with massive pop hooks, rock showmanship, and faithful positivity, they scored 17 No. 1 singles and sold over 23 million albums, while also selling more than 11 million concert tickets and earning 40+ awards-show trophies – making them the most awarded country group of the last decade.

After 20 years as frontman, Gary LeVox is embarking on a solo chapter. His debut single “The Distance” is one of five songs on LeVox’s debut solo collection ONE ON ONE (Big Machine Records), which includes multiple compelling collaborations. LeVox followed the release of ONE ON ONE with “We Got Fight,” a song featured as the coveted end credit in Netflix’s film The Ice Road. LeVox has recently released his first solo country single, “Get Down Like That,” and plans to release more new music this year.

Now in its 45th year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival is the main fundraiser for the maintenance and care of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a historic site on the National Register. The three-day Norwalk Oyster Festival which takes place on 42 Seaview Ave. in Veterans Park in Norwalk is held every September to celebrate the maritime heritage of Norwalk. The Norwalk Oyster Festival is known for its music, its wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village. The festival is taking place on Friday, September 8, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 9, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 10, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Rain or Shine. For tickets visit http://www.seaport.org

The Festival volunteer organizers would like to thank all those that sponsor this event, including First County Bank, the Presenting Sponsor that helps to make this fundraising event possible.

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“Divided Light and Color: American Impressionist Landscapes” AT The Bruce Museum Through Jan. 29

Still among the best loved of all artistic movements, Impressionism records the world with a memorable alacrity, capturing scenes with spontaneous shorthand of divided light and color. The Bruce Museum in Greenwich, Connecticut, presents a new exhibition, “Divided Light and Color: American Impressionist Landscapes” that runs through January 29, 2012.
One of the greatest strengths of the Bruce Museum’s permanent collection and local private collectors’ interests is the American Impressionist landscape. This exhibition brings together two dozen fine examples of impressionist art in a show with imagery that continues to enchant and endure.

Recent acquisitions by The Bruce Museum include examples of the some of the pioneers of American Impressionism, including the distinguished painters, Theodore Robinson (1852-1896), John Henry Twachtman (1853-1902), and Childe Hassam (1859-1935).
Childe Hassam is well represented locally, with outstanding masterpieces recording his time in France and summer art excursions in New England. He is also well known for his work of the local Greenwich scene, including the Holley House, site of the famous Cos Cob Art Colony, as well as Mill Pond and railway bridge in Cos Cob.

The exhibition attests to the importance of the local Cos Cob Art Colony and its founders and instructors, such as Leonard Ochtman (1854-1934), whose house overlooked the Mianus River and whose work is extensively represented at the Bruce Museum. Second generation American Impressionists, such as Elmer Livingston MacRae (1875-1953), Founder of the America Pastel Society and the Greenwich Society of Artists is also represented. A highlight is the work of Matilda Browne (1869-1947), a local resident of Greenwich, and one of the few women artists among the early American Impressionists.


The exponents of American Impressionist landscape painting also recorded American scenery as far afield as New Hope, Pennsylvania and Carmel, California. Uniting these diverse works is a response to changes in light, a strong palette, and the carefully observed atmospheric effects so characteristic of American Impressionism.

This is a beautiful show that should not be missed by lovers of Impressionist Art.

About the Bruce Museum
Consistently voted the “Best Museum” by area media, the Bruce Museum is a regionally based, world-class institution highlighting art, science and natural history in more than a dozen changing exhibitions annually. The Bruce Museum is located at 1 Museum Drive in Greenwich, Connecticut, USA. General admission is $7 for adults, $6 for seniors and students, and free for children under five and Bruce Museum members. Free admission to all on Tuesdays. The Museum is located near Interstate-95, Exit 3, and a short walk from the Greenwich, CT, train station. Museum hours are: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and closed Mondays and major holidays. Museum exhibition tours are held Fridays at 12:30 p.m. Free, on-site parking is available. For information, call the Bruce Museum at (203) 869-0376, or visit the Bruce Museum website at www.brucemuseum.org.

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Ready for Halloween? A Haunting at Mill Hill in Norwalk October 15 and 22

As the sun sets, on Mill Hill in Norwalk, the spirits come out to play. Take a lantern-light tour through the historic Mill Hill graveyard and hear chilling tales from the spirits of Norwalk’s past on Saturdays, October 15 and 22 (rain or shine). Tours are scheduled at 5:30 p.m., 7:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Each tour will be followed by refreshments in the old one-room schoolhouse. This pre-Halloween event is organized by the Norwalk Historical Society.

During “A Haunting at Mill Hill,” participants will hear stories of murder, death, destruction and more while they meet renegade Tory Easias Bouton, Chester, the haunted Civil War statue, and other entities from Norwalk’s colorful history. The cemetery is located at 2 East Wall Street, Norwalk, CT 06851.

Space for each tour is limited so reservations are recommended (203-846-0525). Advance tickets are $10 for adults/teens and $6 for children ages 8-12 (not recommended for children younger than 8). Tickets at the door are $12 for adults/teens and $8 for children. There is a $2 discount for Norwalk Historical Society members. For more information visit http://norwalkhistoricalsociety.org.

About Mill Hill Historic Park

The Mill Hill Historic Park consists of three historical buildings and the third oldest Burying Ground in Norwalk.

The Burying Ground on Mill Hill dates to 1767 and was originally called Whitney’s Hill after a miller that opened a mill on the site. A list of those buried in the Mill Hill Burying Ground was recorded in 1924 and consisted of the names on the headstones that were clearly readable. Not all that are buried on Mill Hill are accounted for because in the Colonial Period less than a third of the burials were marked with an inscribed headstone. Some of the time, a simple rock was used.

Several notable buildings are located on the grounds of the Mill Hill complex. The federally styled brick Norwalk Town House dates to 1835 and served a multiple of purposes over the years as a gathering place for special groups.

The Law Office of Governor Fitch is also on the grounds. Thomas Fitch was Governor of the Colony of Connecticut from 1754 to 1766. Restored in 1971, the small colonial style building I saw on the grounds was reconstructed as a colonial law office. Originally, it was part of the kitchen wing of Governor Fitch’s house. I was told that it was the only portion of the house that survived the burning of Norwalk by the British on July 11, 1779. The house that stands on Mill Hill today, was once located in East Norwalk. It was moved in 1956 because it was in the construction path of the Interstate 95.

The red-clapboarded building known as the Downtown District School House is also located in the complex and was built in 1826. The building was used as a school until 1871. The British destroyed the original school, and the present schoolhouse was built on the lines of the first utilizing its original foundation.

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Norwalk Seaport Association Stages Murder Mystery to Preserve Historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse October 21!


Who done it? Find out as Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) hosts a murder mystery dinner, “Double Trouble,” to benefit Sheffield Island lighthouse. The event will be held at the Norwalk Inn and Conference Center on Friday, Oct. 21, at 7 p.m., and includes hors d’oeuvres and dinner while guests solve an exciting and entertaining mystery.

“It’s great fun to stage this murder mystery in support of our ongoing efforts to demystify the historic beauty and magnificence of our Sheffield Island lighthouse,” said Tom Shrum, president of the non-profit, volunteer-run NSA. “There’s no better way for southern Connecticut residents to show our pride in our local maritime heritage.”

This is the second event this year to benefit the lighthouse. In March, a sold-out crowd at NSA’s Light Keeper’s Gala collectively donated a record $49,000 for the environmental organization’s stewardship of the lighthouse.

Reservations to the murder mystery are required. Tickets are $75 per person for Seaport Association members and $85 for non-members, and can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.

About Norwalk Seaport Association

Norwalk Seaport Association was established in 1978 and stewards the Sheffield Island lighthouse, which celebrates 142 years as the jewel in Long Island Sound. During the summer, its C.J Toth ferryboat takes visitors to Sheffield Island for tours of the historic lighthouse, special events and enjoyment of a walking trail through the Stewart B. McKinney Wildlife Refuge.

NSA provides environmental education programs that use Sheffield Island and offers diverse special events and community projects, including the annual NSA Oyster Festival, now in its 34th year. This event attracts up to 50,000 people during three days in early September and provides $200,000 in fundraising opportunities for more than 20 other local non-profit organizations. In addition, the Seaport Association helped create Norwalk’s Coastal Area Management Plan; establish the Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk; and revitalize historic South Norwalk.

More information can be found at www.seaport.org.

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New Canaan Nature Center’s 42nd Annual Fall Fair October 15

The crisp days of autumn are here! It is a glorious time of year in Connecticut when families can enjoy traditional fairs and festivals amidst a backdrop of orange, scarlet and gold leaves.

The New Canaan Nature Center’s 42 annual Fall Fair is chock full of traditional fall fair activities that will please young and old alike. Visitors to the Fair will enjoy pony rides, a “haunted” woodland trail, apple slingshots, nature-based crafts, a hay maze, cupcake and pumpkin decorating, and fire engine rides on New Canaan’s antique fire engine, Old Faithful. The giant bungee jump, one of last year’s most popular attractions will also be back along with the “Kids On The Go” obstacle course and other inflatable rides.


The Fall Fair will feature a wide range of entertainment throughout the day. The Moses Brothers band will entertain families with a live performance of their blues/bluegrass/rock music from 11a.m. – 3 p.m. The 4th Annual Apple Pie Eating contest will begin at 3 p.m. with categories for youth and adults. There is an entry fee ($5 for youth and $15 for adults) and prizes will be awarded. Other live shows include birds of prey demonstrations, shadow puppet shows and story readings between 10:30am – 2:30pm.

New this year will be an “Eco-Village” where attendees can learn about the latest products, services and businesses to help green their home, family and life. Participating Eco-Village sponsors/exhibitors include Alteris Renewables, BPC Green Builders, Going Green Landscape Lighting, Graze Delivered, Sunlight Solar Energy Inc. and Vinylume Inc. Renewal by Andersen.

A wide range of fresh foods will be available to purchase throughout the day, including grilled hot dogs, pulled pork and vegetarian sandwiches, pizza, hot soup and hot and cold beverages. A variety of homemade baked goods will be for sale courtesy of Nature Center volunteers.

Admission to the Fall Fair is free and parking is available at St. Mark’s and the First Presbyterian Church. Tickets can be purchased for $1 each for the activities and food, which range from 1-7 tickets.

About the New Canaan Nature Center

The New Canaan Nature Center is a not-for-profit organization that is an environmental education center and sanctuary dedicated to helping people of all ages better understand, appreciate and care for the world of nature. The annual Fall Fair helps raise funds to maintain and offer this community treasure admission-free to residents of New Canaan and the surrounding area throughout the year. For more information about the Fall Fair visit www.NewCanaanNature.org of call (203) 966-9577.

JanetLeave a comment