Category: things to do in connecticut

Goshen Stampede Promises Rodeo Thrills A Fathers’ Day Treat in the Litchfield Hills

No need to travel far for Wild West excitement. Broncos and bulls and daring bareback riders will bring Western-style rodeo thrills close to home for the 6th Annual Goshen Stampede in Connecticut’s Litchfield Hills, a three-day event June 17-19, perfectly timed for a Fathers Day treat.

The fun starts Friday, June 17 at 7 p.m., when the fastest horses in Connecticut and their riders will race for cash prizes and a title in Barrel Racing, an event that demands speed, timing and accuracy to bring home the money. Two big rodeo competitions will be held on Saturday, June 18 at 6:30 p.m. and on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 19th at 2 p.m. To add to the fun, a kid’s rodeo will take place on Saturday at 4 p.m. for entrants up to age 12.

Rodeos aren’t the only competitions on the agenda for this gala occasion. There will be added excitement galore from two wild Demolition Derbies and the Tri-State Truck and Tractor Pulls competitions. Midway rides, free bands every night, great food and fireworks plus a petting zoo just for the kids will add to the festivities.

The Stampede will take place at the Goshen Fair Grounds, 116 Old Middle St. (Rte. 63) in Goshen. Stampede hours are Friday, June 17th 2:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m; Saturday, June 18th 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sunday, June 19th 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission: Adults: $12, Ages 10-18: $6 and under 10 free with a paying adult and a coupon that is available on the Stampede website. For complete schedule of events and discount tickets visit http://www.goshenstampede.com.

JanetLeave a comment

Magnificent Millinery: Three Centuries of Women’s Hats in Danbury CT

Join First Lady of Danbury, Phyllis Boughton at the Danbury Museum & Historical Society Authority on Saturday, June 4, 2011 for the opening of the Society’s newest exhibit, “Magnificent Millinery: Three Centuries of Women’s Hats in Danbury.” The ribbon cutting will take place at 10 a.m. and will be followed by refreshments.

Twenty display cases, filled to the brim, will feature over 300 ladies hats from the museum collection – caps, bonnets, felts, furs whimsies, pillboxes and more. The exhibit showcases hat design from the colonial period through the mid-20th century along with hat related accessories. Visitors to the exhibit will be amazed by the artistry of the hats on view.

An entire wall in Huntington Hall will be dedicated to articles of ephemera including historic newspaper advertisements and city directory listings related to the millinery trade in Danbury. Vintage photos and antique postcards from the archives of the Society illustrate styles and trends.

The exhibit was inspired by the work of Catherine Vanaria, Western CT State University photography professor and Danbury small business owner, who spent time during the summer of 2010 photographing the hat collection. Erika Askin, guest curator and museum volunteer, spent countless hours cataloging each hat, writing the scripts and staging the exhibit.

Joretta Kilcourse, museum docent and volunteer crafted a special ‘Magnificent Millinery Quilt’ featuring Vanaria’s photos of some of the finest hats in the collection. The winning ticket for this fundraising raffle will be drawn at the close of the exhibit on October 15, 2011.

The Magnificent Millinery: Three Centuries of Women’s Hats in Danbury’ exhibit will be open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m from June 4, 2011 through October 15, 2011. Suggested donation for viewing the exhibit is $5.00.

Danbury was once known as the “hatting capital” of the country. An abundance of water and marshes that attracted beavers were the key elements essential to hat making and at that time Danbury had both. The industry has been traced back to Zadoc Benedict who began a shop in Danbury in 1780. By the early 19th century there were over 40 shops making hats in Danbury.

By 1909 Danbury was making 36 million hats a year from cowboy hats to fedoras to top hats and became known as Hatting Capital of the World. The decline of the “hat culture” is attributed to the automobile industry because hats became cumbersome to wear in cars. In 1987, Stetson was the last hat factory to leave Danbury marking the end of an era.

Special Note: June 4th is also National Trails Day. The DMHSA is happy be joining in by distributing maps for our “Museum In the Streets” walk that winds through CityCenter Danbury. Park your car, put on your hat, refill your water bottle and take a stroll downtown. Stop along the way at each of twenty-one history panels and learn about our wonderful city!

About the DMHSA:The Danbury Museum & Historical Society was formed in 1947 to acquire, preserve, exhibit and interpret New England’s past; focusing particularly on the heritage of Danbury. Situated in downtown Danbury, the museum preserves the John and Mary Rider House (c.1785), the Dodd Hat Shop (c. 1790), the Marian Anderson Studio and the Charles Ives Birthplace. Huntington Hall, a modern exhibit building houses the museum offices and research library.

JanetLeave a comment

Sheffield Island Opens for the Season

The Norwalk Seaport Association has kicked off its summer season with the opening of Sheffield Island that is home to the 142-year-old Sheffield Island lighthouse, listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

From May through September, visitors can board the Seaport Association’s 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran for a cruise to the island then tour the lighthouse, observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, hunt for shells along the beach, dine on a picnic lunch, play on the lawns around the lighthouse or simply unwind and enjoy the natural beauty that surrounds them. A special treat when visiting the island is a climb to the lighthouse tower that affords magnificent views of Long Island Sound and, on a clear day, of the New York City skyline.

A special offering by the Seaport Association is the Wednesday Sunset Harbor Cruises from 6:30 p.m to 9:30 p.m. This relaxing sunset cruise on the Seaport’s new 45-foot ferry is a spectacular way to explore the beauty of Fairfield County’s “gold coast”, Norwalk Harbor and Long Island Sound. Advance reservations for the popular sunset cruise are strongly recommended.

A favorite of young and old alike is the Thursday Evening Clambake at Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Every summer, the Seaport Ferry in South Norwalk carries hundreds of hungry passengers to the historic 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse for this famous Thursday night outing. A true New England dining experience, the evening allows participants to dine in the festive tented pavilion on the lighthouse lawn, with tours of the lighthouse itself included in the cost. Roundtrip cruise and dinner is either $58 or $78 per person, depending on entree. Advance registration only. To dine in the shadow of the historic 1868 Sheffield Island Lighthouse and look out to the skyline of Manhatten is truly and unforgettable summer experience. The Clambake begins June 30, 2011 and runs through August 25, 2011.

The Seaport Association also offers a popular Bird Watching Cruise that leaves the dock at 7:30 am and returns at 10:30 am. Birding enthusiasts will join Larry Flynn, Master Wildlife Conservationist, Division of Wildlife, Connecticut Department of Environmental Protection, aboard the Seaport Association’s ferry, to learn about the birds that make Long Island Sound their home. The first tour for 2011 is Saturday, June 4 from 2 pm to 4 pm. This years dates for the special birding crusies are: Sunday, June 12 and 26; Sunday July 10, Tuesday July 12, Sunday July 24, Saturday July 30, Sunday August 7 and Wednesday August 10. For reservations call 203-838-9444.

The ferry service to Sheffield Island is Monday-Friday — 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and on weekends and holidays the ferry runs at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Round-trip ferry tickets: $22 adults $20 seniors/NSA members $12 ages 4-12; $5 ages 3 and younger. To buy tickets call 800-838-3006 (24/7) visit the website http://www.seaport.org or call 203-838-2898 on the day of the ferry ride.

The ferry leaves from the Sheffield Island Lighthouse dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in Historic South Norwalk. Parking is available adjacent to the dock and the Norwalk Maritime Center Garage. The 2011 Season begins May 28, 2011 and ends September 25, 2011. It is advised to arrive at the dock 15 minutes before departure.

The Norwalk Seaport Association was established in 1978 and stewards the Sheffield Island lighthouse, which celebrates 142 years as the jewel in Long Island Sound.

JanetLeave a comment

Classic Schooner Sails SoundWaters Opens this Weekend!

Anyone who has ever dreamed about gliding full sail on a classic schooner should visit SoundWaters, an environmental education organization located in Cove Island Park in Stamford. They offer regular sails on the SoundWaters, an 80-foot three-masted replica of a 19th Century sharpie schooner, which leaves from Brewer Yacht Haven Marina in Stamford.

Afternoon sails from 3 to 5 p.m. on selected dates from June through August are great for families with children age 5 and up, offering the chance to help hoist the sails and raise the trawl to discover who lives underwater. This summer, afternoon sails are offered on the following dates: Sunday, May 29, Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Sunday, July 3, Saturday, July 9, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Saturday, July 23, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

Sunset Sails on selected weekends and weeknights from June through August are intended for adults, who are invited to bring dinner and their favorite beverages on baord and relax while watching the sun go down. These sails are intended for Adults, as alcohol is often brought on board. Sunset Sails are offered 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm on the following dates this season: Sunday, May 29, Sunday, June 12, Saturday, June 25, Sunday, June 26, Tuesday, June 28, Sunday, July 3, Wednesday, July 6, Friday, July 8, Saturday, July 9, Friday, July 15, Saturday, July 16, Sunday, July 17, Wednesday, July 20, Friday, July 22, Saturday, July 2, Wednesday, July 27, Friday, July 29, Saturday, July 30, Saturday, August 13 and Sunday, August 14.

On July 2 Soundwaters is offering a “Fireworks Sail”, that is truely an unforgettable event that is set against the dramatic backdrop of Long Island Sound from 7:30 pm – 11:00 pm. Tickets for this very special sail are $75 per person.

Tickets for Afternoon and Sunset Sails are $30 per person and all children must be at least five years old. To reserve your space please call 203-406-3335 with a credit card. Prior to the day of the sail, tickets are also available at the SoundWaters Center in Cove Island Park and can be purchased by credit card, cash or check. Spaces on day of sail are available first come first served. Passengers can pay in person (cash or check) on the day of sail dockside (Brewers Yacht Haven Marina). Note that these spaces are not guaranteed. For any additional questions or if you would like to make advance resevations phone (203) 406-3335 or email hstarks@soundwaters.org.

To reach the Marina coming from the North on I-95:-Take I-95 South to Exit 7. Merge onto N State St (merge into the middle lane, the far left lane will take you back to I-95 South). Turn left on to Washington Blvd (5th Traffic Light) Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane Continue on Dyke Lane. Take a right onto Batemen Way. Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

Coming from the South on I-95: -Take I-95 North to Exit 7.-Merge onto S State St-Turn right onto Washington Blvd-Washington Blvd will turn into Dyke Lane- Continue on Dyke Lane.- Take a right onto Batemen Way- Turn left into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina and follow the pavement to the southwest corner of the marina. The Schooner SoundWaters is located at Dock S1.

The gate into Brewer Yacht Haven Marina is open Monday – Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm and Saturday 8:00am – 1:00pm. If your sail is after 5:00 pm on a weekday, after 1:00 pm on Saturday, or on a Sunday, a SoundWaters staff member will be at the entrance gate into Brewers Yacht Haven Marina 30 minutes prior to the start of the sail to check in passengers and direct you to parking. You must check in at the gate 5 minutes prior to the start of the sail.

JanetLeave a comment

Lake Compounce Offers Discounts for Military Families Memorial Day Weekend

Lake Compounce located in Bristol Connecticut proudly offers military members and their families showing valid ID 50% off regular admission on May 28, 29 and 30, in honor of the Memorial Day holiday. Any member who shows proof of being in a military family is eligible, and all tickets must be purchased at the gate.

“We at Lake Compounce deeply appreciate what those in the military, both retired and current members, as well as their families do and sacrifice for our country.” Said Jerry Brick, the park’s General Manager. “And we would like to express our gratitude by honoring them on Memorial Day weekend.”

Regular admission is $35.99, and discounted tickets will be $17.99 each. The park will be open on May 28 and 29 from 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., and on May 30 from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.

About Lake Compounce

Lake Compounce is part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks and is New England’s Family Theme Park as well as the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. Straddling both Bristol and Southington, Connecticut, the park is now open for its 166th season and is the oldest continuously operating Amusement Park in the United States.

Season passes are now on sale for the 2011 season, and can be purchased for $69.99 for a limited time (Regularly $79.99). Unlimited parking passes are available to all season pass holders for $33.00. Regular admission price for the 2011 season will be $35.99. Junior admission, which is for guests under 52 inches tall, is $25.99. Senior admission, for ages 61 and up, will be $17.99. Children 3 years of age and younger are admitted free.

All tickets and season passes may be purchased by visiting http://www.lakecompounce.com.

JanetLeave a comment

A Workshop for Fiber Enthusiasts in Litchfield Hills

If you are thinking of taking an unusual weekend country retreat to recharge a unique workshop featuring the art of fiber preparation is being offered in the Litchfield Hills. The workshop takes place at Sachem Farm B&B that is situated serenely overlooking Lake Waramaug, Connecticut’s second largest natural lake. Here you will learn about sheep, knitting, spinning, and felting along with discussions on wool processing and fiber preparation in a setting of great natural beauty. Join Kim Goodling from VT Grand View Farm June 10-12 for a weekend workshop, taking a fleece through the stages of skirting, washing, and carding.

This workshop will explore fiber preparation, from skirting a newly shorn fleece, to carding techniques and everything in between. You will explore different breeds of sheep and how the care and health of a sheep affects wool quality. You will learn how to wash a fleece and how to use both hand cards, and a drum carder to create wonderful batts for felting or spinning. You’ll leave this workshop with the confidence to purchase and process your own fleeces. Best of all, you don’t need to know how to spin to appreciate this workshop, although by the end of the retreat …. you’ll want to learn!

The Sachem Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast, overlooking Lake Waramaug provides the ideal venue for this weekend workshop. Guest rooms are elegantly decorated with fine antiques, comfortable reading chairs, and luxurious beds. A leisurely breakfast featuring fresh eggs from the farm and local produce is included in every stay. Here you can take time to enjoy the pastures and sheep as you learn about working and living on a small fiber farm. You may want to spend your free time knitting on the porch that overlooks majestic Lake Waramaug, take a stroll down a country lane or explore the ring road along the Lake by bike. Nearby bucolic villages provide endless shopping and restaurants for dining. As an added bonus, Hopkins Vineyard is just up the street for wine tasting and vineyard walks.

Workshop Itinerary:

Friday, June 10

Arrive at 2:00pm (Early Check-in offered, with time to relax and unwind)

Spend the afternoon knitting or spinning on the porch.

5:00pm-6:00pm Complimentary Wine Tasting featuring local wine from Hopkins Vineyard.

Dinner on your own (there are many fine area restaurants to choose from or, get take-out and eat by the lake)

Saturday, June 11
8:00am-9:00am Breakfast on the porch

9:30am-12:00pm Morning Workshop

Different Wools

– Discuss different types of sheep wool

– Discuss other available animal fibers, i.e. angora, llama, etc.

– Discuss animal care and health of fleece

– Selecting fleeces and hands-on skirting

12:00pm-1:00pm Picnic Lunch by the sheep pasture

1:00pm-3:00pm Afternoon Workshop

– Fiber Preparation

– Discuss methods for cleaning wool

– Hands-on washing a fleece

Self-serve coffee and tea is always available in our B&B living room and on the porch. Enjoy an afternoon or evening of knitting or spinning with a fantastic view of the lake!

Dinner on your own (there are many fine area restaurants to choose from or, get take-out and eat by the lake)

Sunday, June 12

8:00am-9:00am breakfast on the porch

9:30am-12:30pm Morning Workshop

– Hand Carding Wool and creating spinning rolags

– Using a drum carder to blend and create fibers into wonderful

batts for spinning and felting

12:30pm-1:30pm A “working” lunch on the porch if extra time is needed for carding.

Check-out will be extended until 4 pm for those who would like to explore the area or enjoy the lake front.
Please note….any guest wishing to help with farm chores can assist with sheep feeding at the barn in the morning, before breakfast.

Fiber Preperation Workshop Weekend Special June 10-12
Lodging cost: Friday & Saturday night, (breakfast included)
$535.00 lake view room with private bath (accommodates two, $40.00 for 1 additional person on rollaway cot) (CT state occupancy tax included)
$335.00 shared bath room (accommodates two) (CT state occupancy tax included)
Workshop fee $175.00 (lunch, afternoon tea & materials included) Accommodations and workshop availability are limited.
For workshop registration and reservation requests: Phone (860)-868-0359 Email: info@thesachemfarmhouse.com http://www.thesachemfarmhouse.com

JanetLeave a comment