Tag: Fairfield County

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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Celebrate Oysters and More with the Norwalk Seaport Association June 8, 2024 @ Norm Bloom and Sons Dock

The Norwalk Seaport Association’s signature event, Docktails and Oysters, hosted by Norm Bloom and Sons, a fourth-generation oyster farm in Norwalk, is taking place on Saturday, June 8, 2024, from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. The proceeds from this sell-out event will be used to refurbish the lighthouse to its golden years in the 19th century when it guided ships safely through Norwalk Harbor.

This Sheffield Island-inspired party is casual and fun where you will see old friends and make new ones as you listen to live music, sip beer or wine, and slurp the freshest oysters you will ever taste! “It’s a chance for people to celebrate the Seaport Association’s mission of preserving the Sheffield Island Lighthouse for future generations and have a little fun at an authentic oyster farm,” said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.

Oysters have a long history in Norwalk that started with the Native Americans. Today, the techniques and processes used to farm Copps Island Oysters by Norm Bloom and Sons have been used for centuries, making them an extra special treat. If you have never had oysters, literally fresh off the boat, this is your chance to eat your fill of them – so make sure you come hungry! It’s fun to watch the pros shuck the oysters right before your eyes (they make it look so easy) and set them on trays with lemons and an assortment of delicious sauces. The food and fun doesn’t stop there, as guests can snack on passed and stationed appetizers such as bite-sized cheeseburgers, mini chicken biscuits, southern fried chicken, Jimmy’s fried clams, grilled shrimp skewers, truffle mac and cheese tarts, and scrumptious charcuterie and crudité table catered by Seaside Sliders.

A highlight of the event is its location — right on the water at Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Guests are invited to tour the Oyster Museum and to learn how oysters are grown and harvested here and then shipped all over the world. The oyster beds are incubated under the dock where this event takes place. Part of the charm is to see how small oysters actually are when they are young! As soon as they are big enough, the oysters are “planted” on the sandy bottom of the Sound that surrounds the docks. This time-honored system of growing oysters makes them some of the best that you will ever taste; they are prized the world over for their sweet briny flavor and plump meat. Best of all, this is your chance to eat your fill of them for a good cause!

Tickets to this event are limited to 200 people and are $85 online. It is highly recommended to reserve your tickets in advance because this popular event sells out every year. For tickets https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2024-docktails-oysters-tickets-888586806057?aff=ebdsoporgprofile, if you have questions, please call 203-838-9444.

About the Norwalk Seaport Association
The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Barn Tag Sale Open Thursday, April 18 to Sunday, April 21 @ Keeler Tavern

The Barn Tag Sale at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center (KTM&HC) is back and better than ever! Our historic carriage barn will feature 1,250 square feet of bargains on April 18-21 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day.

The Barn Tag Sale is a popular community event that directly supports KTM&HC, with all profits benefitting the upkeep and preservation of the museum’s various historic buildings. The sale will feature furniture, china, toys, housewares, antiques, collectibles, rugs, and more. The museum appreciates event organizers Rhonda Hill and Hilary Micalizzi, both longtime KTM&HC supporters and past presidents, and their team of dedicated volunteers, who are donating their time and energy to make this event possible.

Shoppers will find gently used items to suit every taste. Items are priced to move, so shop early for the best selection. The Barn Tag Sale will take place rain or shine, and parking and admission are free.

Make a day of it! Pack up your purchases and head over to the Visitor Center to purchase tickets for a tour of the museum, where historically interpreted rooms immerse visitors in the site’s history from the early 1700s through the turn of the 20th century. Learn more on our website: www.keelertavernmuseum.org/visit.

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Brewing Up April Fun with the Seaport Association @ SpaceCat Brewery

The Norwalk Seaport Association is hosting an event sure to cure what ales you at the SpaceCat Brewery located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk on Monday, April 15 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Get ready to discover one of the finest craft breweries in Connecticut located right here in Norwalk. This is a night to be remembered with the artful fusion of small-batch brews and hard cider with chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café that will complement each sip. SpaceCat brews range from robust IPAs to crisp lagers sure to please the most discerning palate. Part of the fun is to find out how SpaceCat Brewer’s creative touch brings out the best in their diverse range of beer by using the finest grains, hops, and yeasts sustainably. Guests are sure to savor the diverse tapestry of flavors of beer at this event which is a fundraiser for Norwalk’s Sheffield Island Lighthouse.

Spacecat Brewery

At this fun and relaxed event, guests will also enjoy learning about what the Seaport Association has planned for 2024 from the cruise schedule and new renovations at the Lighthouse to the 2024 Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership levels. This is the perfect opportunity to find out about how to volunteer for this established non-profit organization that has been around since 1978.

Tickets include two drink vouchers and appetizers, all for a good cause. This event does require advance registration. Tickets are $35 per person and are limited to the first 100 people. Tickets are available online by clicking here or by calling the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444, so get them today so you don’t miss out on the fun. Proceeds from this event will be used for the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon.

About the Seaport Association
The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

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Tequila Tasting to Benefit the Weston History & Culture Center

Start your Cinco de Mayo fun a week early at the Weston History & Culture Center’s Tequila and Mezcal Tasting Party on Saturday, April 27, 2024, from 7pm – 10pm. Tickets are $100 per person and can be purchased at: https://westoncthistory.org.

Ticket includes a variety of tequila and mezcal samples, a tasting talk led by the publisher and editor of Modern Distillery Age, Gregg Glaser, hearty appetizers by Old Mill Market & Cafe, specialty cocktails, beer and wine service. Bid on fabulous silent auction items that include JetBlue tickets, an overnight stay at the Union League Club, and more! All to support the Weston History & Culture Center’s mission to discover, collect, and preserve Weston’s history! Sponsored by Diageo. Attendees must be 21 and over. IDs will be checked at the door.

About the presenter: Gregg Glaser is the Publisher/Editor of Modern Distillery Age, a weekly trade magazine covering the spirits business; Editor in Chief Emeritus of Yankee Brew News, a bimonthly consumer newspaper covering craft beer in the Northeast; and the founder and producer of the Great International Beer, Cider, Mead & Sake Competition, the largest such professional competition on the East Coast. For many years he was a contributing editor for Modern Brewery Age, a trade magazine for the beer business established in 1934, and also a News Editor for All About Beer Magazine, a consumer magazine. Gregg has a degree in Communications with concentrations in Cinema, Television, and Radio from Ithaca College. He studied comparative media in Britain at the BBC, IBA, and Pinewood Film Studios and in Italy at RAI and Cinecittà.

The Weston History & Culture Center is located at 104 Weston Road Weston, CT. Parking and entrance is on High Acre Road. The Weston Historical Society D/B/A The Weston History and Culture Center is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The Center would like to thank its annual sponsors: Fairfield County Bank and KMS Team at Compass as well as the Daniel E. Offutt, III Charitable Trust. For more information and how to donate, visit www.WestonCTHistory.org email: info@westoncthistory.org or call: 203-226-1804.

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Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo Invites the Public to Join Citizen Scientist FrogWatch USA

Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo invites residents to become Citizen-Scientist volunteers and participate in a “FrogWatch” census in area wetlands. In a collaboration between the Zoo, The Maritime Aquarium, and Yale’s Peabody Museum of Natural History, volunteers will make regular visits to wetlands in their neighborhoods and keep a frog log to record the frog and toad calls they hear. Working with experts, volunteers will learn about local frog species, then visit wetlands once or twice a week for about 15 minutes each night this spring and summer.

The watch begins a half hour after sunset, making the watch ideal for families with older children. Observations are reported to a national online database to contribute to amphibian conservation efforts. FrogWatch coordinators at each facility keep up to date on data results for participants. This year, training will be presented online for the first session, and the second session will be offered either in person at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo or online. During this training, participants will learn about Citizen Science, the important role amphibians play in the ecosystem, and how to identify ten species of frogs heard in Connecticut. After the training, participants will be sent a virtual assessment to complete to become a certified FrogWatch Volunteer.

As of 2023, the Peabody Beardsley Maritime Chapter leads the nation in frog call acoustic observations. The chapter was responsible for 1,122 observations out of the 6,982 observations made nationwide, equaling 16.07% of collected data. “FrogWatch USA is a fantastic educational program that demonstrates how everyone can play a part in protecting wildlife,” explained Jim Knox, education curator at Connecticut’s Beardsley Zoo. Volunteers do not need any prior experience or knowledge about frogs. Only one training session is required, each from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Choose from A virtual training session on Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024: 7-8:30 P.M. or a hybrid training session, either in-person at the Zoo or online on Monday, March 4, 2024, at 7-8:30 P.M. For more information and to register: www.beardsleyzoo.org/frog-watch

Why Frogs? Frogs and toads play a vital role, serving as both prey and predator, in wetland ecosystems and are considered indicators of environmental health. Many previously abundant frog and toad populations have experienced dramatic population declines both in the United States and around the world. Scientists must understand the scope, geographic scale, and cause of these declines. The data collected by FrogWatch USA volunteers is used to help inform conservation and management efforts.

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