Tag: family fun

August 27 Paddle Into the Past – Dugout Canoe Rides on Lake Waramaug With the Institute for American Indian Studies

Have you ever wanted to paddle into the past? On Sunday, August 27, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Warren Town Beach (26D) North Shore Road in New Preston on beautiful Lake Waramaug, you can try your paddling skills in an authentically recreated dugout canoe with the Institute for American Indian Studies.

Canoes have been used for transportation, fishing, and recreation by indigenous peoples worldwide for centuries. In the Eastern Woodlands, dugout canoes were the major form of transportation for Native Americans for thousands of years. If you have ever wondered how a burned-out log could float on water and what it would feel like to ride in a traditional Native American canoe, don’t miss the “Can You Canoe” event!

Traditional Native American canoes were constructed out of a single log using a scorch and strip technique in which the builder used controlled burning and stone chiseling tools to carve out the center of the log. In Eastern North America, most dugout canoes were made from a single log of chestnut or pine. They were often small, light, and fast and used for hunting and transportation. Many of the canoes recovered in the northeast United States date back 5,000-plus years! However, archeologists believe that they were most likely constructed and used thousands of years earlier. Interestingly, all of the canoes discovered in New England were found submerged which helped to preserve them.

The canoe that will be used during this event belongs to the Institute for American Indian Studies and is reconstructed using traditional techniques by Jeff Kalin. Because they have been made within the last few years, they can be safely taken out for a ride on occasion. The highlight of this event is to experience how differently a traditional Native American canoe glides through the water as compared to modern canoes that are often feather-light and made of fiberglass. Each participant that takes a ride will receive a commemorative sticker for paddling into the past.

Pre-registration is required and can be made at http://www.iaismuseum.org or by calling 860-868-0518 or emailing events@iaismuseum.org. The Institute is asking participants to reserve time-slots when signing up online. The cost is $10 for members of the museum and $15 for non-members. If you are attending on the day of the event, cash and check are preferred although there will be card readers.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Experience the Excitement @ the 45th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival – September 8-10

This year, the Norwalk Oyster Festival organizers have planned a number of new and exciting events that will provide an experience like no other on Friday, September 8, Saturday, September 9, and Sunday, September 10 at the 35-acre Veterans Memorial Park in Norwalk. Tickets are on sale now online at seaport.org and will be available at the gate during the event.

Music and entertainment make people happy with the added benefit of making memories that last a lifetime. And, making folks happy is what this festival is all about. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival, now in its 45th year is the last big event that takes place before the end of the summer. 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! To make it more affordable for families we offer discounted ride wristbands on Saturday and Sunday, and best of all, kids under 12 get in free on Sunday…it’s our way of giving back to all our supporters, said Mike Reilly, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association and Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival. “The Festival is very important to the Seaport Association because it is our major fundraiser for Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s Maritime Icon,” Reilly said. “We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank and Ford, for our “Built Ford Proud Stage,” Reilly concluded. For tickets click here

Entertainment Line-Up Built Ford Proud Stage
Attending the Norwalk Oyster Festival is a lot more than music – it’s the atmosphere, the culture, and the people all experiencing something live that you can’t stream! It’s a way to spend time with friends and loved ones, enjoy delicious food, shop, and see world-class entertainment as well as both world-famous and emerging musicians.

Get ready to party 1980s style on Friday, September 8, with Mullett on the Built Ford Proud Stage at 8:30 p.m. Mullett is known nationwide as one of the most authentic tribute bands around. This is going to be a fun show, and one not to be missed. For more than a decade, Mullett has been wowing audiences by delivering the best of the 1980s in Big Hair and amazing renditions of 80s favorites. This is the closest you get to classic Van Halen, Def Leppard, Bon Jovi, Journey, Poison, and countless others…proving that the 80s live on forever! Rocking out to Mullett is sure to bring you back in time!

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.

Gary LeVox Lead Singer Rascal Flatts

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. “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.

LeVox is known for having one of country music’s most distinctive voices that is pure joy to listen to. LeVox will be performing the chart toppers and well-known hits of Rascal Flatts as well as some of his new music. As the frontman in one of the most influential groups in country history, LeVox knows how to entertain. The Oyster Festival offers an intimate setting that makes interaction with the audience easy and fun and LeVox never disappoints with songs that everybody can relate to. LeVox is one of country music’s greatest vocalists, so Saturday night’s audience better get ready to saddle up for an unforgettable good time.

Singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard who hails from Nashville Tennessee is opening for Gary LeVox on Saturday at 6 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler and placed a number of songs in over a dozen films. This band has shared the stage with Tyler Farr, Michael McDonald, Blues Traveler, and Edgar Winter, to name a few.

Sunday’s musical extravaganza begins @ 3 p.m. with BadBoy which will get the crowd up and dancing with their rock and country hits. The final concert of the 45th annual Oyster Festival ends on a high note with the legendary East Coast Rock ‘n’ Roll group, John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band. They will take the Built Ford Proud Stage at 5 p.m. 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. “On the Dark Side” landed in the Billboard Top 10, and was the No. 1 tune on the Album Rock Charts for five weeks. The album sold over three million copies and was certified Triple Platinum by the RIAA. “Tough All Over,” “Hearts on Fire,” from the Rocky IV movie, and C-I-T-Y are among the band’s mega hits. This band puts on a fantastic show that is sure to get people up and dancing.

John Cafferty and the Beaver Brown Band

Two New Entertainment Acts
To add to the fun, the organizers of the Norwalk Oyster Festival have added two new shows that are sure to amaze. These shows are perfect for the entire family because they will entertain folks of all ages from the beginning to the end.

The WOW Water Circus will take you on a fanciful and whimsical journey above and below the surface with their maritime merriment! 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 Canines in the Clouds. This is a heartwarming story about a journey from a shelter to stardom! This diverse cast of canine athletes that perform high-energy, gravity-defying stunts that are unique to this show, will dazzle you. A special highlight is to meet and greet these magnificent dogs after the show.

About the Norwalk Oyster Festival
Now in its 45th 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 its music, wide variety of entertainment, family fun, delicious food, children’s rides, and the New England Craft Village.

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JanetLeave a comment

New Exhibit @ Institute for American Indian Studies on Native American Identity

The Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut has just announced a new temporary traveling exhibit, “Native American Identity Stolen, Sold, and Reclaimed.” This exhibition invites guests of the museum to reflect on the stories that every one of us carries, consciously or not about Native American People. It is an enlightening and thoughtful journey through Native American stereotypes and more. This exhibit will be up through August. The Insitute is participating in the Summer at the Museum Program where one child from Connecticut 18 and under accompanied by an adult gets in free through September 4.


“Native American Identity Stolen, Sold, and Reclaimed,” traces the story of 500 years of Western perceptions that have been placed on Indigenous peoples of North America through family myths and popular culture that have been woven into a mythology depriving Native American People of their cultural, ethnic, and linguistic diversity.

Walking through this exhibit, visitors will see an interesting array of displays that explore misguided representations of Native American People in film, news, print media, literature, art, and commercial products. These displays highlight that Native Americans have a very limited scope of representation. They are most often represented either as historical figures belonging to the past or as stereotypical cliches, such as the Indian Princess, the Savage Indian, or the Noble Savage. Displays highlight tropes in advertising, films, T.V. shows, video games, and more that embrace these stereotypical generalizations, and in doing so, validate them in the way people view Indigenous people.

The final set of displays showcases an alternative narrative through a series of short bios on Native Americans from just about every walk of life and from many different time periods. Their stories and self-expression seek to help visitors break the cycle of misrepresentation in a positive and uplifting manner. As, Dr. Janine Pease concludes in one of the displays, “What’s been lost over many generations, it will take perhaps that many generations to restore…the challenge is to realize the power we do have. It’s not going to take some outside power. It’s power within that will really make the difference.”



About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have the 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allow visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT

JanetLeave a comment

Join the Flock – Go On A Birding Safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association

There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the <a href="http://There is nothing that says summer like a birding safari with the Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

Regardless if you are a veteran or novice birding enthusiast this cruise is an ideal way to add seabirds to your list. This year, the Seaport’s vessel, the C.J. Toth, a 49- passenger vessel will head out at 8 a.m. and return to the dock at 10:30 a.m. on Sunday, May 28, and Sunday, June 4, 11, and 18. This guided bird cruise is ideal for adults and children because it is a fun and educational way to experience nature.

Passengers on this eco-styled guided bird cruise are being led by birding enthusiast, James Leone, who has been birding for six-plus years. Leone is extremely knowledgeable about the identification status and distribution of birds in Connecticut and, specifically in Long Island Sound. “I am looking forward to helping people spot as many birds as they can and sharing my knowledge about their habitat, needs, and importance to the eco-system. I have identified 330 species of birds in Connecticut, and 300 birds in Fairfield County alone,” says Leone. It is exciting to be out on the water this time of year because you never know what will fly by – which makes every cruise different and exciting at the same time,” Leone added. In addition to birding in Connecticut, Leone has birded in Thailand and Costa Rica as well as all over the United States, spotting more than 1,200 birds. He has attended the prestigious birding program at Arizona’s Camp Chiricahua, where he developed a greater understanding of birds and their habitat, which he will be sharing with the lucky passengers on this cruise.

Egret Up Close With Fish Michael Brinkley

A special highlight of this cruise is the chance to spot birds at the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge on Sheffield Island. Because of the shape of the boat, you can really get close to the shoreline. Here you will see a variety of habitats that support nesting and wading birds. This spot is known for its small population of herring and great black-backed gulls that nest along Sheffield Island’s rocky shoreline. The importance of the Norwalk Islands to wildlife, especially migratory birds is enormous, and the special Bird Cruises hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association give nature enthusiasts the chance to spot these magnificent seabirds up close with the added benefit of a knowledgeable guide.

Passengers are asked to arrive 30 minutes prior to the 8 a.m. departure. The vessel leaves from the Seaport Dock located on 4 North Water Street adjacent to the Stroffolino Bridge at the corner of Washington and Water Streets in South Norwalk. Parking is available at the adjacent lot or at the Maritime Center Parking Garage. Tickets are available online in advance by clicking here and are $25 for children and $35 for adults. The Seaport Association advises reserving your Bird Cruise early because these popular excursions sell out. Make sure you include your email when reserving your ticket. If the tour is canceled due to inclement weather the Norwalk Seaport Association will contact you via your email.

Seagull with Crab Michael Brinkley

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.”>Norwalk Seaport Association. Birding cruises are one of the most popular excursions operated by the Seaport Association because it brings adults and children up close to birds in their maritime natural habitat. Adding to the fun is the fact that Long Island Sound is a birding hot spot in Connecticut, a state that is rich in birdlife with more than 430 different species to spot.

JanetLeave a comment

Gear – Up for 2023 Summer Camp @ Institute for American Indian Studies

This summer the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington, Connecticut is offering six weeks of summer camp where Native American history will come alive through fun activities offered by the Educational Department of the Institute. Hiking in the woods, mock archaeological digs, educational games, listening to traditional Native American stories, learning new crafts, and working together to complete a group project are just some of the highlights. This year’s summer camp program encourages children to connect with nature, and appreciate culture more than 10,000 years old while enhancing their teambuilding skills and, making new friends. For more information https://www.iaismuseum.org/summer-camp/

Six weekly camps with different themes are offered from June 26 – August 11, for children six–twelve, Monday – Friday, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is available online. For questions call 868-0518 ext. 453 or email gbenjamin@iaismuseum.org

Children that love archeology and wonder what tools archaeologists use to uncover clues will enjoy Puzzles of the Past: Putting it All Together, from June 26- June 30. Mock archaeological digs and learning how to use a variety of tools are part of the discovery in solving riddles from the past! If your child is curious about how to survive in the great outdoors, Take Shelter! One of Your Five Basic Needs runs from July 10 – July 14 and promises to be as fun as it is informative. This week’s programs show campers how important it is to understand the environment and how to construct shelters from it, just as Indigenous inhabitants of the Americas did centuries ago.

For children that think technology is just a modern concept, the July 17-21 session, Learning the ABC’s of Traditional Tech, might change their minds! This week, campers will learn about ancient technologies that were critical to survival and had nothing to do with computers or cell phones. Perfect to encourage the budding ecologist and children that love the environment, Stories of Survival: Native Lifeway’s in the Eastern Woodlands, from July 24-28, shows children how Native cultures have used their understanding and knowledge of the natural world to thrive for thousands of years.

Ideal for curious campers, Being Resourceful: Gifts of the Natural World, from July 31 – August 4, shares the ecological lessons from Native cultures that are inspiring and timely. This week’s highlights include learning animal tracking skills, identifying plants, and much more. If your child is creative and inquisitive don’t miss the final camp, August 7 – August 11, Etuaptmumk: A Different Way of Thinking. Through traditional Native American stories, mock archeological digs, and group projects, campers will learn the benefits of looking at things from two different perspectives – traditional Indigenous knowledge and Western Scientific thought.

About The Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland acres the Institute For American Indian Studies preserves and educates through archeology, research, exhibitions, and programs. They have a 16th c. Algonquian Village, Award-Winning Wigwam Escape, and a museum with temporary and permanent displays of authentic artifacts from prehistory to the present allows visitors to foster a new understanding of the world and the history and culture of Native Americans. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, CT.

JanetLeave a comment

Norfolk Connecticut’s Husky Meadows Farm Celebrates Earth Day

Husky Meadows Farm, located in Norfolk, Connecticut kicks off its 2023 season of events with a weekend-long Earth Day Celebration from Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23. While primarily an organic market garden, the entirety of Husky Meadows Farm includes 300 acres of mixed native meadows, woodlands, hay fields, and an orchard. Earth Day offers the perfect opportunity for visitors to explore the whole farm ecosystem.

Guests can join for a full weekend farm stay that includes overnight lodging, meals, a farm tour with farmer Brett Ellis, a wild foods cooking class with Culinary Director Tracy Hayhurst, and a tour of the farm’s apiaries with Dan Watkins of Beeworks, LLC, as well as break-out sessions that are also open to the public. Husky Meadows is delighted to offer these sessions with acclaimed teachers from the community to help guests identify ways to create healthy ecosystems for flora and fauna in their own backyards.

On Friday, April 21, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Husky Meadow Farms will host a screening of “What’s the Rush.” The film, presented by co-founder Michelle Alfandari features the work of Homegrown National Park®, a grassroots movement to increase biodiversity one person at a time. In the film co-founder renowned ecologist Doug Tallamy, a New York Times best-selling author and leading voice on solving the biodiversity crisis, showcases the importance of creating new ecological networks by replacing invasive plants with native plants, right in your own backyard. Alfandari will lead a Q&A after the film when light refreshments will be served. This event is open to the public at the Norfolk Hub @ 2 Station Place in the center of Norfolk.

On Saturday, April 22, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Mike Nadeau will present “Native Grasses and Wildflowers.” There is a limited number of individual tickets for the program, Mike is a leading authority in the field of sustainable and ethical land care strategies and the co-founder of NOFA’s Organic Land Care Program. Mike recently transformed one of the fallow pastures at Husky Meadows into a native grass and wildflower meadow while using only organic methods and materials. He’ll use this meadow as the backdrop for his discussion.

On Sunday, April 23, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the farm presents brunch with author and gardener, Page Dickey, well known for her books, “Uprooted” and “Embroidered Ground.” Page has rich experience with classical horticulture and a deep understanding of the interdependent nature of native plants and pollinators. Page will share how these elements can complement each other in one’s home landscape and gardens.

For more information, event tickets, and farm stay bookings visit huskymeadowsfarm.com or email tracy@huskymeadowsfarm.com

About Husky Meadows Farm

Situated on three hundred bucolic acres in Norfolk, Connecticut, Husky Meadows Farm grows certified organic produce for its kitchen, farm stand, and community-supported agriculture membership. The farm kitchen offers year-round prepared foods. At the height of the growing season from May – October the farm also offers intimate farm stays, cooking classes, community dinners, and special workshops on a variety of farm-to-table and ecological topics.

JanetLeave a comment