Tag: things to do in CT

Compete in Jumpfest’s Human Dog Sled Race for Cash Prizes: A Winter Tradition Like No Other January 31 @ Satre Hill

Get ready for an unforgettable winter adventure at Jumpfest, hosted by the Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA). While aspiring Olympic ski jumpers take center stage, this event also delivers one-of-a-kind thrills with the wildly popular Human Dog Sled Race—a unique spectacle found in only a handful of places worldwide.

This year, the Human Dog Sled Race returns as a fan-favorite tradition, kicking off under the newly installed state-of-the-art lights at Satre Hill in Salisbury on Friday, January 31. New this year, teams will compete for Cash Prizes! The action begins around 8:30 p.m., right after the Target Jumps wrap-up. Planning to compete? Be sure to arrive when the ticket booth opens at 6 p.m. to check in, organize your sled, and lock in your spot for the race. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this exhilarating winter event!

Are you curious about what a Human Dog Sled Race is? Think classic dogsledding but with a hilarious twist—no huskies here! Instead, you and your friends are the “power pups.” Here’s the scoop: gather a team of six – everyone must be 18+ and ready for some snowy action. Five teammates will pull the sled, while one lucky rider gets the best seat in the house—along with the laughs! The race spans a .3-mile snow track, so be prepared to bring your A-game. Compete for glory and cash prizes in men’s, women’s, or mixed categories, but speed isn’t your only ticket to victory. The ultimate prize? The People’s Choice Award, given to the team with the most creative costumes and sled design. Think outside the sled—inner tubes, steam-punk rigs, you name it. The crazier, the better! Dress to impress, unleash your team spirit, and let the snow-filled fun begin!

Registration is open through January 30, 2025. The registration form is online at jumpfest.org. The fee to enter is a modest $25 per team, including free entrance to Jumpfest! Proceeds benefit SWSA’s Junior Ski Programs. An added bonus is that Friday night of Jumpfest is a great all-around time in a beautiful alpine setting. An eighth of a mile of luminaries guide visitors to the site where there are two roaring bonfires and plenty of food and beverages to snack on. The target ski jumping and the Human Dog Sled Races are held under the newly installed state-of-the-art lights, and both are professionally announced! For more information about Jumpfest https://jumpfest.org 

ABOUT SALISBURY WINTER SPORTS ASSOCIATION

The mission of the Salisbury Winter Sports Association is to acquaint the public with Nordic ski-jumping, cross –country and Alpine skiing, and to teach the skills necessary for their enjoyment. One way of fulfilling this mission is to host the annual Jumpfest Competition on Satre Hill to sustain and ski jumping in Salisbury, Connecticut, and the Eastern United States.

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Illuminate the Night: Join the Full Moon Walk with the Institute for American Indian Studies

Experience the magic of a nighttime winter walk under the last full moon of 2024 at the Institute for American Indian Studies (IAIS) on Saturday, December 14 at 6 p.m. Embrace the whispers of the winter woods, the crisp air, and the scent of evergreens as you embark on this moonlit adventure.

The Magic of the Long Night Moon
This full moon, just before the Winter Solstice, takes the highest and longest path along the night sky. Known as the Long Night Moon, it shines above the horizon longer than most full moons, making this walk particularly special. Participants will walk along beautifully maintained wooded trails under this glistening celestial body, learning the various names Native Americans gave the December full moon and what it symbolized for them.

A Journey Through Time
As you walk, you’ll discover how different Native American peoples traditionally used the monthly cycles of the moon and nature’s signs to track the seasons. One of the highlights of this experience is witnessing the beauty of December’s full moon firsthand, just as Native American communities have done for centuries. Participants will learn that the Mohawks, among other Native American communities refer to this moon as the Cold Moon, aptly describing the chilly days and nights of the season.


The Perfect Ending

The woodland walk concludes at the recreated 16th-century Algonkian village, where a warm fire, hot chocolate, and traditional stories await. This unique setting provides the perfect atmosphere to reflect on the night’s experiences and the historical significance of the December full moon. Remember to dress for the weather, bring a flashlight, and wear sturdy shoes. If the weather looks iffy, check in with us using the contact info below. Space is limited, so pre-register using the link. Cost: $5 for IAIS Members, $10 for Non-Members.

About the Institute for American Indian Studies
Located on 15 acres of woodland, the IAIS offers educational programs, both permanent and changing exhibits, and a replicated 16th century Algonkian village. Its research department maintains and extensive archeological and ethnographic collections and conducts archeological digs and other research. Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two eyed seeing,” visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates the more than 12,000 -year history of human habitation. T

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Learn the Cultural Tradition of Corn Husk Weaving @ Institute for American Indian Studies

During this month of gratitude, the Institute for American Indian Studies located at 38 Curtis Road in Washington Connecticut is hosting a Corn Husk Weaving Workshop on Saturday, November 23rd at 1 p.m. Participants will learn the traditional art of weaving beauty from simple cornhusks into a seasonal craft perfect for gift giving.

Originating in South America, corn didn’t reach New England until about 1000 years ago. Corn was a useful crop that wasn’t grown just as a source of food. Many Native American traditions, including the Three Sisters Garden, various traditional stories, and annual ceremonies like the Green Corn Festival, encompass the cultural importance of corn including weaving art and everyday items from cornhusks.

A cornhusk is the outer leaf of the corn plant that protects the cob as it grows. Most of the time, this green outer shell is thrown out after corn is harvested. Readily available during the fall harvest season, skilled Native American artists and other artisans collect the husks and dry them until they turn an attractive shade of golden brown signaling that they are ready to be woven.

At this workshop participants will join an IAIS educator for a hands-on class where they will create crafts made from cornhusks to take home. Weaving with cornhusks has been around for thousands of years in Native American culture and this workshop presents a rare opportunity to experience a bit of Native American culture while creating something beautiful and meaningful.

Pre-registration for this workshop is required and can be made online at iaismuseum.org. The price to participate including all materials, is $20 for non-members and $10 for members of the Institute. If you have questions, please call 860-868-00518 or email events@iaismuseum.org

About the Institute for American Indian Studies

Its “Wigwam Escape” escape room offers an opportunity to solve a puzzle while learning about Indigenous life before European settlement. With a focus on “two-eyed seeing”, visitors can learn about the history of the American continent that incorporates more than 12,000-year history of human habitation. The Institute for American Indian Studies is located at 38 Curtis Road, Washington, Connecticut.

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Whiting Mills Spooktacular Event October 5 and 6 and Tina’s Baskets and Woven Art

On Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6, ghosts, goblins, witches, and other heroes of horrors will abound in Whiting Mills located at 100 Whiting Street, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thirty Artists’ Studios will be open and brimming with frightful delights, oddities, tantalizing treats, and whimsically spooky creations. In addition to exploring working artist studios decked out for Halloween, there will be scavenger hunts, a costume contest for adults and children, an interactive monster display, and candy for all trick-or-treaters! Best of all the admission to this event is FREE.

Take a chance to win this basket!

One studio not to be missed is Tina’s Baskets and Woven Arts which has been cleverly decorated with all things Halloween. Tina Puckett is an internationally award-winning woven artist specializing in everything from intricate baskets and bowls to woven sculptures and wall hangings. When visiting the studio don’t miss the chance to enter the drawing to win a beautiful Gothic black basket embellished by bittersweet that is brimming with Halloween candy!

If you can’t make it to the Spooktacular event @ Whiting Mills on October 5th and 6th, no worries, Tina’s studio will remain decorated through October and will be open on Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information about this award-winning artist as well as information about her classes visit tinasbaskets.com.

About Tina’s Baskets
Tina Puckett is an internationally awarded weaver of baskets and woven arts. You can see her works in her studio #305/ Tina’s Baskets. Located at Whiting Mills in Winsted, Connecticut. Tina has been weaving since 1981 using hand-dyed reeds, bittersweet vines, and a variety of found objects like beads or seagrass. Her work is showcased at galleries across the World and as well at her gallery/studio where you will often find her weaving on weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Appointments are preferred and can be arranged by texting 860-309-6934.

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The West Cemetery Lantern Tour Returns in Bristol

Ready to get into a Halloween mood? Why not head to Bristol for the West Cemetery Lantern Tour on Saturday, October 5th, and Sunday, October 6th. Guests will go on a guided evening stroll through West Cemetery, and along the way be introduced to notable cemetery “residents” who will share some of their history with attendees. This is a spooktacular way to spend an evening and learn a little about Bristol’s history.

Tours will step off at 6:00pm, 6:20pm, 6:40pm, 7:00pm, 7:20pm, 7:40pm, and 8:00pm. The first tour is intended for those who prefer a daylight option.

The rain date for both days is October 12. If we have to use the rain date, those who have signed up will be notified by email and the change will be posted on our website and Facebook page. Suggestion donation for the tours is $10. Reservations for the tours are required and can be made online via Sign Up Genius:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0C4AA9AA2DA7F58-51412733-west or by emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org

If you prefer to meet your cemetery reenactors inside, we are inviting the public to a dress rehearsal on October 4 at 7pm at the Bristol Historical Society at 98 Summer Street. We will have refreshments, programs with information about the historical figures portrayed, and a period for questions from the audience. The suggested donation for both the regular tour and the dress rehearsal is $10. Reservations for the Dress Rehearsal are recommended and can be made by calling 860-583-6309 or emailing president@bristolhistoricalsociety.org

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Get Ready for Old Fashioned Fun Italian Style!

Bocce’s origins can be traced back to 5200 B.C. with ancient Egyptian artwork that depicts boys playing a game that resembles bocce. As bocce’s popularity grew, it spread through Asia Minor and was adopted by the Greeks and passed on to the Roman Empire. Bocce can be played by anyone, young and old alike, and because of its ease and versatility, it spread throughout the world. Bocce has even made it to Norfolk, Connecticut! Get ready to join the fun on October 6 for Norfolk, Connecticut’s 6th annual Bocce Tournament beginning at 3 p.m.

So get your Bocce team together and head to Norfolk’s Bocce Court located at 10 Station Place. This year brackets start to form at 3 pm and the rolling will start as soon as two teams are assembled. If you want your team to have a guaranteed spot, please email lboucher@norfolkmgmt.com This year event organizers are planning to run 8 teams with 4 people on each team to let as many people play as possible. If you have less than 4 people we may merge you with another small team. Participants will be treated to pizza! Winners will have an engraved name place on the Fence of Fame to be admired for all time!

If you want to take your chances on playing, you’re also welcome to show up and join a team when you arrive if there are spots available! This is a fun fall afternoon and you might end up on our Fence of Fame! If you don’t want to play, half the fun is cheering on your favorite team!

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