Independence Day events scheduled for Torrington

TORRINGTON — The City of Torrington will be holding the annual Independence Day Celebration with a fireworks show and carnival on Friday, July 6 at Torrington Middle School from 4-10 p.m. The rain date is July 7.

The carnival, organized by R.W. Commerford & Son’s includes rides, games, and food vendors. In addition, music will be provided by DJ Vin Avallone the night of the fireworks.

“The Independence Day celebration has become a great community event that is widely attended by residents of Torrington and beyond. I’m so pleased that we are able to offer a fun and festive night out as a way for us to celebrate our great nation,” said Mayor Elinor Carbone.

The event, which costs approximately $30,000 is reliant upon gate receipts and donations. Any individual or business wishing to make a donation may contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 860-489-2274. Sponsors will be recognized with signage the night of the event, on municipal social media pages, and on the city website.

The event will take place at the Torrington Middle School, 200 Middle School Drive. Gates open at 4 p.m. and the fireworks display will begin at dusk. The admission fee for vehicles is $10 and $2 per person for walk-ins. Parking will be available for $5 at Bishop Donnelly Field. Fees collected will support the total cost of the event. a number of ways and means different things to different people, but from the start, the concept has been influenced by the newest waves of thinking, invariably suggesting the experimental and ambitious. The Gallery Committee looks forward to seeing the imagery that reflects what the theme says to each Artist. For purposes of this exhibition the phrase may be defined as broadly (or eccentrically) as the artists’ imaginations permit. Artists are encouraged to “think outside of the box” and judging will reward creative thinking.

Heide Hendricks and Rafe Churchill will serve as judges for this show. Owners of the eponymous Hendricks Churchill architecture and design studio in Sharon, Hendricks and Churchill have been widely recognized for their style, aesthetic and creative vision and are well connected to the exhibition's subject matter. Hendricks is known for her interiors that are filled with art, objects and materials of quality and craftsmanship that have a history. Churchill was originally a carpenter and eventually found his place as an artist and designer. Farmhouses figure prominently in the pair’s work.

There is a non-refundable entry fee of $25 for up to two (2) works of art, $10 for each additional submission. The show’s Judge will select the art to be exhibited and award cash prizes of $100, $75, and $50 to three pieces. In addition, guests who attend the show’s opening night will have the opportunity to select their favorite work of art which will receive the “SHS Crowd Pleaser” award. Submissions must be delivered on Saturday, July 7.

Prospectus, Entry Forms and detailed Terms and Conditions are available on the Art Gallery page (follow the link under Museum > Exhibiting at the SHS) of the Sharon Historical Society & Museum’s web site, sharonhist.org, or can be picked up at the SHS during regular hours.