Festivals, fireworks and fun on the horizon

Relaxed restrictions mean likely return of popular pastimes lost to pandemic

Municipal officials lack the gift of clairvoyance, but with Gov. Ned Lamont announcing Thursday the relaxing of certain COVID-19 restrictions in the coming weeks, some say the future is a bit clearer — and possibly a lot more fun.

In East Haven, officials are certain the annual East Haven Fall Festival will

return this September after a one-year hiatus.

“It was always our intention to do so; we were just waiting on the governor’s guidance to see how we proceed,” said Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration and management in East Haven. “Especially seeing as it’s an outdoor event, we know those sorts of events are supported by the governor.”

Beginning April 2, outdoor venues will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, capped at 10,000 people. Commercial gatherings will be allowed to accommodate up to 200 people as of March 19, twice as many as current restrictions allow.

Benivegna said that, for a September event, officials believe it’s possible most people will have received vaccination against COVID.

She said the logistics for the festival are not ironed out, but people should expect live concerts and food vendors, something sorely missed over the past year. What officials must do, she said, is figure out how to manage things like the craft fair that might include a high level oftouching of various products, and also finding ways to increase space and distance between outdoor tents.

Even once the restrictions are loosened, masks will be required, as will social distancing guidelines.

Benivegna said the relaxed restrictions also mean the likely return of East Haven’s Independence Day fireworks, which also took a hiatus last summer.

“This year we are going full force,” she said. “We’re excited to have summer come.”

Rebecca Bombero, deputy chief administrative officer for New Haven, said Lamont’s announcement will provide more flexibility for events in the city. In the summer, New Haven ordinarily hosts the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which makes heavy use of the downtown Green for outdoor concerts.

“It’s important we balance in our planning processes, because there’s still lots of reviews that need to happen to ensure protocols are all met,” she said. “As we get back out to restaurants you’re going to see more vibrancy, but we’ve got to balance because there’s still a pandemic.”

Bombero said residents are invited to assist in reopening planning by reaching out to City Hall or through the city’s website.

Hearst Connecticut Media file photo Visitors chat inside the International Festival of Arts & Ideas visitors pavilion on the New Haven Green during a past year’s festival.

Hearst Connecticut Media file East Haven’s annual Fourth of July fireworks likely will return in 2021, after being canceled last year due to the pandemic. Here, a scene from a past event.