The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Middlesex County events ADVENTURE CAMPS
CHESTER TERRIS THEATER
“Deathless,” takes the stage at the Terris Theater, 33 North Main St., through July 2. This musical tells the story of the Serling family’s annual road trip to Niagara Falls, which this year is a goodbye to Mom trip full of memories, healing, and secrets. A new musical, “Darling Grenadine,” will be performed Aug. 18 through Sept. 17. This show tells the story of Harry the fun-loving jingle composer based in modern Manhattan. Details, call the Goodspeed Opera House Box Office, 860-8738668, or visit www.goodspeed.org.
CONCERTS IN THE GARDEN
Monthly concerts take place from 7 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays in an artist’s garden, Leif Nilsson Gallery, Spring Street. Admission is a $20 donation for the BYOB outdoor bistro-style seating in the amphitheater, inside if inclement. The schedule includes: Arrowhead and the Meadows Brothers, on July 27; and the Bianco Martinis on Aug. 17. For updates, schedule and more information, visit nilssonstudio.com.
CHESTER FAIR
The annual Chester Fair takes place at the Chester Fairgrounds, Route 154, from 5 to 11 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 18; 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19; and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 20. A major agricultural fair with livestock/animal shows and pulls, garden tractor pull, flowers, arts and crafts, baking contests, midway, children’s games, musical entertainment and food. Details, 860-5265947 or visit chesterfair.org.
LOBSTER FESTIVAL
The Chester Rotary’s Lobster Festival features a lobster dinner from 5 to 7 p.m. and live music until 10 p.m., on Saturday Sept. 9, Chester Fair Grounds; gates open at 4 p.m. Dinner tickets will be sold in advance only. Children’s meals are also available. Dinner tickets are available from any Chester Rotarian and selected Chester merchants. Advance sale tickets may be purchased by mail for pickup at the gate using the link at the top of the Rotary website. For ticket orders, prices and more information, visit chesterrotary.org.
CLINTON OUTDOOR CONCERT SERIES
Clinton Concert Series is performed at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays, 6:30 p.m., on the lawn of Pierson School, Main Street, Clinton. Bring a chair or a blanket and enjoy a summer evening with a free concert: July 6, Rock Bottom Band, classic rock, blues, and funk from the ‘60s to today; July 13, Night Flight, ‘60s and ‘70s classic rock; July 20, The Navels, rock & roll music from the ‘60s to today; July 27, The Convertibles, classic rock and roll, rhythm and blues and swing; Aug. 3, Four Barrel Billy, rockabilly, surf, ‘50s and ‘60s; Aug. 10, The Engine Room, blues, R&B, classic rock, pop; Aug. 17, Beatles Forever, Beatles tribute band. Concerts may be cancelled due to rain. Details, the Clinton Chamber, 860-669-3889 or visit www.clintonct. com.
MADAMA BUTTERFLY
The Opera Theater of Connecticut’s performance of Puccini’s “Madama Butterfly,” in Italian with English supertitles takes place Aug. 8, 10, 12, 13, in the Andrews Memorial Theater. The Opera Theater’s orchestra and chorus will accompany the performers Tickets are $55, $50 for seniors, and $35 for students. Picnic suppers are also available for an additional $15, and $5 with an opera talk ticket. Details at operatheaterofct.org, or call 860669-8999.
CHURCH FAIR, AUCTION, LOBSTER DINNER
In celebration of its 350th anniversary, the First Church of Christ Congregational on East Main Street (Route 1), Clinton, offers a summer fair from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday Aug. 11, and from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday Aug. 12. Free musical entertainment, an auction at noon Saturday, Friday night dip supper, Saturday night lobster dinner prepared by Lenny & Joe’s (requires advance ticket purchase), and more than 50 handcraft vendors. Details at firstchurchclinton.org.
BLUEFISH 5K The 20th Annual Bluefish 5K Road Race takes off
from Eliot School, 69 Fairy Dell Road, at 9 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 12. Pre-registration forms and information are available online, www.clintonct.com/ roadrace or www.active.com. Race day registration begins at 7 a.m. The Clinton Chamber of Commerce and Shoreline Community Women, Inc. host the race. The Clinton Police Department will close the race route to traffic between 9 and 10 a.m. due to safety concerns. Free parking is available at The Joel School and Peters Complex on Glenwood Road, less than one mile from the Eliot School race site. Free shuttle buses will run continuously from 7 until 8:45 a.m. when registration closes. Buses will run again following the race. The race includes a certified track, free bag check in, swag bags, and multiple vendors on site, and included pre and post race massage. Race ceremonies and refreshments begin at the conclusion of the race. Details, call 860-669-3889 or email chamber@clintonct.com.
DEEP RIVER DEEP RIVER ANCIENT MUSTER
The 64th Annual Deep River Ancient Muster opens at 7 p.m. Friday, July 14, with tattoo at Devitts Field. The parade steps off at 11 a.m. Saturday July 15, from Kirtland Street, ending at Devitts Field for the muster. With more than 50 corps participating, this is the largest gathering in the world. Details at dram.fifedrum.org/.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Music and a Meal takes place at 6:30 p.m. Thursdays in July and August at varying locations in Deep River with dinner available from rotating local businesses. Details at www.deepriverct.us, for more information as it becomes available.
DURHAM 4-H FAIR
The 4-H Fair takes place from 4 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, to 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6, at the Durham Fairgrounds, 24 Townhouse Road. Featured are the car show, tractor pulls, livestock shows, home arts exhibits, pulls and live entertainment – a wide selection for visitors, 4-H’ers and volunteers alike. Details at www.4-hfair.org/.
DURHAM FAIR
The 98th Annual Durham Fair takes place from Sept. 21 to Sept. 24 at the Durham Fairgrounds, 24 Townhouse Road. Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair includes live entertainment, rides and games on the Midway, first-class animal competitions, and discovery events on the Corn Stalk Stage, along with crafts, exhibits, shopping and fun food. Details at www.durhamfair.com.
ESSEX ESSEX STEAM TRAIN AND RIVERBOAT
The Essex Steam Train and Riverboat offers a full summer schedule of steam train and riverboat rides enjoyed by visitors each year. For more information visit essexsteamtrain.com. Event proceeds help to support the Connecticut River Museum’s mission to increase public awareness and access to the heritage, culture, and natural beauty of New England’s Great River. Tickets are available in advance and the day of the event. Patron tickets are also available. Details at ctrivermuseum.org.
SUNSET CRUISE AND RIDE
Depart at 6:15 p.m. from the Valley Railroad Company, One Railroad Ave., Essex, to the Becky Thatcher riverboat to cruise the Connecticut River. The event runs on Friday and Saturday nights from June 30 to Aug. 26. Cost, $30. Details at essexsteamtrain.com.
SUMMER AT THE PLAYHOUSE
The 2017 line-up at the Ivoryton Playhouse, 103 Main St., includes: “West Side Story,” July 5 – July 30, based on the Jerome Kern classic; “Saturday Night Fever: The Musical,” Aug. 9 – Sept. 3, based on the Paramount/RSO Film and the story by Nik Cohn; “I Hate Musicals: The Musical,” Sept. 27 – Oct. 15, a world premiere by Mike Reiss, “Simpsons” television writer and producer; Ken Ludwig’s “The Game’s Afoot!” Nov. 1 – Nov. 19, a murderously funny thriller set in William Gillette’s Connecticut Castle. Details at ivorytonplayhouse.org, or call 860-767-7318.
CRUISE THE RIVER ABOARD THE ‘ONRUST’
Enjoy river cruises from the Connecticut River Museum Dock through Oct. 15, aboard “Onrust,” a replica of the ship Adriaen Block and his crew built in 1614. Cruises are scheduled for 1:30, 3:30, and 6 p.m. Thursdays through Mondays. The “Onrust” will be open for touring when not sailing. Details at ctrivermuseum.org.
OUTDOOR CONCERTS
Alternating locations and days, Essex Parks and Recreation offers a free outdoor concert series, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., as follows: Tuesday, June 27, Ivoryton Green, The Shiny Lapel Trio; Wednesday, July 5, Essex Main Street, The Middletown Symphonic Band; Tuesday, July 11, Ivoryton Green, Southern Voice; Wednesday, July 19, Essex Main Street, River of Dreams; Wednesday, July 25, Ivoryton Green, Long Island Sound Band; Wednesday Aug. 2, Essex Main Street, The Meadows Brothers Band; Tuesday Aug. 8, Ivoryton Green, U.H.F.; Wednesday, Aug. 16, Essex Main St., Blues on the Rocks. Details at essexct.gov, or call 860-7674340 x110.
ANTIQUE AND CLASSIC BOAT SHOW
Connecticut River Museum’s 33rd Annual Mahogany Memories Antique and Classic Boat Show is presented by the Southern New England Chapter of The Antique and Classic Boat Society, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday, July 8. The show takes place on the grounds and docks of the museum, 67 Main St. Admission is free. The show features numerous examples of the finest classic wooden and fiberglass boats commonly seen in this area in the last century. Marine supplies, clothing and boat merchandise will be available for purchase and a raffle will end the show. For more information or to register as an exhibitor, visit ctrivermuseum.org, or southernnewenglandchapter-acbs.org.
RUM CHALLENGE REGATTA
The Essex Yacht Club’s annual Rum Challenge Regatta returns to the waters of Long Island Sound off Old Saybrook beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 22. Sponsored by Gosling’s Rum, it is an East Coast Sailing Association sanctioned event and one of the five qualifying races for the Long Sand Shoal Cup, subject to race committee and conditions on the water, and wraps up on shore with a barbecue, beverages, music, dancing, and awards presentation on the grounds of the Essex Yacht Club. Entry fee is $40 per yacht. The Skipper’s Meeting is at 6 p.m. Friday, July 21, at the Essex Yacht Club. Post-race party tickets are $10 per person with entry. Extra party-only tickets are $20 per person and may be purchased at the door while supplies last. Entries must be made on yachtscoring.com. Entrants must have a 2017 ECSA PHRF certificate posted on the ECSA website at www.ecsa.net/PHRF/PHRFLookup, or must mail a valid ECSA PHRF certificate to: Rum Challenge, Regatta Entries, Essex Yacht Club, 13 Novelty Lane, Essex, CT 06426. Call 860-7678121 for details. For more information visit www. essexyc.com, or yachtscoring.com. The Connecticut River Museum offers several weeklong Day Camps in July and August. Each session meets 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday, with aftercare available until 5 p.m. Camp themes include: Finding the First Americans; Colonial Survival Camp; Life at Sea; Digging into the Past; and River Rangers. Details, call 860-7678269 x13 or email jwhitedobbs@ctrivermuseum.org.
KILLINGWORTH ROAD RACE
The 12th annual Killingworth Road Race steps off at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, July 22, from the Killingworth Congregational Church, Route 81. Proceeds benefit local charities. Details at www.killingworthroadrace.org or call 860-663-2842.
PARADE, TOWN PICNIC
Killingworth Parade and Town Picnic, organized by the 350th Anniversary Committee, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Parmelee Farm, 456 Route 81. Details at townofkillingworth.com.
MIDDLETOWN CHILDREN’S CIRCUS
The Annual Children’s Circus of Middletown begins Monday, Aug. 21, featuring stilt dancing, acrobatic, juggling, plate spinning, unicycling, and clowning. It is the grand finale to five weeks of classes and preparation. Details, call 860-3476143.
ANNUAL SUMMER SOUNDS
The Annual Summer Sounds series runs from Tuesday, June 27 to Friday, July 31, at Union Park, featuring live performances with local musicians. Details, call 860-344-3520.
OLD SAYBROOK THE KATE
A long list of events, concerts, shows, plays, classic films, kids’ shows, and more will be at the Katherine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., throughout the summer. Boomers will enjoy the Kingston Trio at 8 p.m., Friday, July 22, and 2 p.m. Sunday, July 23. Neil Simon’s “Barefoot in the Park” will be performed from July 13 to July 16. Details, call 877-503-1286 or visit www. thekate.org.
HART HOUSE CELEBRATES 250 YEARS
Celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the General William Hart House, 350 Main St., with the Old Saybrook Historical Society from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 25. The afternoon features Revolutionary War re-enactors, the Coast Guard Quintet and many other surprises. The Hart House Gallery and displays will be open for the duration of the event, but the official opening is 1 to 2:30 p.m. when the U.S. Coast Guard Brass Quintet will play. At 2:30 p.m., the Connecticut 6th Regiment Revolutionary War re-enactors will conduct an encampment, supported by the Chester Fife and Drum Corps. On Sept. 9, there’s Harvest Time at the Hart House with a Farm to Table Dinner. Details, visit oldsaybrookhistory.org.
SUMMER CONCERTS
Free summer concerts in Old Saybrook take place on the Main Street Green, from 6:30 to 8 p.m., Wednesdays, and at Harvey’s Beach at 7 p.m. on Fridays, on Great Hammock Road as follows: June 28, Dan Stevens, Blues (Green); June 30, Branded Country, Modern Country (Harvey’s); July 5, Les Julian, Children and Family (Green); July 12, Kathy Thompson Band, Cover Band (Green); July 14, Theo Walace & Friends, Americana (Harvey’s); July 19, The Meadows Brothers w/ opening act, Folk Rock (Green); July 26, Cold Chocolate, Americana (Green); July 28, Caribbean Vibe Steel Drum, calypso (Harvey’s); Aug. 2, Long Island Sound, Cover Band (Green); Aug. 9, Black & White, Classic Rock (Green); Aug. 11, Sweet Tea Daddy, Jam Band (Harvey’s); Aug. 16, Gracie Day and the Knights, Country Folk (Green); Aug. 23, Late for Dinner Classic Rock (Green). Bring a blanket or a chair and a picnic basket and enjoy an evening of great music.
ARTS AND CRAFTS FESTIVAL
The 54th Annual Arts and Crafts Festival presented by Liberty Bank, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday July 30, features nearly 150 artists and crafters. Details, visit www.oldsaybrookchamber.com, or call 860-388-3266.
FIREFIGHTER’S COMPETITION
Local volunteer firefighters will compete in field day events, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, at Clark Memorial Field (Fireman’s Field) 210 Elm St. The volunteer fire department’s free, daylong event, will feature area fire departments competing in color guard events, water ball events, a fire-suppression obstacle course, add-a-length fire hose events and water drafting, in addition to other activities. Food and beverage concessions will be available, as well as children’s games and activities. Grandstand seating, or bring a chair. Details at oldsaybrookfire.com.
WESTBROOK CABARET SERIES
Ivoryton Playhouse, in partnership with Water’s Edge Resort, Westbrook, will present a series of four cabaret-style dinner theater performances on Sundays. June 25 and July 9 – “A Night on the Town,” featuring the musical inspiration of New York City; July 16 and July 23 – “That’s Amore,” favorites from opera and musical theater; July 30 and Aug. 13 – “Sounds of the ‘70s,” hits from the disco era. Tickets are $69 per person, including dinner and the show, and can be purchased by calling Water’s Edge Resort at 860-399-5901. Tickets are not available through the Ivoryton Playhouse website or theater box office. Details at watersedgeresortandspa.com.
SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
On Friday nights enjoy free outdoor concerts, 6 to 8 p.m. in July, and 5 to 7 p.m., in August, on the Westbrook Town Green: July 7, Nathan Ward Band; July 14, We “3” Trio, Oldies; July 21, Trouble on the Playground, 50s & 60s Danceable Rock; July 28, Bad Moon Risin’ Creedence/Fogerty Tribute Band; Aug. 4, Night Flight Eagles, Billy Joel, Bon Jovi and more; Aug. 11, Number “9” Beatles, Beatles and more Beatles; Aug. 18, After Midnight Classic Rock Party Band; Aug. 25, The Mark Fusco Band, Motown, Jazz and Disco. Bring a picnic dinner or a snack and blankets or chairs.
BOAT SHOW AND FOOD TRUCK FEST
The Seventh Annual Boat Show and Food Truck Fest fills the Tanger Outlet parking lot, 314 Flat Rock Place, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. July 15 through 16. Food truck hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., live music 1 to 4 p.m. Several dealers will be onsite; new and used boats and personal watercraft will be on display all weekend. Free admission. Free parking. Take exit 65 off I-95.
FIRE DEPARTMENT CARNIVAL
The 46th Annual Fire Department Carnival takes place I n mid-July behind the firehouse, Route 1, at Ted Lane Field. Enjoy rides, games, food and more family fun. Amusements are provided by Tufano Amusements. For details as they become available, visit westbrookfire.org.
WESTBROOK MUSTER
The Westbrook Muster kicks off with tattoo 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 25, followed by parade 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 26, ending at Westbrook Ted Lane Field behind firehouse. Hosted by the Westbrook Fife and Drum Corps. Details, call 860-3996436, email: chuckndodie@comcast.net, bhamm25.wixsite.com/westbrookdrumcorps/muster.