The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Fairfield County events
FAIRFIELD DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE
An exhibit about the Declaration of Independence takes place at the Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, from July 1 to 16. Celebrate America’s independence by looking at an early print of the Declaration of Independence and other historical artifacts such as a document bearing John Hancock’s famous signature. Includes documents from Connecticut signers of the Declaration including Oliver Wolcott, Roger Sherman, William Williams and Samuel Huntington as well as items showing how Fairfielders have celebrated independence over the years. Details at www.fairfieldhistory.org.
MUSEUM AFTER DARK: ALEXANDER HAMILTON
Fairfield Museum and History Center, 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, presents a discussion of “Alexander Hamilton: The Man, the Myth and the Musical,” led Robert Begley, president of the New York Heroes Society, from 6 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, July 13. Alexander Hamilton was one of America’s most important Founders. Because of his untimely death, many of his opponents outlived him by decades and re-wrote his story, falsely portraying him as a monarchist and elitist. This mythology of Hamilton is changing, thanks to many good books and essays, including Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway production of “Hamilton: An American Musical.” Details at www.fairfieldhistory. org.
FAIRFIELD’S SUMMER CONCERT SERIES
Once again the storybook gazebo on Sherman Green in downtown Fairfield will be the center of the Parks & Recreation Department’s Summer Concert Series. Dozens of free performances, many sponsored by local businesses, will take place running through Aug. 26, both weekends and most Thursday nights. On Wednesday nights the Peanut Butter Jam Concerts offer kid-friendly shows as well. Visitors are encouraged to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, and any picnic items that may suit them. All shows start at 6:30 p.m. Details at www.fairfieldct.org/fairfieldrecreation, listed under Special Events; weather cancellations, call 203-256-3144.
P.A.L. SANDCASTLE COMPETITION
The Sandcastle Competition gets underway with registration at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 16. Dozens of individuals under 18, or teams that include at least one member who is 18 or under, wait for the tide to pull out, so they can start constructing some of the best sand sculptures along the shores of Long Island Sound. Prizes awarded for best, most original, most artistic, and most realistic. Details at 203254-4865, or visit www.FairfieldPAL.org.
NEW CANAAN THE GLASS HOUSE JULIAN SCHNABEL
The Glass House, 199 Elm St., New Canaan, presents Julian Schnabel – “Paintings that I hope Philip and David would like,” an intimate survey showcasing Julian Schnabel’s prolific painting career, from July 13 to Aug. 14. Over the course of the exhibition period, the Painting Gallery panels will rotate three times to present paintings selected by the artist. Each rotation will feature six works from different periods of the artist’s career. The third and last rotation, Paintings from the 1980s and 1990s, feature works from the Glass House’s Permanent Collection and collected by both Philip Johnson and David Whitney. Details at 203-594-9884.
NORWALK LOCKWOOD MATHEWS MANSION RIGHT ANGLE BLISS
The Lockwood Mathews Mansion, 295 West Ave., Norwalk, presents Right Angle Bliss through July 9. From vows taken in magnificent settings to cutting edge images that will redefine rituals and boundaries, this exhibition will feature six up-and-coming as well as award-winning photographers that highlight today’s diversity of cultures and customs in wedding ceremonies throughout the United States. Details, www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com/ or call 203838-9799.
MARITIME AQUARIUM
The Maritime Aquarium, 10 North St., Norwalk features a Coral Reef Exhibit paired with the iMax movie, “Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Secret Ocean. More than 40 species of reef fish native to the Indo-Pacific are features. Displays explain the importance of reef systems. A Family Sleepover takes place from 6 to 9:45 p.m. Saturday, July 15. Kids (age 5 and older) and parents or caregivers can bunk down among the sharks, fish, jellies and other creatures. Tickets are $90 adults and $80 children ($75 and $65 Aquarium members). For more information on other exhibits, tours, and public programs, visit http://www.maritimeaquarium.org/.
NORWALK SEAPORT ASSOCIATION CRUISE TO SHEFFIELD ISLAND
Norwalk Seaport Association, 4 North Water St., Norwalk, offers cruises aboard its 45-foot C.J. Toth catamaran to Sheffield Island from July 1 to July 31. Most days the vessel goes out at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. Tour the lighthouse, observe wildlife in their natural habitat in the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge, hunt for shells along the beach, dine on a picnic lunch, play on the lawns around the lighthouse and just have a good time. The boat leaves from the Sheffield Island Lighthouse dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in South Norwalk. Parking is available adjacent to the dock and the Norwalk Maritime Center Garage. Reservations required but recommended. Round-trip ferry tickets are $25 for adults, $15 for children ages 4-12, free for children ages 3 and younger. Details at http://www.seaport.org/ or call 800-838-3006.
SOUTHPORT SOUTHPORT BLESSING OF THE FLEET & STREET PARADE
Two kinds of parades are featured at Southport Blessing of the Fleet & Street Parade, beginning at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 24, in Southport. Marching bands, horse guards, and various officials will parade through the streets starting at Southport Congregational Church parking lot, then finish at Southport’s Lower Wharf, where the 23rd annual Blessing of the Fleet will take place. There will be a literal parade of around 50 decorated boats passing by out toward Long Island Sound under a majestic spray of a fire hose, blessed enroute by several local clergy members. Expect more music there, as well as hot dogs and popsicles available for a suggested donation.
PEQUOT LIBRARY’S ANNUAL SUMMER BOOK SALE
Pequot Library’s 140,000-item extravaganza takes place from Friday, July 21, through Tuesday, July 25. For the 57th year in a row the historic library, situated in scenic Southport, will host this fiveday event. Prices will vary depending on the day – with the last day offering shopping bags full of books for only $5. Items available will include records, DVDs, and books in more than 50 categories. Details at www.pequotlibrary.org, or call 203-259-0346.
WESTPORT ‘GROUNDED’
The Jason Robards Theater at Westport Country Playhouse will present “Grounded,” a play by George Brant, directed by Liz Diamond, from July 11 to 29. Grounded by an unexpected pregnancy, a solder works as a drone pilot in Las Vegas where the realities of war and suburban comfort collide. Details at www.westportplayhouse.org or call 203.227.4177.
LEVITT PAVILION
Free musical performances take place at the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Westport. With views over the Saugatuck River, this open-air venue will feature around 50 live performances of every kind throughout the summer. Different nights of the week offer different categories of show, including a kids’ night, a rock and roll weekend show, and some vintage era music as well. Details at www.LevittPavilion.com or call 203-221-2153 for information and cancellations.
WESTPORT LIBRARY’S GIGANTIC SUMMER BOOK SALE
The Westport Library’s Gigantic Summer Book Sale, runs for four days, July 15 to 18. The 80,000-item extravaganza, under an enormous tent, covers the adjacent Jesup Green, filled to overflowing with books in dozens of categories. Specialty items include records, DVDs, rare books and some one-of-a-kind collectibles. On Monday, July 17, all items go for half price, and on Tuesday, July 18, it’s by contribution. Details at www.WestportLibrary.org.
STARS-ON-TOUR CONCERT
Stars-on-Tour Concert benefit event takes place from 8 to 10 p.m. Friday, July 14, at the Levitt Pavilion for the Performing Arts, 40 Jessup Road, Westport. Details at www.levittpavilion.com.
FINE ARTS FESTIVAL
Westport’s Fine Arts Festival, sponsored by Westport Downtown Merchants Association, begins at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 15, and runs through 5 p.m. Sunday, July 16. In its 44th year, the Westport Fine Arts Festival remains a highlight on the calendars of art collectors from New England and Manhattan. Original, juried works in painting, watercolor, photography/digital art, sculpture, drawing (pastel, pencil, ink), printmaking, mixed media, glass/ceramics, jewelry, and wood are displayed in downtown Westport. Live music, special performances, and children’s activities. Details at www. westportdma.com.
POINT-TO-POINT COMPO BEACH SWIM
For its 39th year the Westport Weston Family YMCA will run a point-to-point swimming race at Compo Beach on Sunday, July 30. Participants compete in three separate meets, grouped by ability, with a beginner’s tier, intermediate and expert. The swim covers a mile into and around Long Island Sound. A family sand castle building contest will also be part of the fun, which concludes with an award ceremony for the champions. Details at www.westporty.org or call 203-226-8981.
‘APPROPRIATE’
“Appropriate” will be performed from Aug. 15 to Sept. 2 at The Jason Robards Theater at Westport Country Playhouse, 25 Powers Court, Westport. While gathered together at the crumbling estate of their deceased father’s Arkansas plantation, the Lafayette children unearth a haunting relic of his past. Details at www. westportplayhouse.org or call 203-227-4177.