The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Gov. Lamont joins 300th birthday kickoff
Service, ceremony launches 2019 celebratory events
LITCHFIELD — The skies were a bit moody by mid-morning Sunday, but the clouds parted in time for the kickoff of Litchfield’s 300th birthday celebration on the green.
The guests of honor included Gov. Ned Lamont, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, state Sen. Craig Miner, R-30th, and state Rep. David Wilson, R-Litchfield, along with members of the Board of Selectmen and the Litchfield 300 committee.
An ecumenical service was a prelude, held at the Litchfield Congregational Church, where forefathers including Lyman Beecher once preached against slavery many years ago. Members of Litchfield’s clergy took part in
that portion of the celebration. After the service, guests assembled in front of the memorials on the center green, which was recently repaved and seeded.
Along with Lamont’s speech, in which he congratulated the town for its achievements, speeches were delivered by Blumenthal, Miner, Selectwoman Ann Dranginis and Selectman John Torrant.
The celebration continues with events throughout the summer and fall.
On May 31, the Future Business Leaders of America club at Litchfield High School will host “A Founding Family Dinner” at the Litchfield Community Center.
“That’s one of the most interesting events, that’s being done by Litchfield High School, a colonial dinner,” Conn said. “It’s a fundraiser, but it’s ... themed to recipes of the founding families, apparently.”
On June 1, “The Greater Litchfield Challenge: 300 Years in the Making” is scheduled at the Tapping Reeve Meadow, an activity area near the Tapping Reeve Law School on South Street.
The week of June 18-21, the historical society will hold “Community Week in the Meadow” with games, crafts and other children’s activities in Tapping Reeve Meadow.
Connecticut Junior Republic’s Litchfield Aid is holding its traditional Open House and Garden Tour weekend, July 12-13, with a preview party and tours of five historic homes. Details can be found at www.litchfieldaid.org.
The Litchfield Community Center will host its annual Summerfest with a special theme, “Celebrating the Town’s Community Center,” July 20, with a fireworks display at Litchfield High School that evening.
The weekend of Sept. 6-8, the Litchfield Patriots and other civic groups are presenting a Revolutionary War Living History Day on the Green with ceremonies, demonstrations and family-themed activities. In December, students can enter a scholarship contest, and an exhibit at the history museum will feature artwork by students from Litchfield and Wamogo Regional high schools.
Details on these events are to be announced.
The planning committee is doing “everything it can” to get the word out, member Chuck Conn said.
“It’s an important year,” he said. “We’re hoping for a good turnout, and we just hope that people are responsive. That’s the challenge.”
The Litchfield 300 Committee has established a special page on the town website, and In Litchfield website, with updates on events and general information.