Derby / Shelton Fireworks

Here’s an extensive list of fireworks and festivities taking place across the state of Connecticut this year in celebration of Independence Day, 2010. We’ll add to and revise this list as we find out more.

If you have a tip, please email us at info@ctweekender.com or send us a message on twitter @CTWeekender. Know of a great place to watch the fireworks from? Leave a comment below and share it with others!

July 3rd

• Greenwich - Brinney Park 9:10 p.m. Greenwich Point 9:30 p.m.
• Manchester - Manchester Community College, 9:30pm
• Norwalk - Calf Pasture Beach In East Norwalk. Festivities start @ 5:30 p.m. (Rain Date July 5)
• Norwich - Dodd Stadium, 9:15pm, tickets required
• Stratford - 9:30 p.m. Short Beach Park (Rain Date July 5) http:
• West Haven – Bradley Point 9:15 p.m. (rain date July 5th)
• Milford - Westfield Connecticut Post Mall 9:30 p.m.
• Wallingford - Sheehan High School, 9pm

July 4th

• Fairfield - Jennings Beach (Rain Date July 5)
• Middlebury - Dark, at Quassy Amusement Park
• New Britain – 9:15 p.m. Stanley Quarter Park (Rain Date July 5)
• New Canaan – 9:15 p.m. Waveny Park (Rain Date July 5)
• New Haven – 9:15 p.m. East Rock Park (Rain Date July 5)
• Ridgefield - Dusk, at Ridgefield High School
• Weston - 9:20 p.m. Weston Middle School Field (Rain Date July 5)
• Wilton - Wilton High School Athletic Complex
• Waterbury - Municpal Stadium, dusk

July 10

• Coventry - 9:00 p.m. Patriots Park, Lake St. (CoventryFest events start at 3:00 p.m.)
• Groton/New London – 9:20 p.m. Thames River Waterfront
• Guilford - 9:30 p.m. Guilford Fairgrounds (Rain Date July 11)
• Hartford - Riverfest On Connecticut River. Entertainment begins at 4:00 p.m., Fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

New ‘Free Fall ‘N” Tower Ride Dropping In On Landmark Park

Middlebury, CT – Drop everything! There’s 35 feet of soaring, swooping, sheer family fun coming to Quassy Amusement Park for the 2010 season.

“Free Fall ‘N,’” a new ride built in Europe for the lakeside facility, will make its debut when Quassy opens for the 102nd season of operation on Saturday, April 24.

“This family drop tower is the first phase of our multi-year plan to update equipment and infrastructure at the park,” noted Eric Anderson, a Quassy co-owner.

Custom built for the park by SBF Visa Group of Montagnana, Italy, “Free Fall ‘N’” will gently lift up to 12 riders – adults or children – to the top of the tower before making a series abrupt drops.

“We’ve ridden these drop towers, and they are extremely exciting – an ideal fit for our demographic,” Anderson added.

Final details of the unit being constructed for Quassy were ironed out during the recent International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) annual Expo in Las Vegas, Nev.

“We really took a production unit and customized it to the height and color schemes we wanted,” the park owner asserted.

The tower ride will also be the first unit produced by SBF Visa Group incorporating a state-of-the-art light emitting diode (LED), computerized lighting system.

“These lights are incredible,” said Quassy owner George Frantzis II. “They’re a show in themselves and lend to our continued efforts in going ‘green’ – using less energy in park operations.”

Facelift For Catered Area

The Fieldside Pavilion, Quassy’s largest area for catered group outings, has received an extensive facelift for 2010. An all-new stainless steel food preparation and service area has been built in the pavilion during the off-season as well as other improvements made.

“Basically, the entire inside of the structure will have a brighter, more modern atmosphere,” Frantzis said of the project. The huge structure was built in 1952 and can host groups of 500 to 3,000 persons. Its adjacent great lawn area has volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, bocce and baseball

Numerous other infrastructure projects have been completed during the fall and winter. Quassy’s popular “Trabant” ride, a park staple since 1965, was totally refurbished by the facility’s safety and maintenance department.

Economic Impact

Quassy’s renovations are expected to have positive economic impact throughout the area as well.

“Regional accommodations that package vacation stays with us realize the value of having modern attractions nearby,” Frantzis explained. “These partnerships have grown extensively over the past couple of years, and much of that can be attributed to the park’s progressive nature in updating, yet preserving a family atmosphere.”

“The impact tourist attractions have on the business climate locally is very substantial,” the park owner added.

“Visitors not only pay for accommodations, but also meals at restaurants, gasoline and a variety of other goods and services. We’re happy to recommend to our guests local places to go out to dinner and other places of interest – we do that on virtually a daily basis when we’re open.”

“The unique thing here is that we have been careful to preserve the nostalgia of Quassy while making essential updates,” Anderson interjected. “Change has been necessary – especially over the past few years – to remain competitive. At the same time, we’ve continued with a good balance of the old and the new. Everyday we hear guests comment about the classic rides like the ‘Tilt-A-Whirl’ and ‘Little Dipper’ coaster, and at the same time compliment us for having the initiative to build ‘Saturation Station.’”

The state-of-the-art interactive water play area was the first installation of its type – an SCS “WaterColors” modular system – in the world when it opened in June of 2003.

The park added two gigantic “Tunnel Twister” waterslides to complement the attraction in 2006. Quassy plans to add other attractions to the waterpark in coming years.

Quassy Amusement Park features more than two-dozen rides and attractions, live entertainment, a redemption arcade, games, restaurant and special events.

The park is also home to Lakeside Caterers, which prepares food for group outings staged at the property. Quassy hosts company picnics, school fieldtrips, family reunions, church picnics, team building events, stags, sports team and league banquets and weddings.

Families also find the park a great place to hold birthday parties, with special packages available.

Schools take advantage of Quassy’s diverse educational programs as well as a variety of competitions. The park offers a new physics booklet with pages of projects for students complete while at the property. In addition the park sponsors two educational tours, a “Wacky Science” presentation and other workshops. The annual school music festival returns to Quassy in June.

Sticking to its theme of providing “affordable family fun,” Quassy is currently offering season passes. The park will continue to present its popular “50-Cent Fabulous Friday Nights” and Saturday evening carload specials this season.

For more information visit www.quassy.com or call the park office at 203-758-2913.

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Connecticut has over 800 miles of Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails

The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trail System currently totals over 800 miles of hiking trails in 88 Connecticut towns. The trails are maintained by dedicated volunteers who contribute approximately 7,500 hours to trail work every year.

The trails live only because Connecticut Forest and Park Association (CFPA) members and friends give their financial support as well as their time and talent. The Blue-Blazed Hiking Trails are the best maintained, largest trail network in Connecticut. They are a treasure given to us and future generations by CFPA, civic-minded landowners and hundreds of caring trail volunteers.

The CFPA is currently seeking donations for their Annual Fund, which helps to keep these trails alive.  Donations can be made by by visiting cfpa.org or by calling (860) 346-2372.

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Bulls Bridge in Kent

Bulls Bridge is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in Connecticut. Built in 1842, the bridge was one of the few ways to cross the Housatonic River from New York state, and was intended to bring more traffic into the area.

In addition to the scenic wooden bridge, the area features waterfalls, rapids, overviews, a small gorge, and hiking trails.

The bridge and falls are only a short walk from the parking area, which is free. The trail is generally easy to walk, but is narrow in spots and can get slippery after rain.

Most people walk straight towards the bridge and down towards the rapids, where you can view a powerful waterfall coming from an old power station. Slightly out of view is another short walking path located directly across the street from the parking lot which will bring you to a scenic overlook of the river down below.

If you look closely at the rocks near the river you may spot some very large spiders (almost fist-size) living in the cracks. Be careful though as it is very dangerous to get close to the water. The rocks are unstable and slick and you may fall in.

Signage will direct you to the areas hiking trails, which link up with the nearby Appalachian Trail.

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This afternoon I plan on attending the final day of the North Haven Fair.  Here’s why you should attend, too:

1.) It’s Sunday–and do you really want to be mowing the lawn?

2.) The fair was rained out on Friday, and well, it’s not raining today.

3.) There is plenty of free parking on the fair grounds.

4.) There is a special senior citizen reduced admission today, and only today.

5.) At 5:30 today, Big Shot, the Billy Joel cover band, will be taking the stage.

6.) And before that, Amazing Andy will show us Magic & Balancing.

7.) Rosie’s Racing Pigs will race multiple times throughout the day (I’ve heard about pigs going to the market, but really, I’d be more impressed if I saw them run).

8.) The doughnuts.

9.) The fair food in general.

10.) The Agriculture and the Home Arts buildings, which showcase local Connecticut artists and animals.

11.) The cocktail of anxiety and adrenaline the fills your stomach on the Pharaoh ride.

12.) Believe it or not, it’s still summer, and this may be one of the last days when it actually feels that way.

The North Haven Fair is located on Route 5 in, yes, North Haven.  Directions are provided in detail on its website.  General Admission is $9, and the fair grounds stay open until 8pm.  Hope to see you there!

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Hebron Harvest Fair

Autumn means it’s fair season in Connecticut, and nearly every weekend in every corner of the state you’ll find fairs and festivals serving fall treats like cauldron-cooked corn on the cob, cotton candy, cider doughnuts, and pies.  There’s also plenty of internationally inspired festivals happening, such as Oktoberfest and the three different Irish Festivals.  Here’s a guide to make sure you get the most out of fair season in Connecticut:

Hebron Harvest Fair
Hebron Lion’s Fairgrounds, 347 Gilead Street
Hebron, CT
Phone: 860-228-0892
September 9-13, 2009
Major agricultural fair with livestock shows, midway, exhibits, continuous stage entertainment, magic show, small animal barns, arts and crafts, food and product booths. Midway, carnival, demolition derby. Entertainment by Dock Dogs, Guitar Hero Contest. Music by Ricohet and country music star Chuck Wicks. Hours: Thursday, 4-10 p.m.; Friday, noon-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. For more information, visit: www.hebronharvestfair.org.

North Haven Fair
North Haven Fairground, 300 Washington Avenue (Route 5)
North Haven, CT
Phone: 203-239-3700
September 10-13, 2009
Large agricultural fair featuring animal and agricultural exhibits, entertainment, vendors, rides and food. Arts and crafts, petting zoo, pony rides. Enjoy live music and special attractions. Featured performers are The Spectacles, Chris Cagle, Evolution, and Big Shot. Admission fee. For more information, visit: www.northhaven-fair.com.

Norwalk Oyster Festival
Veterans Memorial Park, 42 Seaview Avenue
East Norwalk, CT
Phone: 203-838-9444
September 11 – 13, 2009
This fantastic end-of-summer festival features food booths, barbeque vendors, demonstrations and competitions with more than $20,000 in prizes. Other attractions include more than 100 arts and crafts vendors, vintage boat tours, children activities, and of course, some of the freshest, most delicious oysters in the world. For more information, visit: www.seaport.org/OysterFest.html.

Greater Danbury Irish Festival
Charles Ives Convert Park
Western Connecticut State University
Danbury, CT
September 11-13, 2009
Live music, Irish food, arts & crafts, & dancing. Three day passes available for $20. Adult admission is $5 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Children under 12 years of age are free. For more information, visit: www.danburyirishfestival.com.

Bethlehem Fair
Route 61
Bethlehem, CT
Phone: 203-266-5350
September 11, 12, 13, 2009
Animal exhibits and demonstrations; martial arts demonstration, parade of antique tractors, Bristol Old Tyme Fiddlers, lumberjack competition, exotic bird show, farmers night out, open western horse show and gymkhana hollerin’ contest, agri-Olympics, live music by Eran Troy Danner. Cost: General admission, $7; seniors, $5 Saturday and Sunday; children under age 12, free with adult. Hours: Friday, 5-11 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. For more information, visit: www.bethlehemfair.com.

Four Town Fair
Egypt Road
Somers, CT
Phone: 860-749-6527
September 17, 18, 19, 20, 2009
Midway, Antique & Farm Machinery, Livestock, Agricultural Exhibits, Demonstrations and Stage Entertainment, Children’s Contests, Bingo. Appearances by Ronald McDonald and Riverside Reptiles. Live music by Aces & Eights, Changes in Latitudes, Aquanett, and MacTalla Mor. Animal exhibits and competitions, demonstrations, skillet throwing. Admission: Friday, Saturday, Sunday $7; Thursday, $5; children age 12 and younger, free; Thursday and Friday, Senior Citizens, $4; Weekend Pass, $20. For more information, visit: www.fourtownfair.com.

Guilford Agricultural Fair
Off I-95 at Exit 57 and follow signs to fair
Guilford, CT
September 18-20, 2009
Country fair with animal exhibits and displays, crafts and handiwork, live music. Hours: Friday, 1-11 p.m.; Saturday, 9a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Admission: Adults, $10; seniors, $8; children age 6-11, $2; children age 5 and younger, free; 2-day pass, $16. Entertainment included with admission. For more information, visit: www.guilfordfair.org.

Harvest Festival
Haight-Brown Vineyard, 29 Chestnut Hill Road
Litchfield, CT
September 19-20, 2009
There will be crafters, vendors, restaurants, local beer, vineyard and cellar tours, food and wine pairing classes, hay rides, grape stomping, face painting, pony rides. Time: Saturday, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: General admission, $8; elite admission, $15 (includes wine glass and walk around wine tasting).

Milford Irish Festival
Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion behind the Milford Public Library, 57 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT
September 19, 2009
There will be Irish music, dancing, youth activities, food and drink and Irish ware for sale. Music by Irish Heritage Society of Milford Pipe Band and the Trinity Girls Choir; County Cavan; Donal O’Shaughnessy; N.Y. Brogue; The Kathleen Mulkerin’s School of Irish Dancing; Calley McGrane & the Exiles; Jamison Revenge; & Keltic Kick. Time: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Cost: Admission is $8 per person age 13 and older. For more information, visit: www.milfordirish.org.

Orange Country Fair
525 Orange Center Road
Orange, CT
September 19-20, 2009
Animal exhibits and competitions; crafts; entertainment by Man In Black (classic country), Amazing Andy (children’s magic show), the Navels (American rock and roll), The Stupendous Mr. Magichead (children’s comedy magic show), Nicole Frechette Band (country music, classic to modern), Pickles Da Clown, pig races.Hours: Saturday,8 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Adults, $7; seniors, $5; free parking and shuttle. For more information, visit: www.orangectfair.com.

Hope Out Loud 8 Peace & Arts Festival
Bushnell Park. Elm Street
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-523-4823
September 20, 2009
Hope Out Loud 8 combines music, poetry, dance, family activities, speakers with fun for everyone. Spend the afternoon. Bring a picnic. It’s a concert, a day of remembrance, a day of inspiration, a day for renewal with many organizations dedicated to peace and the arts. Hope Out Loud is a family friendly event. Time: Noon-5 p.m. Cost: Free. For more information, visit: www.hopeoutloud.org.

Native American Arts Festival
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-322-1646
September 26, 2009
The festival will feature performances from The Allegany River Dancers and a variety of Native American artists. Visitors will have the opportunity to admire and purchase Museum-quality Native American artworks, as several prominent Native American artists will display their work on the Museum’s meadow. Young visitors will be able to take part in traditional Native American games and craft activities. Refreshments inspired in Native American traditions will be available for purchase. Time: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; children age 3 and older, $5. For more information, visit: www.stamfordmuseum.org.

Connecticut Renaissance Faire
347 Gilead Street
Hebron, CT
Phone: 860-478-5954
September 26-October 18, 2009
Experience an enchanted recreation of a 16th century harvest festival as one might have been in the Renaissance. Here you can explore New England’s largest Medieval Marketplace with more than 100 artisans and crafters; watch hours of themed entertainment daily, including jousting, armored combat, period music, and more; or sample an assortment of Renaissance food and desserts. Costumes not required. Dates: Weekends and Columbus Day only. Location: The Lions Fairgrounds, 347 Gilead Street. Time: 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Cost: Adults age 13 and older, $16; youth aged five to 12, $8. For more information, visit: www.ctfaire.com.

Pipes In The Valley Celtic Festival
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Blvd.
Hartford, CT
Phone: 860-306-2653
September 26, 2009
This Celtic Music Festival celebrates eight years at the Riverfront with bagpipes, Celtic diddling, Scottish drumming, step dancing, kids activities, highland games, and plenty of beer. This year’s event promises a day filled with fun, flavor and world-class entertainment. Time: 11 a.m.-10 p.m. For more information, visit: www. pipesinthevalley.com.

Oktoberfest
Quassy Amusement Park, Lake Quassapaug, 2132 Middlebury Road / Route 64
Middlebury, CT
Phone: 800-FOR-PARK
September 26-27, 2009
German music, food, dancing in the Oktoberfest pavilion. Parking $5 with free admission to the pavilion. Fee for food and beverages. For more information, visit: www.quassy.com or call 203-758-2913.

Tibetfest
Goshen Fairgrounds, 116 Old Middle Street (Route 63)
Goshen, CT
Phone: 860-567-0086
September 25-26, 2009
Celebration of Tibetan culture with sand mandala, music, dance, guest speakers, handicraft & food vendors, art and photography exhibits, artisans and outreach organization booths and much more. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $10; students, $5; children under age 5, free. For more information, visit: www.TibetFest.com.

Durham Agricultural Fair
Durham Fairgrounds, Routes 17 and 68
Durham, CT
Phone: 860-349-9495
September 25 – 27, 2009
Connecticut’s largest agricultural fair is a weekend of fun. See top entertainment, crafts on the green, carnival rides and games and plenty more. There’s lots to eat, exhibits showcasing livestock, fruits, vegetables, art, baking, needlework, photography, and more. Admission. For more information, visit: www.durhamfair.com.

Milford Green Art Show
Milford, CT
Phone: 203-874-5672
September 26-27, 2009
180 juried fine artists and handcrafters from coast to coast. Great variety of demonstrating artists, soothing classical music, and ethnic foods. Time: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

Apple Harvest Festival
Town Green
Southington, CT
Phone: (860) 276-8461
October 2-4 & 9-11, 2009
Family oriented community event spanning the first two weekends in October. The festival offers six days of spectacular fun, delicious food, crafts and live entertainment which showcases the organizations, groups and volunteers that make Southington a wonderful community to live in and visit. Admission is free. Parade on Sunday the 4th. Arts & Crafts is the highlight the second weekend. Children’s carnival and play area. Also featuring the “Southington Idol” singing competition both weekends. Pre-registration is required to compete. For more information, visit www.southington.org.

Irish Festival
Quassy Amusement Park, Lake Quassapaug, 2132 Middlebury Road / Route 64
Middlebury, CT
Phone: 800-FOR-PARK
October 10, 2009
Your ticket includes an all-you-can-eat menu 1 to 6 p.m. featuring Corned Beef On Rye Sandwiches, Shepherds Pie, Hot Dogs, Hamburgers, Cheeseburgers and more. Cash bar will be serving Smithwicks, McSorley’s, Guinness, & Miller Lite. Rides operate noon to 6 p.m. with additional ride passes $5 for any age! Pre-sale tickets include parking and food, served 1 to 6 p.m. in the Fieldside Pavilion. Adults: $27, Kids (12 and under): $22. Rides for Kids: Free all-day ride pass for children 3-12 attending the festival with pre-sale ticket! For more information, visit: www.quassy.com or call 203-758-2913.

Garlic & Harvest Festival
Bethlehem Fairgrounds, 384 Main Street North (Route 61)
Bethlehem, CT
Phone: 203-266-7350
October 10, 2009
Fresh garlic and farm produce, garlic specialty food vendors, garlic food court, garlic growing lectures, garlic cooking demonstrations, live entertainment, amusements, and plenty of samples make this a must for the garlic lover. Bring the kids and your appetite. Time: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost: Adults, $6; seniors, $5; children under age 12. $1. For more information, visit: www.garlicfestct.com.

Harvest Festival
Stamford Museum & Nature Center, 39 Scofieldtown Road
Stamford, CT
Phone: 203-322-1646
October 18, 2009
The event will feature a variety of activities for the whole family. Learn about the harvest, techniques used to turn apples into cider, where linen comes from, how to dye wool. Watch antique tool demonstrations or try your luck in the hay bale maze. There will be face painting, children’s crafts, story telling, live music and other demonstrations. For an additional fee, pick a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch or take a hay wagon ride. Fall treats like cauldron-cooked corn on the cob, cotton candy, cider doughnuts, and pies will be for sale. Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rain or shine. Admission: $10. Information: www.stamfordmuseum.org.

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Craig Colorusso and MB 89

On Saturday September 19, 2009, Craig Colorusso presents his latest piece, MB 89, at the Heirloom Arts Theatre in Danbury, CT. MB 89 is an environment for people to enter into. There are three elements in the environment. Light Sound and sculpture. Unlike a band scenario where people are herded into a space and the band performs before them, MB 89 is a piece that allows people to come into the room and participate what’s happening around them and mingle with the piece.  Two showings, one in the afternoon and one in the evening.

There are three 10-foot cylinders of fabric that breathe in the room while blue lights glow and fade to fill the space with light and shadows. Inside one cylinder Colorusso plays Bass Clarinet live. The composition is a drone-based piece that evolves slowly over time engulfing the participant. Subtle changes seem monumental. The whole room, including the participants, becomes the piece.

MB 89 is an attempt for Colorusso to play a continuous piece of music that spans the greater part of his life. Unlike a composition with a discrete beginning and ending that may be played over and over, MB 89 is a composition played once, continuously; spaces between performances are to be treated as musical rests. Instead of many starts and finishes there is constant music. MB 89 is the reference point of Colorusso’s life

“I think it started when I was a kid. I had a mild interest in sports. I was amazed to find out that innings get added to a baseball game when there is a tie. But what was really amazing was that they keep adding them on until there’s a winner. The thought of a game lasting a few days was great. I thought it would be really cool if the game lasted a year. And what if the game lasted several years? I had a vision of all these baseball players running around in weathered uniforms and long white beards. Now that would be something; to continue a game for the rest of your life.”

Colorusso played guitar and sang in local band China Pig. Founder of MUDD Industries, a Record company that presented CDS/LPS/CASSETTES and 7” singles which documented the work of local bands such as Monsterland, G’nu Fuz, HED as well as Colorusso’s own bands China Pig, Static Press 19, Diving Bell and Olive Grain. MUDD Industries also produced music at venues such as WCSU, Tuxedo Junction, The Harambee Youth Center and The Chicken Coop.

Colorusso now lives on the South Shore of Boston with a wife and a cat.

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As an outdoor theater, Shakespeare in the Park faces risk—of the weather, bugs, and airplanes passing by.  But Shakespeare in the Park embraces risk: its adaptations of classic plays include moments of modernization that speak to the audience—literally: the characters wink occasional references to outdoor theater.  After all, not much separates them from the audience other than the stage.  Shakespeare in the Park’s theater, like its adaptations, has no boundaries.

In the past, New Haven’s Elm Shakespeare Company has performed at least one non-traditional Shakespeare adaptation as well as a second stage production in its annual Shakespeare in the Park.  This year the Company goes beyond tradition by not performing any Shakespeare.  Instead, the Company presents, respectively, “Holiday” by Philip Barry and “The Imaginary Invalid” by Moliere.  This weekend “The Imaginary Invalid” takes the stage (“Holiday” opened the theater last weekend).  After each production debuts in its own weekend, Shakespeare in the Park will alternate the two plays through the beginning of September.

That it was opening night of the Company’s conception of “The Imaginary Invalid” only added risk as I stretched my legs out in Edgerton Park last night.  But the Elm Shakespeare Company, of course, welcomed that risk.  In fact, Shakespeare in the Park’s outdoor theater proved perfect for the Elm Shakespeare Company: the actors’ energy would’ve been too big for a closed theater.  At times their energy was even bigger than Edgerton Park.  For yet another year, Shakespeare in the Park proves to be a risk worth taking.

(Occasionally I did hear crickets, but at Shakespeare in the Park, that’s a good thing.)

Elm Shakespeare Company’s website provides a complete schedule of this year’s Shakespeare in the Park.  Admission is a suggested donation.

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Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art

Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, located in downtown Hartford, looks like a castle but is in fact a multi-level museum whose exhibits wrap around spiral staircases (yes, castle-like, indeed). Just as extravagant as its architecture is the museum’s art. Wadsworth Atheneum’s collection has grown to 50,000 works of art created over a span of 5,000 years.

Unlike most buildings that boast artwork, Wadsworth Atheneum calls itself a museum rather than a gallery. Browsing through the exhibitions, I could understand why. The museum honors art as a reflection of humanity; each piece is set into the context of culture, society, and history. For example, the museum’s American Decorative Arts collection (once a stop on PBS’s “Antiques Roadshow”) features The Wetmore Parlor, extracted from a mansion built in Middletown, Connecticut in 1746 for Judge Seth Wetmore. The furniture is not only entirely original but is also displayed in the same scale that was embellished to flatter Wetmore’s lofty image. The parlor slyly comments on more than just pretty interior decorating.

Wadsworth Atheneum is also home to The Amistad Center for Art and Culture. Founded in 1987, the center has created over fifty exhibitions combining artifacts (political cartoons, lithographs, and memorabilia) and art (original paintings, sculptures, and photographs). Its current exhibition, “The Black List Project,” is a multi-media exploration of being black in America.

As the oldest continuously open collection of public art, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art stays young with public social and cultural events. On the particular evening I went, the museum was celebrating its August First Thursday, which spilled out into the museum’s patio and included temporary tattoos, live music, and a film discussion and viewing. I recommend visiting the museum’s website for upcoming events and exhibitions and, of course, visiting the museum itself.

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Writing for the Connecticut Weekender has led me to find a ton of cool places that I never knew exisited, including a park called the Mine Hill Preserve in Roxbury, CT.  The park’s trails wind through a 19th century mining area, passing over 2 miles of an abandoned mine shaft and massive blasting furnaces.  I was hiking there this past weekend with my friend Amber when I snapped these photos.  You can find more about the park here.

The largest opening – located along the Donkey Trail.

Looking down 3 layers of tunnels.

A covered ventilation tunnel — now home to bats.

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• The Crypt of the New Haven Green (0)
• Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art (1)
• Travelers Tower (0)