Fireworks, Sharks and Triathalons

I write here in Trumbull Patch at least once a week to keep everyone informed about some of the things going on in Fairfield County.  I think it's important for families and friends to get out and do something different together and it's even better when that something is free!  So, here's the low down on some things coming up this weekend and in the next few weeks.  As always, at the end, I'll go over the Farmer's Markets going on around us also.

Let's start with the Fireworks.  This is typically tradition for most people and their families and friends.  A time of picnics, music, relaxation and loud, bright fireworks that drive my dog's crazy for about two weeks straight.  Here's where the fireworks will be going off in the different towns:

Bridgeport 2012 Fireworks June 29

Sky Blast Party 2012 - Barnum Festival Event
Friday, June 29, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Marina Park Circle - Seaside Park - Bridgeport, CT

Great food, beverage and a DJ rock the festivities with music and the best Fireworks display in the northeast! This year’s event will go back to its traditional Friday’s roots and will kickoff the Barnum Festival finale weekend! Fireworks display will begin at dusk. A good time will be had by all!! Web site

Bridgeport Bluefish Fireworks on July 3

Enjoy the game and the Fireworks Extravaganza presented by Fairfield County Bank on July 3.

Danbury 2012 Fireworks June 30

Annual Fireworks for Candlewood Lake are scheduled for:
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Rain date, Sunday July 1st start at dusk. Web site

Darien 2012 Fireworks July 1

Fourth of July fireworks will return to Darien High School this summer — with more vendors, more music, and some Palmer’s Market picnic baskets, on Sunday, July 1 (rain date is Tuesday, July 3.) Web site.

Fairfield 2012 Fireworks 4th of July Celebration  

The July 4th Fireworks are always held on the 4th of July in Fairfield with a rain date of July 5th.  Fireworks explode just after dark, usually around 9:15 PM, from a barge off of Long Island Sound so the show can be seen easily from either Penfield or Jennings Beaches.  Beach Parking Permits are not required and parking is free after 6:00 PM at both the Penfield and Jennings parking lots but they do fill up early.  Jennings has more ample parking. In cases of Inclement Weather, call 203-256-3144. Click here for more information.

Greenwich 2012 Fireworks Saturday July 7

The Department of Parks and Recreation announces the locations of the two Town Fireworks Displays in celebration of Independence Day.  For the seventh consecutive year, the Town will present displays at Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park.  Both displays are scheduled for Saturday, July 7, with a rain date of Sunday, July 8.  Both shows will begin at dusk and it is strongly recommended that anyone planning to attend either display arrive early.  

Click here for more information

Milford Westfield CT Post Mall Fireworks Show  July 3
Bands start at 7 pm Web site

New Milford 2012 Fireworks Celebration July 7
Saturday July 7, 2012
Schedule of Events
Downtown New Milford, CT Web site

Ridgefield 2012 Fireworks July 4

Annual fireworks display at Ridgefield High School on July 4, 2012 (Wednesday) with a rain date of July 7, 2012. Gates open at 6 pm.
Web site

2012 Rowayton Civic Association July 4th Fireworks    

Wednesday, July 4th, 2012  Bayley Beach Rain date July 5th    

Rowayton Fireworks will light up the sky offshore from Bayley Beach Wednesday evening, July 4th. The fireworks, sponsored by the RCA, will be launched from a barge beginning at 9:15pm. The performance will last approximately 30 minutes.

The best vantage points will be from the mouth of Five Mile River to Rocky Point, including Bayley Beach and the shoreline clubs. Access to parking at Bayley Beach will be according to daytime rules: vehicles with a Bayley Beach sticker will be admitted, a $20 charge will be collected from vehicles without a sticker. The parking lot is expected to fill up early. For more information visit this Web site.

Shelton 2012 Fireworks July 3

Along the Housatonic River. (Rain date July 5)

Stratford 2012 Fireworkds July 3

Short Beach Park. Fun starts at 7:00, fireworks at 9:30 p.m. (Rain Date July 5th) Web site

Westport 2012 Fireworks July 3

Holiday Fireworks scheduled for Tuesday night, July 3
The Westport Police Athletic League (PAL) and the Westport Parks and Recreation will be holding the annual Independence Day Fireworks Celebration on Tuesday July 3, 2012 at Compo Beach.

This year's PAL Fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug, LLC. The Westport PAL would like to thank Melissa and Doug Bernstein for their continued support of the Westport Police Athletic League and this year’s sponsorship for the fireworks.

Ticket can be purchased at the Westport Police Department at 50 Jesup Road and at the Westport Parks and Recreation office at 260 Compo Road South in Westport. Tickets sales are limited and are on a first come first serve basis. Firework tickets are $30 per car and once tickets are sold out shuttle bus passes will be available.
Rain date for the event is on July 5, 2012.  Visit this link for more information.

So enjoy them and be safe!!

NOW for some things going on that you can go and enjoy this weekend or the upcoming week!

* KIC Triathalon - Sunday, July 1st

This Sunday is the 5th Annual Stamford KIC IT Triathlon! This Olympic-distance, USAT sanctioned race is one of the area's most exciting urban multi-sport events, comprised of a 1.5k (.9 mile) swim in Long Island Sound, a 40k (24.8 mile) bike ride into the countryside of scenic North Stamford, a 10k (6.2 mile) run through the streets of downtown Stamford and a post-race Family Festival...complete with music, entertainment, rides, fine food and more. It's the perfect summer Sunday for families and children of all ages.

Best of all, the event raises funds for Kids in Crisis, the area's only temporary emergency shelter and counseling center for families and children of all ages. Since 1978, Kids in Crisis has helped more than 107,000 parents and children struggling with abuse, neglect, homelessness and more. For more information on Kids in Crisis and how you can become a fundraiser, visit their website: www.kicittriathalon.com.

* Maritime Aquarium - Touch A Shark, Plus White Alligator and New Imax Movie

The Maritime Aquarium at Norwalk’s waters are more shark-infested than ever – and you’re invited to come and stick your hand in. Plus, this summer, see one of the rarest animals in the world – a white alligator – and also let the immersive IMAX® film format transport you “To the Arctic” to follow a mother polar bear and her two cubs.

In the Aquarium’s new Sharks & Rays gallery, visitors can belly up to a large “Shark & Ray Touch Pool” to gently touch the backs of live sharks, ranging in size from 3 to 5 feet long, as well as several species of rays (whose stingers have been removed).

The new 6,000-gallon “Shark & Ray Touch Pool” has more than 90 feet of pool edge, allowing more visitors more chances to run their fingers down the backs of these prowling – but harmless – predators.

At other displays, visitors can watch as skates and sharks develop in – and hatch from – their embryonic egg cases, and they can coo and “aww” at baby sharks and rays. There are shark-skin samples and shark teeth to touch too.

The new gallery is part of the Aquarium’s $4.5 million “FINtastic RefurbFISHment,” with dozens of new animals, an all-new seal show and dynamic new presentations about Long Island Sound and its creatures.

 Also this summer, stare into the red eyes of an albino alligator in a special exhibit on the Aquarium’s riverfront courtyard. Fewer than 100 white alligators exist in the world, because their lack of coloration makes them especially vulnerable as babies to predators. (They also are easily susceptible to sunburns.)

Plus, chill off with a trip to the North Pole in the IMAX movie “To the Arctic.” Like all films showing on the Aquarium’s six-story screen, “To the Arctic” offers such an immersive experience that you might expect to see your frosty breath in the theater. This compelling movie journeys to the top of the world to follow a mother polar bear as she struggles to raise her twin cubs in an environment undergoing dramatic change. Learn how the melting polar ice cap could affect a lot more than polar bears and walruses. Paul McCartney supplies the music, and Meryl Streep narrates this story of love, family and survival in the harshest place on Earth.

For movie show times or more details about all of the Aquarium’s films, exhibits and programs, go to www.maritimeaquarium.org.

* Astronomy Nights - The History of Astronomy - Friday, June 29th

Start Time: 07:30 pm
End Time: 08:30 pm
Admission: Members: Free | Non-Members: Adults $3, Children (5-17) $2

 Head to the Observatory for a real treat to explore the night sky, planets, stars, and more! Start by enjoying a presentation on the history of astronomy, followed by a visit to view the night sky through a 22-inch research telescope. The presentation portion of the program will be held rain or shine. Viewing hours are weather permitting. This program is suitable for children ages 5 and older.

Members: Free/Non-Members: Adults $3, Children (5-17) $2. For more information call 203.977-6521, e-mail info@stamfordmuseum.org, or visit www.stamfordmuseum.org

Stamford Museum & Nature Center is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of art, the natural and agricultural sciences, and history. The Museum is a vital cultural and educational resource for the community, and a focal point for family activity through exhibitions, educational programs and special events.

* Summer Sunday Evening Concerts - Richard "Cookie" Thomas - Sunday, July 1st

Start Time: 5 pm
End Time: 7 pm
Admission: Members free, non -members free with garden admission

 Bring a chair or blanket, your favorite beverage and a light snack (no cooking allowed) and enjoy a relaxing night of great music on the lawn. A versatile vocalist, and an undiscovered treasure, Richard Thomas’ career began in Philadelphia in 1960 when he had the opportunity, at fourteen, to open for B.B. King. Richard draws his inspiration from the likes of Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra, and Johnny Hartman. Members free, non- members free with garden admission ( $6 per adult and free to children under age 12.) For more information, call 203-322-6971, visit www.bartlettarboretum.org or e-mail info@bartlettarboretum.org * * * * Our 91-acre nature preserve is a living museum of majestic trees, rare plant collections, charming gardens, and varied natural habitats and landscapes traversed by hiking and walking trails. The Bartlett Arboretum & Gardens is open to the public every day of the year.

* Open House At Fairfield Theatre Company

Fairfield Theatre Company
Saturday, June 30, 2012
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
fairfieldtheatre.org/

 Lunchtime Barbecue and Open House at FTC

Enjoy Live Music, Drum Circle and Fun for the Whole Family

Get your sunglasses and sunscreen ready and come down to FTC StageOne as it hosts the FTC Backlot BBQ, celebrating the first year of music education for Bridgeport music students. Grab a cool beverage, have a burger or a dog as you listen to the music of the FTC Saturday Kids’ students and teachers and take a tour of FTC.

We encourage all artists, residents, fans of FTC and anyone curious about this lively performing arts center to stop by and say hello.

Other musical guests include:

·         Rick Reyes, lead guitarist and singer of the local Latin band the Cosmic Jibaros

·         Master drummer Brother Kojo Bey from Sounds of Afrika who will run a drum circle. The drum circle is open to all ages and levels, bring your drum and extra African drums and instruments will be provided. 

* Norwalk Historical Society Independence Day Celebration!

Mill Hill Historic Park
Wednesday, July 4, 2012
12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org The Norwalk Historical Society is proud to once again host its Independence Day Celebration at Mill Hill Historic Park,
12:00 pm. Revolutionary War Tour of Mill Hill Burying Ground, with theme “War, Disease, Death, and Pestilence.”
12:00 – 1:30 pm. Tours of 1835 Town House Museum, 1826 Downtown District Schoolhouse, and circa 1740 Gov. Thomas Fitch Law Office with costumed interpreters. “Norwalk and the Civil War” exhibit, Revolutionary War documents display, Genealogy Research Table, Norwalk Letterboxing Trail Table.
1:30 – 2:00 pm. Let Freedom Ring™ National Bell Ringing Ceremony, with reading of the Declaration of Independence.
2:00 pm. Town House Museum Program featuring musical numbers performed by members of Crystal Theatre, guest speakers, “Did You Know? Little Known Facts About Norwalk During the American Revolution” presentation, and more.
Free admission. All welcome. www.norwalkhistoricalsociety.org. (203) 846-0525

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* Now for the Farmer's Markets, my favorite part!  Now of course, if you don't see your town in this list, you can always go to my website, www.BuyLocallyCT.com, put in the area you're looking for and it will list all the farms and farmer's markets by you.  Here's the ones coming up from Friday to Monday in Fairfield County:

Monroe's Farmer's Market

Fridays 3 to 6

Monroe Town Green, Corner of Fan Hill Road & Rt. 111

Danbury Farmer's Market

Fridays 11am to 4 pm

Main Street at Kennedy Park

Fairfield's Farmer's Market                                                                                                                   Saturday from 12:30 to 4pm                                                                      

at Greenfield Hills, 1950 Bronson Road

Another Fairfield Farmer's Market      

Saturday’s 9am to 12pm

1189 Post Road at  brick Walk, behind Trek Bike Store

Greenwich Farmer's Market

Saturday’s 9:30am to 1pm

Commuter Parking Lot, exit 3 off I-95,  Arch Street and Horseneck Lane

New Canaan Farmer's Market

Saturday’s 10am to 2pm

Old Center School Parking Lot, South Avenue & Maple Street

Georgetown Farmer's Market

Sunday’s 10am to 2pm

4 Old Mill Road - Located at the corner of Main Street and Rt.  57

Stratford's Farmer's Market

Monday's from 2 to 6pm on Main Street

Some extra things we have going on:

* At Sport Hill Farm:

Sat. 7/14/12: "PUT 'Em Up" ~ A Canning & Preserving Class
Farm is proud to welcome back Sherri Brooks Vinton for another hands-on & informative class on canning & preserving this seasons harvest.  Come with a friend and learn just how easy and fun canning can be.  You will also enjoy a delicious seasonal lunch catered by Cecily Gans of "The Main Course Catering LLC."  There will be three sessions to choose from, seating is limited to 10 per session.Please e-mail to specify the time you wish to attend. $55 pp.  Classes are either 9:00a.m. ; 11:00a.m.or  1:00p.m.  Register early to reserve a spot on :
https://www.brownpapertickets.com/user/promoteevent/256173#_=

* Stoneware by Krisa is starting her Summer Pottery Classes very soon!!  And her classes are filling up, so be sure to contact Krisa to get in one of them.  Check out what it's all about.  Classes for kids and adults and make some amazing memories. 

Kids Classes:

Introduction to Handbuilding - ages 6 - 10   $225
Mondays and Wednesdays starting July 9th for 4 weeks, 9:30 - 11:30am.

There are only 4 spots available for this class.
Each child will receive a brand new tool kit for pottery and will be given as much clay as they need. The class will meet two days a week on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9:30 - 11:30 am. During this class we will learn and discover different ways to build with stoneware clay including how to make pinch pots, coil pots and other special projects. We will also be glazing our pieces. During the class we will learn a little bit about the history of pottery and why it was so important to our ancestors and their everyday lives. If after the end of class your child still has pieces to be fired and/or glazed they will have the opportunity to do so.

Introduction to Handbuilding and the Potters Wheel - ages 11 - 17   $275
Tuesdays and Thursdays starting July 10th for 4 weeks, 9:30 - 11:30am.

There are only 2 spots available for this class.
Each child will receive a brand new tool kit for pottery and will be given as much clay as they need. The class will meet two days a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 - 11:30am. During this class we will learn and discover different ways to build with stoneware clay including how to make pinch pots, coil pots and other projects, plus the basics on how to throw pottery on a potters wheel. They will also have the opportunity to glaze all of the pieces made, while learning a little bit about the history of pottery and how it was such an important part to our ancestors and their everyday lives. If after the end of class your child still has pieces to be fired and/or glazed they will have the opportunity to do so.

Adult Classes:

Private Lessons - $400
A two hour lesson that meets once a week for 8 weeks anytime that is convenient for the both of us.

The private lesson will meet once a week for eight weeks. We can discuss a convenient time to schedule your class. I will provide the clay, a new tool kit, glazes, firing and anything else you may need during our creative time together. Doing it over an eight week period would provide enough time to do four firings. Two bisque and two glaze. So the first 4-6 weeks you would produce as many pieces as you like and the last two weeks would be glazing them. I usually fire at the end of the month. If there are some pieces left for you to glaze after the eight weeks, you are welcome to come back and glaze them anytime.

If you have never worked with clay before, the first class would be exploring handbuilding techniques and let you get a real feel of the clay. The next class we will begin to explore the potters wheel, centering the clay, throwing simple vessels like cylinders and bowls. By the forth week we will be trimming your pieces on the wheel, and then you will have the opportunity to work more on your own with my guidance, teaching you different techniques all along the way. If there is anything you may want to explore using and working with clay I am certainly open to teaching different methods.

Semi-private lessons - $350 each
A two hour lesson that meets once a week for 8 weeks anytime that is convenient for all of us.

If you have a friend that you would like to take lessons with I can accommodate 2 people at a time.
The semi-private lessons will meet once a week for eight weeks. We can discuss a convenient time to schedule the class. I will provide the clay, a new tool kit, glazes, firing and anything else you may need during our creative time together. Doing it over an eight week period would provide enough time to do four firings. Two bisque and two glaze. So the first 4-6 weeks you would produce as many pieces as you like and the last two weeks would be glazing them. I usually fire at the end of the month. If there are some pieces left for you to glaze after the eight weeks, you are welcome to come back and glaze them anytime.

If you have never worked with clay before, the first class we would explore handbuilding techniques and let you get a real feel of the clay. The next class we will begin to explore the potters wheel, centering the clay, throwing simple vessels like cylinders and bowls. By the forth week we will be trimming your pieces on the wheel, and then you will have the opportunity to work more on your own with my guidance, teaching you different techniques all along the way. If there is anything you may want to explore using and working with clay I am certainly open to teaching different methods.

Krisa's Stoneware is one of our featured businesses on buylocallyCT.com and you can see more pictures and find out more information on Krisa and her passion from our site.

* Need some new summer, colorful handbags for the summer?  These are must have's that Vera Bradley's mass made doesn't come close too.  Carissa Black hand makes her beautiful bags to perfection!  She's been written about in Good Housekeeping Magazine and Amy Butler Software Magazine.  Check out some her newest addition in the pictures.  Go to www.CarissaBlack.com for more information and selections.  She even created attractive protectors for sunglasses, ipads, ipods and lap tops. 

It's always great to support our local business maker's, so please continue to do so by shopping at Farmer's Markets, (which is healthier for your family) and recommending the amazing products hand made right here in Connecticut; it's very important.  If you know of a business that would benefit from being listed on buylocallyCT.com, please send them to the website for them to get a hold of me.  I am also looking for blogger's part-time through-out Connecticut that would like to make a little extra money.

As always, with much gratitude!  Have a great Holiday and a wonderful Fourth of July!!! 

Carissa Algeri-Gulyas

203-223-0127

carissa@buylocallyCT.com

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