Mary Johnson File Photo
This weekend enjoy the start of summer with a number of great events. Branford’s famous fireworks are ready to ignite a week before July 4, the Trinity Church hosts a special dinner to help support Nepalese neighbors devastated by an Earthquake and there’s a special Irish Festival in North Haven. And let’s not forget Mystic Seaport’s annual WoodenBoat show. There’s a lot to choose from.
Friday, June 26
Summer Reading Kickoff
Join the Willoughby Wallace Memorial Library in Stony Creek for a “Super Hero Training Camp.” Pick up a summer reading kit and get ready for a fun summer of reading, fun and prizes. Event runs from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
Artist’s Reception
A new artist, Sharon Hart, opens her show at the Branford Art Center Gallery and Art Workshop at 1229 Main St. The show runs through July 21. Reception starts at 7: p.m. and ends at 9 p.m.
WoodenBoat Show
Head to Mystic Seaport starting today and through Sunday for the annual WoodenBoat Show featuring more than 100 wooden boats, kayaks, classic daysailers and schooners. The event takes place at Mystic Seaport, 75 Greenmanville Ave. Time: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Exhibitors will offer many items for sale.
Saturday, June 27
Branford Celebrates July 4 – One Week Early
Mary Johnson file photo.
Come down to Parker Memorial Park at Branford Point on Harbor Street to see the great fireworks show. The time is 9:15 p.m. Rain date is Sunday, June 28. Shuttle buses start at 5:30 p.m. and leave from Branford High, the Branford railroad station and the Cherry Hill commuter lot. The rain date is Sunday, June 22.
Early Guilford Days: Family Festival
This festival takes place on Saturday and Sunday and is a celebration of 18th-century colonial life in Connecticut. There are guided tours, hands-on crafts, games, and demonstrations. The festival takes place at all five historic Guilford Museums: Henry Whitfield State Museum, Hyland House, Thomas Griswold House, Medad Stone Tavern and Dudley Farm. Address: 248 Old Whitfield St, Guilford. Free admission for children, $3.75 charge for adults. Hours are Saturday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday noon to 4 p.m. Free parking. Visit www.hylandhouse.org for more details. (Address above is just for Whitfield Museum.)
Coffee and Conversation with State Rep. Sean Scanlon
Rep. Scanlon, who represents Guilford and Stony Creek and Pine Orchard in Branford, wants to hear from his constituents. He will be at Griswold Hall of the First Congregational Church; United Church of Christ at 122 Broad St., Guilford, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Branford-Nepal Earthquake Relief Fund Event
Meet your Nepalese neighbors and learn about earthquake relief efforts and what is most needed. Enjoy traditional Nepalese food prepared by Darbar restaurant, served buffet-style, in the Parish Hall at Trinity Church, on the Green at 1109 Main St. Eat inside or outside on the lawn. Two seatings: 5:30 p.m. and 7:00 p.m. Tickets are $40 and may be purchased at the door. Proceeds to be distributed by the Society for Nepalese in America, a non-profit group.
Connecticut Irish Festival
Get ready for great food, lots of activities for kids and Irish dancing this weekend. The fair, celebrating its 50th arrival, gets underway at North Haven Fairgrounds, 300 Washington Ave., in North Haven. Begins at noon and ends at 11 p.m. Admission: $10 (free for youths 16 and younger). The fair takes place on Saturday and Sunday.
Blackstone Memorial Library Dance Class
The library is offering four fun-filled nights of world dance lessons with Marina Zovich! You’ll learn line, couple, and circle dances from all over the world. The library asks you to register now for the summer classes. The sessions take place on July 6 and 20 and Aug. 3 and 17.
Events Just Around the Corner…
Also, for fun in the greater New Haven area, check out the schedule for the International Arts and Ideas festival on its final weekend. There’s entertainment, educational programming, activities for kids, and more.
Sunday, June 28
Live Jazz in Guilford
Join Jeff Fuller on Bass, Donn Trenner on piano and Ben Bilello on drums at Ayuthai, 2279 Post Road, Guilford. This will be a trio gig since host guitarist Dr. Joe Cardinale will be off that night. Reservations are a good idea.
Looking Forward
Branford Jazz Series
Be on the look-out for the Branford jazz concert series on the town Green every Thursday night through August 20. On Thursday, July 2, Lynn Riley, the great saxophonist, and her group, the World-Mix take the town Green stage at 6:30 pm.
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