Mary Johnson Photo
The Fourth of July weekend is always a busy weekend, and this year is no exception. But as you spend the next few days gearing up for the deluge of fireworks, picnics, and parades, don’t forget to check out some of the other cool events happening on the shoreline this weekend. Whether it’s browsing through fresh produce at the Branford Alps Farmer’s market today or taking a scenic bike ride along the coastline, this weekend will provide plenty of opportunities to try something new and exciting.
Saturday, July 2
The Blackstone Memorial Library Summer Program
The Blackstone is the place to be this month. The library is offering a wide variety of activities across all age groups throughout July. Here’s the link for teens. https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/#inbox/155a3a4b928499e5
Shoreline Greenway Trail First Saturday Bike Ride: Guilford to Madison
Start your holiday early Saturday morning with a flat 15-mile round-trip on-road bike ride from the Guilford harbor along Route One to Madison’s boat launch and red cottage at Circle Beach. The trip will leave from the Guilford Harbor at 8:30 a.m. Open to experienced riders ages 14 older. Helmets are required. Bring water. For more information, contact Leader Pam Simonds at 203 – 453-2271 or [email protected].
http://shorelinegreenwaytrail.org/2016/06/july‑2 – 830am-first-saturday-bike-ride-guilford-to-madison/
Walk Red Hill Woods with the Branford Land Trust
BLT Photo
Join the Branford Land Trust for the first scenic walk around Red Hill Woods, the crown of the 950-acre open space preserve located in the Hoadley Creek Watershed. The trip will begin at 10 a.m. at the end of Red Hill Road, and will last about one hour. Walkers should expect moderate terrain, with some sloping trails and inclines.
This event marks the beginning of a series of public walks happening between now and the end of September. For more information, visit the Land Trust’s website here: http://branfordlandtrust.org/come-walk-red-hill-woods-july‑2/
Independence Day Church Barbeque
Visit the lawn of Church of Christ Congregational Church, 192 Thimble Islands Road in Stony Creek for their annual Independence Day barbecue. Grilled chicken, hot dogs, baked beans, cole slaw, assorted desserts and beverages will be available for purchase at the event, which starts at 11 a.m. and ends at 1:30 p.m. The event will take place rain or shine. All proceeds will benefit the Church of Christ. For additional information call 203 – 488-7827.
Acoustic Marsh Pit at the Stony Creek Brewery
Join your friends at the Stony Creek Brewery for some local beers and acoustic music provided by the one and only Acoustic Marsh Pit. The Brewery will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Tabor Blues Band Jams
Head for the Branford Green for a night of great tunes. Event gets underway at 6:30 p.m and runs to 9:30 p.m.
Craft Brew Races in New Haven
The New Haven Craft Brew Race will be held on Saturday, July 30 in Edgewood Park. The Craft Brew Races are a celebration of local craft brewing, an active lifestyle, and the surrounding community. Each event consists of a timed 5k road race followed by a local 3‑hour craft beer festival featuring more than 20 local, regional and national breweries. Noon to 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 3
Picnic at the Owenego
All are invited to “Celebrate the 4th on the 3rd” with an a la carte cookout at the Owenego Inn this Sunday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Enjoy a selection of hotdogs, hamburgers, veggie burgers, barbequed chicken breast, corn-on-the-cob, clam chowder, and individually-packed garden salads. “We will offer watermelon chunks and cupcakes. Pricing will be a la carte. For more information, visit the Owenego’s event schedule here:
http://www.owenego.com/Owenego2009/2010-event-schedule.
Madison Fireworks
Madison will be having its fireworks show at waterfront area off West Wharf Beach this Sunday at 9:30 p.m. The main public viewing locations will be at Surf Club Park, East Wharf Beach and West Wharf Beach. In the event of rain, the show will be rescheduled for Friday, July 8, 2016 @ 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit the event page here: http://www.madisonfireworks.org/
Jazz, Jazz, Jazz
Bill O’Brien Photo
Jazz continues at the Ayuthai Restaurant, 2279 Boston Post Road, Guilford, with Dr. Joe Cardinale on guitar, Jeff Fuller on bass, Ben Bilello on drums and the great Donn Trenner on piano. Music starts at 6:30 p.m. Reservations Recommended. The group has a new website, too. Check out www.drjoeandfriends.com for upcoming jazz events, reviews and photos. And make a note to visit the Ayuthai on July 17 for Fuller’s CD release party.
Monday, July 4
Madison’s Fourth of July Parade
Madison’s 37th annual Independence Day parade gets underway at 11 a.m. The parade will proceed west on Boston Post Road (Route 1) from Samson Rock Drive to the West Wharf Road and will end at the Surf Club. For more information, visit the event’s website here: http://www.madisonexchange.org/parade.
Saturday, July 9
Guilford Fireworks and Community Picnic
The town of Guilford will be hosting its annual independence day fireworks show at Lovers Lane and Stonehouse Lane. They will follow the Community Picnic at the Town Green from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. There is no rain date.
Thursday, July 7
Branford Alps Farmer’s Market
For fresh food and live music, pay a visit to the Branford Alps Farmers Market today from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., at 17 Alps Rd. The market features both conventional and sustainable organic Connecticut produce, dairy, poultry, eggs, and meats, as well as body care products, and a few sea or farm-to-table food trucks in a mini food court. It is scheduled to take place every Thursday from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. until October 27, 2016.
Farmers at the market accept FMNP coupons, WIC & Senior. The market issues wooden tokens to double SNAP dollars, up to $20.00 per customer/day. Any Customer may swipe a credit or debit card for wooden market tokens to spend as cash at the market.
For more information about the Branford Alps Farmers Market, visit their website here: http://alpsfarmersmkt.org/, or contact Market Manager Martha McGuire at 203 – 494-0227.
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