A big weekend along the shoreline! The Guilford Fair, a perennial favorite, kicks off the agricultural fair season. Every area of the state has its signature events, featuring midways, entertainment, baking contests, horse and oxen pulls, rides, and, of course, food. Kids with guitars (and drums and more) can strut their stuff on the green tonight and aim for stardom, while plant lovers and families stake their claim on Saturday and Sunday. Paddle your canoe (or kayak) along the Branford River and get a glimpse of Broadway as well. Read on! There’s more.
Friday, Sept. 15
Rec ‘n’ Roll: Young Musicians’ Showcase
Branford Recreation Department’s sixth annual Young Musicians’ Showcase takes place Friday, Sept. 15, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. on the Branford green.
Scheduled groups include “Darn It All,” “The 34s,” and “The Roustabouts.”
Proceeds and donations this year will go toward the Ben Callahan Memorial Scholarship Fund. For more information, call the Rec Department at 203 – 488-8304.
New Haven Grand Prix
The New Haven Grand Prix, the annual Twilight Bicycle Race and Street Festival takes place Friday, Sept. 15. Food and drink tents open at 4 p.m. and races start at 5:30 p.m.
The Grand Prix is a more than just a bicycle race. There will be live music, a beer garden, food and numerous other entertainment activities. From an impressive lineup of professional and amateur cyclists vying for honors, to live entertainment and the bustling Apizza & Eats Feast Expo Area, this isn’t your ordinary bike race or street festival. It’s an extravaganza that highlights all of New Haven’s greatest aspects – It’s food, it’s nightlight, and it’s cycling and pedestrian friendly vibrancy.
Details at newhavengp.com
Friday, Sept. 15, to Sunday, Sept. 17
Guilford Fair
The annual Guilford Fair takes place Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Sept. 15, 16, and 17 at the Guilford Fairgrounds. The Guilford Fair, a large agricultural fair that began in 1859, features an extensive array of activities, vendor booths, food, and entertainment all included with admission. Ride tickets are additional.
Admission is $10 for adults, $8 for senior citizens, $5 children ages 6 – 11, children 5 and under admitted free. A three-day discount pass is available for $25. Parking on site is $5. There are no refunds in event of inclement weather or show cancellation. Free parking is available off of Exit 57 with shuttle bus service. For the full event schedule visit www.guilfordfair.org.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Perennial Plant Sale
A plant sale takes place in Ruby’s Garden at the United Methodist Church, 811 East Main St., on Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Perennial fall plantings include clematis, creeping phlox, hosta, irises, shasta daisies, spirea, sedums and more. Landscaping plants include dwarf forsythia and other shrubs and trees. Pricing will be $5 to $18 for plants and $25 for trees.
Call Ruby Lawrence at 203 – 494-06911 for more information or visit the www.umcbranford.org.
Saturday, Sept. 16
Branford Land Trust’s Annual Branford River Parade
Kayakers and canoeists from Branford and surrounding communities will celebrate the beauty of the Branford River in a boat parade from behind the Branford High School to Branford Point Saturday, Sept. 16.
Boaters should drop boats off behind Branford High School between 8:30 and 9:15 a.m., driving to the parking lot at Parker Park at Branford Point to leave their cars/trucks and taking the shuttle bus (hired for this event) back to the high school for the 10 a.m. parade start.
Paddlers are encouraged to decorate their boats (or persons). Then, bring a picnic for you and your family, and join us to enjoy lunch at Branford Point at the end of our river journey. We will share memories about our trip, and enjoy the view of Branford Harbor and the river. (Rain date: Sept. 17, parade starts at 11 a.m., drop-off 9:30 – 10:15 a.m.)
This annual event is free and open to the public. It is presented by the BLT’s Nature Explorer Program, which coordinates events for adults and families. For updated information call Matt Radulski at 203 – 627-1063 or visit www.branfordlandtrust.org.
Sunday, Sept. 17
Family Day
The 20th Annual Pat Andriole Family Day takes place on Sunday, Sept. 17, from 1 to 5 p.m. on the Branford Town Green. In the event of inclement weather, all activities will take place inside the Branford Recreation Department
The campaign, “Valuing Connecticut’s Families…It’s Everybody’s Business,” distinguishes families as the basic building blocks of society and encourages their support.
This event, named in honor of retired Branford Counseling Center Director, Patricia Andriole, is open to parents, children of all ages, grandparents, aunts, uncles and friends. Scheduled activities, both fun and educational, relay games, food, entertainment, magic, music and much more will be featured.
Sponsors of the event include Branford Counseling Center, the Branford Recreation Department, the Branford Coalition to Prevent Underage Drinking, the Branford Family Resource Center, the Branford Early Childhood Collaborative, Branford’s Youth Outreach Worker, Jeff Kikosicki, the Branford Police Department, the Branford Fire Department, the Branford Rotary Club, the Soundview YMCA and many other Branford agencies. For more information, call the Counseling Center at 481‑4248.
Norm Lewis at the Owenego
Seaview Productions’ fourth annual Broadway in Branford event will feature Broadway and TV star Norm Lewis. The event, which benefits the Legacy Theatre, takes place Sunday, Sept. 17, 6 p.m. at the Owenego Inn and Beach Club, 40 Linden Ave.
According to organizer Greg Nobile, the tickets are on a “pay what you can, if you can” basis. VIP tickets are $75. Seaview Productions, a award-winning Off Broadway, Broadway, and West End Company, is run by Nobile, along with Jana Shea, Colin Sheehan, and Ginny Robbins.
Lewis was the first African-American to play the lead role in “Phantom of the Opera” on Broadway and has performed in “Porgy and Bess” and “Sweeney Todd,” and has a reoccurring role in the TV series, “Scandal.”
For more information and tickets, go to www.legacytheatrect.org.
Tuesday, Sept. 19
Book Talk: Solitary Odyssey of a Female Kind
Author Isabella Green discusses her book “Solitary Odyssey of a Female Kind” at Blackstone Library, 758 Main St., at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 19. Her compelling endeavor takes her backpacking around the world, on a budget, by herself after she returns from serving in the Persian Gulf War. Join her on a journey through many different cultures, religions & obstacles during her quest for healing, peace and a pilgrimage to retrieve her stolen spirit.
To RSVP, call 203 – 488-1441, extension 318, or visit www.blackstonelibrary.org.
Thursday, Sept. 21
Game On! Game Night for Adults
Thimble Island Brewery, 16 Business Park Drive, will host a night of games, snacks, and new friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 21. There will be a selection of card and board games available, including Codenames, King of Tokyo, Sushi Go Party!, Dixit, Pandemic, and more. Participants are also welcome to bring their own games.
Registration is required. To RSVP, call the Blackstone Library at 203 – 488-1441 extension 318.
Saturday, Sept. 23
Take A Vet Fishing 2017
The Branford Yacht Club, 39 Goodsell Point Road, and the First Congregational Church host their sixth annual “Take A Vet Fishing” day, beginning with 5 a.m. registration on Saturday, Sept. 23. Boats will leave the dock starting around 7 a.m., and a barbecue will take place at the BYC following the outings on the water.
Veterans will travel from as far away as the Walter Reed Centers in Washington, D.C., and Maryland, and from all across Connecticut to enjoy a day on the water. This year about 150 veterans are signed up and 40 to 50 boats launching from the Branford Yacht Club to take them fishing. BYC members, as well as boaters from neighboring marinas, will captain their boats.
For more information, call Hillary Mendillo, 203 – 589-9406, or email [email protected].
Short Beach Union Church Tag Sale
The annual Short Beach Union Church Tag Sale takes place Saturday, Sept. 23, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 14 Pentecost St. Treasures of all kind available – no clothing or non-recycle baby items. Refreshments. Proceeds to benefit the Branford Food Pantry and the church.
Items can be dropped of on Sundays (Sept. 10 and 17, 1 to 4 p.m.) and Monday to Thursday (Sept. 18 to 21, 5 to 8 p.m.).
For more information, call 203 – 466-6274.
Shoreline Harvest Arts Festival
The third Annual Shoreline Harvest Arts Festival will take place under the Big Tent on the Branford Green from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23, featuring more than 40 artists and artisans who will display their works of fine art and sculpture, jewelry, wood arts, pottery, metal, stained glass, painting, photography and textiles. Live jazz will be provided by Brisile and friends.
Sponsored by Branford Art Center and Branford Education Fund, the festival will be held rain or shine. For more information, call Yvonne Gordon-Moser at 860 – 334-4642 or email [email protected] and visit the gallery website www. branfordartcenterct.com.
Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible
Connecticut Shoreline Indivisible will have its Fall Kick-off Meeting from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 23, at the First Congregational Church, 110 Broad St., Guilford. State Rep. Rosa DeLauro will address the group from 10 to 11 a.m. and team meetings will take place from 11 a.m. to noon.
Current and new members are invited. For more information, email CTShorelineIndivisible.com.
Sunday, Sept. 24
BCTV’s Tour de Branford
BCTV’s Tour de Branford 2017, takes place Sunday, Sept. 24. The ride is designed for bicyclists to enjoy the beautiful scenery along in Branford and the shoreline. There’s both a 15-mile and 40-mile ride to choose from. The event starts and ends at the Stony Creek Brewery.
Monday, Sept. 25
Rotary Club Golf Tourney
The Branford Rotary Club golf tournament will now be held on Monday, Sept. 25, at the scenic Clinton Country Club, 128 Old Post Road, Clinton.
The Clinton Country Club is a new venue for the event. Established in 1895, the Clinton course is one of the oldest in the country. The 18-hole course, designed by Geoffrey Cornish, is both challenging and beautiful.
Registration is $175 per golfer. The Branford Rotary tournament is a fundraiser for designated charities. See above poster for additional information.
Thursday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 1
Library Book Sale
Friends of Blackstone Library holds its annual book sale under the tent on the Branford Green from Thursday, Sept. 28 to Sunday, Oct. 1. Admission for Preview Night, Thursday, from 5 to 7 p.m., is $15; free for members of the Friends of the Library. The general sale is Thursday, 7 p.m. to midnight; Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday, noon to 3 p.m.
For more information, call 203 – 488-1441.
Saturday, Sept. 30
Trinity Church Fair
The 110th annual Trinity Church Annual Fair opens on the green Saturday, Sept. 30, with the traditional blueberry pancake at 7:30 a.m., ending at 10:30 a.m. Venues open throughout the morning starting at 8 a.m. and continue till p.m.
American lunch on the grill served from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.: sausage & pepper grinders/clam chowder and garlic toast. Supper from 4 to 6 p.m., plus there’s apple crisp and whipped cream. Kids games, silent auctions, giant tag sale, jewelry, needle crafts, homemade baked goods, preserves, homegrown produce, books, DJ music, and more.
Canned foods will be collected for the Branford Food Pantry to help residents in need.
Sunday, Oct. 1
Animal Awareness Day
Branford Compassion Club will host Animal Awareness Day from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 1, on the Branford Green. The Blessing of the Animals is held at 1:30 p.m., along with children’s activities, business vendors, animal rescue organizations, bake sale, food, and music. Details, sponsor, and vendor information at branfordcompassionclub.org.
Saturday, Oct. 7
“Benstock”
“Benstock,” a musical event in honor of Ben Callahan, will take place Saturday, Oct. 7, at Nuzzo’s Farm, 736 East Main St. Ben died in July after drowning in the Branford River. He was 10 years old.
All proceeds will go toward the Ben Callahan Foundation, established by the family to fund various charities in the community. Local bands will be featured as well as food trucks, vendors, and more. Email Cayla Florio at [email protected] to volunteer or donate services, supplies, or time.
Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16
A Hogwarts Halloween
Registration is open for a Hogwarts Halloween at the Blackstone Library. Sessions take place Saturday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. OR on Sunday, Oct. 15, from 10 a.m. to noon or from 1 to 3 p.m. The event is for children age 6 and up.
Children will get the feeling they truly have entered the halls of Hogwarts. Upon arrival, they will be escorted by Prefects to the Great Hall, where they will be greeted by Professor McGonagall. From there, attendees will take classes in Charms, Potions, and Divination.
This year’s school session also involves an escape challenge – Dolores Umbridge has been known to lock an entire class out of the Hogwarts building and onto the Hogwarts grounds. It will be up to each class to work together to solve the clues and find the magic key that opens the door back into Hogwarts proper. And, of course, no one will leave without their wand from Ollivander’s Wand Shop personally matched by Ollivander.
These sessions are drop-off only, with Prefects escorting the children through their two hours of classes. Admission is $30 per child. Costumes are encouraged. Also available for purchase: Class T‑Shirts (long sleeved), $20 each, and School Portraits, $10 each. Details at www.blackstone.lioninc.org/hogwarts-at-blackstone-faqs/.
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