Looking for something to do this weekend in our beautiful state?
www.ctvisit.com has some great ideas!
Thanksgiving Comes Early to Connecticut
History, a bounty of food and huge parades…it must be Thanksgiving! This weekend, Connecticut offers an array of fun and educational activities to enjoy before your holiday feast next Thursday. Head to Stamford on Saturday afternoon and join the Annual Giant Balloon Inflation Party. Get a backstage look at the balloons as they come to life. You’ll be entertained with music, parade, talent and costumed characters. On Sunday, watch the finished results of all Saturday’s preparations at the 19th Annual UBS Parade Spectacular, one of the largest helium balloon parades in the country, featuring everyone’s favorite giant balloon characters, award-winning marching bands, and fabulous floats. Among the many balloons, making their debut this year, will be The Lorax and Red from Fraggle Rock . Celebrate Thanksgiving is Here on Sunday at the Welles Shipman Ward House in South Glastonbury. Travel back in time to Colonial Glassenbury. It’s the late 1700’s/early 1800’s and the biggest holiday of the year is Thanksgiving (Christmas wasn’t celebrated in New England until approximately 1840-1850). The house will be open and full of demonstrations conveying the hustle and bustle of the holiday.
Turkey Time, Creamery Brook Bison, Brooklyn, (860) 779-0837
Bundle up and take a wagon ride out to see the bison on Saturday afternoon. Warm up after with hot cider and cookies (children get to decorate them). Complete the day with a turkey demonstration project for children 12 years and under.
“Holidaze: The Real Story of Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas”, Henry Whitfield State Museum, Guilford. (203) 453-2457
Discover the origins of these three holidays and how they have become what we know today. While on property be sure to tour the Henry Whitfield House, Connecticut’s oldest house and New England’s oldest stone house. Event runs through December 14, museum is open Wednesday through Sunday.
Holiday Tea: Cultures & Holidays Around the World, Windham Textile & History Museum, Willimantic (860) 456-2178
Join in and help celebrate and honor the ethnic diversity of the twenty-six nationalities that worked in the mills. On Sunday afternoon sit at beautifully decorated tables representing holidays in these other countries and sample main dishes, desserts and teas from many of the countries.
Make it a full weekend of adventures. Plan an overnight at the Hilton Stamford Hotel & Executive Meeting Center in Stamford. The facility is located directly off I-95 and minutes away from the downtown business, shopping and entertainment districts. Their Bed & Breakfast package includes overnight accommodations and complimentary breakfast for two. Rates from $109.00
These highlights represent just a sampling of the many exciting events taking place across Connecticut this weekend. For more information about these and other entertaining activities, use the Events Quick Search on the right side of the page.
This Weekend in Connecticut
November 16-18, 2012
AVON
November 16 – Candlelight Opening Event – Farmington Valley Arts Center 25 Arts Center Lane, Avon, 06001 • Time(s): Friday. 6 p.m.-9 p.m., Saturday. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Stroll through the illuminated walkways where 20 studio artists will welcome you into their open studios which are brimming with extraordinary, unique works of art that are available for purchase. Find your refuge from the chaotic shopping crowds and bask in the glow of festive holiday lights, lovingly presented refreshments, wine and live music. Admission: Free (860) 678-1867
WATERBURY
November 17 – “This Is The ’60s” – Palace Theater, 100 East Main Street, Waterbury, 06702. Time: 8 p.m. Don’t miss the ultimate multimedia stage experience exploring the events that shaped the music and the music that helped shape the events, of one of the world’s most turbulent decades. Through a creative blending of live music performance, film, dance, lighting, vintage fashion, computer-generated imagery, and high-concept stage design, the performance recreates every aspect of the decade’s pop culture from the roots of rock ‘n roll to the birth of the peace movement. Admission: $25-$45. (203) 346-2000
BRANFORD/GUILFORD/MADISON
November 17-18 – Shoreline Arts Trail Open Studio Weekend – Various locations within the towns of Branford, Guilford and Madison. Time: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Let the yellow Open Studios signs lead the way on your journey along the Shorelines Art Trail. Meet the artist in their own studios and discover the unique fine arts and crafts along with the boutiques and specialty shops found along the way. Admission: Free Call either Owen Sea Luckey at 203-623-6792 or Kristin Merrill at 203-589-6995
WESTPORT
November 17-18 – CraftWestport – Staples High School, 70 North Avenue, Westport, 06880 Time(s): Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Show has been delighting collectors, art enthusiasts and discerning shoppers for 37 years with a display of contemporary fine craft from more than 160 artists and craftspeople from across the country. Enjoy the rare opportunity to meet these visionary artists and purchase their latest work as well as help to raise money for local charities. Admission: $9 General Admission, $8 Seniors, Free for Children (cash only accepted for admission) (845) 331-7900
RIDGEFIELD
November 18 – Musical Box – Ridgefield Playhouse, 80 East Ridge Road, Ridgefield, 06877, Time: 8 p.m. A can’t miss show! The amazing Peter Gabriel-era Genesis recreation returns with a rare performance of the classic album The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway. All of the theatrics, all of the songs, all of the dazzling spectacle of the original show! Includes all 1,100 original slide projections from the ’74-’75 tour! It’s like stepping into a musical time machine. Admission: $66. (203) 438-5795
