Autumn Arts Festival

The Arts Center Killingworth presents its 12th Annual Autumn Arts Festival on the Madison Connecticut Town Green (Boston Post Rd/Route 1 and Copse Rd) Saturday, October 8 (9:30-5pm) and Sunday, October 9 (12-5pm), with a rain date of Monday, October 12 (10-5pm). This annual art event includes the original work of award-winning artists and fine artisans throughout Connecticut and the tri-state region.  On the Green this Columbus Day Weekend will be representational and abstract painters working in oil, wax, acrylic and pastel, collage artists, photographers, potters and ceramicists, glass artisans and jewelry designers showing pieces in silver, semi-precious stones and polymer clay.

For the third year, the Festival includes a six-week (September 23-November 6) juried Group Gallery Show at the Spectrum Gallery and Artisans Store in Centerbrook.  Select pieces by Festival artists are presented and include painting, photography and mixed media collage, while the Store offers many one-of-a-kind fine crafts.  Spectrum Gallery, an expansion of the Arts Center Killingworth, located at 61 Main Street, Centerbrook, CT is open Wednesday-Saturday (12-6pm) and Sunday (12-5pm).

“We are very pleased that this is our 12th year presenting to the public this group of high-quality artists and fine artisans on such a picturesque spot on the Shoreline,” said Barbara Nair, Executive Director of the Arts Center Killingworth and Spectrum Gallery. “We see people return each year for a weekend of art, music, and an up-close look at the creative process of established and emerging artists.”

Entrance to both the Autumn Arts Festival and Gallery Group Show is free.  In addition to the artist exhibits, the Green also includes several food options as well as musical performances both afternoons.  Visitors will receive a complimentary event program with map and booth locations of each artist, and information on upcoming Arts Center and Spectrum Gallery classes, workshops, and Gallery receptions.

“The Autumn Arts Festival this year has attracted artists from as far away as Garden City, NY, and Brewster and Yorktown Heights, NY.  At our relatively new gallery and store in Centerbrook, Spectrum Art Gallery, we have been working with many new artists for more than two years, and others longer through the Arts Center before the gallery opened.  Relationships are developing which is evident in the quality of fine art and crafts offered on the Green this year.  Our loyal returning public and new attendees will have much to enjoy on what we hope will be beautiful fall days this Columbus Day Weekend!” Read more.

To help plan a Festival visit, the Arts Center’s website (artscenterkillingworth.org) offers online galleries featuring artwork images and background on each participating artist. More photos and information can also be found on the Center’s various social media sites such as facebook.com/artscenterkillingworth, twitter.com/arts_center_ct, pinterest.com/artscenterct, and at instagram.com/spectrum_art_gallery.

The Arts Center Killingworth, a nonprofit founded in 2004, organizes outdoor festivals, and offers classes, camps and workshops for children, teens and adults. The Center provides volunteer opportunities for adults to become more involved with the arts and the community, while providing teens the opportunity to earn community service hours.  The Center also offers tax-deductible Membership which provides unique benefits including class and workshop discounts, member and donor special invitations, and advertising and fee discounts for artists, local and regional businesses.

Spectrum Gallery and Store in Centerbrook opened in the spring of 2014 and presents approximately six annual exhibits, showcasing representational and abstract painting, mixed media, sculpture and photography. The Artisans Store offers fine crafts in fabric, glass, ceramics, pottery, jewelry and more. Educational and interactive events such as classes and workshops, artist discussions and demos, and family day events are also offered at the Gallery.

• For more information about Arts Center programming visit www.artscenterkillingworth.org or call (860) 663-5593 / email artscenterkillingworth@gmail.com.  For more information about the Spectrum Gallery and Store visit www.spectrumartgallery.org or call

BRINGING AMERICA’S FINEST CRAFTS TO THE GUILFORD GREEN

Bill Chisholm

Photo by: Kathryn Schauer

In celebration of its 57th year, the GUILFORD ART CENTER’s annual Craft Expo will return once again to the scenic and historic Guilford Green, celebrating the arts with its extensive array of handmade crafts by American artists. Craft Expo 2014 will be held for three days: Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20.

Craft Expo 2014 will bring more than 180 nationally-recognized craft artists to Guilford, whose exquisite-quality works help rank this event as one of the top craft shows in New England and the country. As a celebration of the arts and a signature happening for the town of Guilford and the Connecticut shoreline, Craft Expo is a must-see summer event.

Drawing an estimated 14,000 artists, collectors, and visitors from across the country, Craft Expo is known for its one-of-a-kind work of the highest quality: Ceramics, Glass, Leather, Metal, Metal Jewelry, Non-Metal Jewelry, Non-Wearable Fiber, Painting, Printmaking & Drawing, Wearable Fiber, and Wood. Items range from decorative to functional and traditional to contemporary. All work presented at Craft Expo is handmade by the artists, all of whom have been accepted in the show by a panel of professional peers, thereby ensuring only the highest quality in workmanship, design and materials.

Popular amenities for the Craft Expo visitor include a food court, craft activities for youngsters attending the show, and the chance to bid on donated craft pieces at the show’s annual silent auction. Proceeds raised through the silent auction and nominal entrance fees benefit the non-profit GUILFORD ART CENTER and its year-round calendar of gallery and school art education programs for students of all ages and skill levels.

FOR 3 DAYS, RAIN OR SHINE
Friday, Saturday, Sunday: July 18, 19, 20, 2014
Friday, 12-9 • Saturday, 10-7 • Sunday, 12-5

Two Days of Fun, Food and Festivities Happening at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts

A variety of attractions for the community and beyond will be at Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts during this year’s Midsummer Festival beginning on Friday, July 25, continuing through Saturday, July 26.  Festival goers will have a chance to meet a best-selling author, mingle at two stunning exhibits, watch a calligraphy demonstration, and discover a plethora of unique gifts and handcrafted jewelry, while listening to live music and tasting scrumptious food as they roam the College grounds.

The festivities begin on Friday evening, July 25, from 5 to 7 p.m., when two exhibitions help kick off the annual celebration.  The first exhibition, “Bird’s Eye View, Photographs of the Natural World,” by Lyme Academy College’s former Board Chair, Diana Atwood Johnson, is on view in the Sill House Gallery and features photographs from both locally and further afield.  Atwood Johnson, an accomplished nature photographer, conservationist and amateur naturalist with a particular love for birds and wildlife, will be in attendance at the reception and available to answer questions.  She is also the publisher of the lavishly-illustrated book, “Swallow Tales,” a pictorial of the hundreds of thousands of swallows that gather over the lower Connecticut River in the early fall.  Copies of her book will be for sale at the reception, along with photographs from the exhibition.

The second exhibition, “Selected Student Work,” is on display in the Chauncey Stillman Gallery and comprises the best work selected by faculty and created by students in all four years of the College’s Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) program.  Most works from both exhibitions will be for sale.  Wine and light refreshments will be served at both receptions.  Admission is free.  The Lyme Art Association, Florence Griswold Museum and Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds will also be open during the same 5 to 7 p.m. time period, so come and enjoy an artistic, evening stroll down Lyme Street!

On Saturday, July 26 at 11 a.m., the College is proud to present Old Lyme’s very own New York Times best-selling author, Luanne Rice.  Rice was recently honored with the 2014 Connecticut Governor’s Arts Award, a prestigious award from the state of Connecticut for excellence and lifetime achievement as a literary artist.  Author of 31 best-selling novels, Rice will be discussing and signing her latest book, “The Lemon Orchard.”  The novel, detailing an unexpected love story of two people from different worlds, has received enthusiastic reviews.  Several of Rice’s books have been made into movies for network television and one, “Beach Girls,” became a mini-series on the Lifetime Network. Her work has also been featured in several off-Broadway theatre productions.

Also on Saturday, July 26, an eclectic array of vendors will be offering their unique and popular goods on College grounds from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Lisa Fatone, artist, jeweler and calligrapher, will be featuring her jewelry, a mixture of gemstones, pearls and vintage pieces, along with a 1 p.m. demonstration of her techniques of calligraphy and hand lettering for signs and written correspondence.  For some of Patricia Spratt’s wonderful competitively priced fine linens, made from the most beautiful decorator quality prints, stop by her “Warehouse Sale.”  Jan Ayer Cushing, owner of Fresh Ayer Gallery & Gifts in Old Lyme, will offer a selection of art, handmade jewelry and a variety of gift items that is sure to please.  For the eco-friendly-minded, Nutmeg Naturals, a family-owned and –operated Connecticut business specializing in cold-processing soap-making will be on hand with their high-quality natural soaps, lotions, and other handmade and natural items.  Artist Juliet Rutigliano will be showing her handmade sculptural pieces of eclectic jewelry, designed for the classically modern.  For the readers in the crowd, the College’s Krieble Library will be offering competitively low-priced books, mostly art related with some high-quality beach reads added in.  Rounding out the day’s offerings is the ever-popular Student Art Tag Sale, where all proceeds fund Lyme Academy College student trips and activities.

What’s a summer celebration without a hot buttery lobster roll?  Sample yours from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. when LobsterCraft’s, ‘from boat to bun’ lobster rolls will be on sale, along with lobster bisque, lobster kielbasa, and more!  Don’t forget to include a fresh summer salad along with other tasty bites and cool drinks from our College Café.

The live soundtrack for the day will be from a variety of bands with Youth Music Stage provided by Bring Our Music Back, Inc., with sounds that keep your toes tapping and hips swaying from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Want to know more about the College?  Visit the College’s Information Table for materials on College gallery schedules and BFA, Post-Bac, Certificate, Pre-College & Continuing Education programs.  Selected T-shirts and tote bags will be for sale too!

Summer Events Need Your Help: A Call for Volunteers - EXPO

                             EXPO
In celebration of its 57th year, the GUILFORD ART CENTER’s annual Craft Expo will return once again to the scenic and historic Guilford Green, celebrating the arts with its extensive array of handmade crafts by American artists. Craft Expo 2014 will be held for three days*: Friday, July 18 through Sunday, July 20. *Note the day changes this year!

Craft Expo 2014 will bring more than 180 nationally-recognized craft artists to Guilford, whose exquisite-quality works help rank this event as one of the top craft shows in New England and the country. As a celebration of the arts and a signature happening for the town of Guilford and the Connecticut shoreline, Craft Expo is a must-see summer event.

Have some extra time? Want to contribute to the arts? Volunteering at GAC is a great way to meet new people, experience art up close and learn new skills. We can use your talents in our shop, gallery, and at our summer Craft Expo on the Guilford Green. Because we value our volunteers, we say “thank you” with a discount in our shop and on our classes.

Volunteer Opportunities:

Set up Help, Thursday, July 17, starting 6pm
Set up Help, Friday, July 18, 9-11am

Assist artists as necessary transporting goods from vehicles to tent sites. Can be arduous, but is very helpful for the very appreciative artists.

Gate/Ticket sellers  This  job will keep you busy and is one of the most fun and important tasks at the fair. You will greet each customer as they come through the gate, take their money, make change, collect $1.00 coupons and postcards, give them a program and answer any questions that they might have. You also will send people to the HQ table for membership sales and renewals, show visitors how to orient themselves with the map of the grounds, or direct them to the Rest Rooms or Food Court. You will also need to verify members against a current membership list, and stamp the hands of guests who whish to re-enter the show.  There will be a notebook with complete instructions at the gate.

Silent Auction Helper   You will be helping to run the Silent Auction table. Tasks may include gathering donations from exhibitors, filling out bidding forms, setting up the table for the day, and showing fair patrons how to sign up for a bidding number. You will be working inside a tent; further instructions will be provided.

Friday (7/18): 11am-2pm   2-5pm   5-8pm
Saturday (7/19): 10am-1pm   1-4pm   4-6pm
Sunday (7/20): 12-4pm

Artist Ally  This is a great shift for someone who loves to interact with people. Artist Allies provide booth relief to any exhibitor who may need it so that they can take a 15 minute bathroom break, lunch break, etc. You are not allowed to make sales in their absence, just watch their booth and safeguard their merchandise. You will also walk through the fair and report any problems to staff, let people know where restrooms are and answer basic customer questions.

Kids Crafts Table
Friday (7/18), Saturday (7/19), Sunday (7/20), 1-4pm

Knights in Shining Armor+ Damsels in Distress = Fun-Filled Weekend

All the Faire is a stage with jousting knights, armored combat, belly dancers, fire eaters, acrobats, musicians, and many other shows as the CT Renaissance Faire returns to the Guilford Fairgrounds-Saturdays and Sundays through June 8. Forget thy cares and share a day of laughter & merriment with us. Enjoy continuous entertainment throughout the day both on-and-off stages all included with your admission. Cheer for your favorite knights as they joust and battle on the field of honor; cringe as fire eaters and sword swallowers ply their ancient art; laugh at the antics of silly jesters; be amazed with our magicians; and prepare thyself to share a day of interactive fun that will brighten your spirits and make thy day.

Some stories begin with “Once upon a time” and some others begin with “A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away…” However your favorite story goes, feel free to dress the part and come visit us for the day. This weekend will be a favorite for kids, as they have a chance to interact with 

characters Snow White, Sleepy Beauty, Rose Red and Cinderella as they explore the festival.

• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• Kids Costume Contest: Enter this fun costume contest to win cool prizes! Prize for best Youth costume with an emphasis on knights, fairies, wizards, trolls, princesses, unicorns, the perfect man, and other things of fantasy. Please arrive 10 – 15 minutes early. No advance registration required.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.

Sunday (June 1)

• Dragon Egg Hunt: (Ages 0-6 only) Time: 3:00. Your wee ones are invited to join us for a dragon egg hunt at the Faire. Don’t miss this timeless photo opportunity for your child.
• Fairy Story Time: Something magical is happening in Sherwood Forest when the Fairy Queen stops in for a visit. Sit down for a spell and hear fairy stories told by the Queen of the Fairies (Spring Thyme or Summer Fairy if inclement weather). Treat included while they last. Meet at the front gate for 12:00 to walk with the Fairy Queen to her throne for 12:30 Story Time.
• BOGO Youth Admission: Join our email list before May 29 and receive a special Youth Admission BOGO coupon through our newsletter.
• Men in Tights: Gentlemen put your best leg forward and show off those strong legs. Compete in a variety of short tights-required competitions to win the ultimate prize: Manliest Legs. Please arrive 10-15 minutes early. No advance registration required.

Guilford Generations Jubilee Kick Off December 31

On Tuesday, December 31, Guilford Generations Jubilee launches a year of signature celebrations marking the founding of Guilford in 1639. The day-long event (12-8 p.m.) takes place at several venues on and around the Guilford Green.

The day opens in front of Guilford Town Hall, where Katharine Kiernan Photography will take an aerial photo of all gathered below from the bucket of a firetruck. Following the photo, Grand Marshal Sam Allery, the Guilford student who came up with the name Guilford Generations Jubilee, will lead a band of pot-banging, horn-blowing noisemakers in a discordant gig around the Green.
During the afternoon, young and old can participate in varied activities and games, such as glitter tattoos at the Guilford Free Library, and the following at the Community Center:

    Face painting by “Z” Face Painting
    Photo-taking in the Studio 99 Productions photo booth
    Dance lessons – hula, Latin, aerobic, Tai Chi, ballroom line dancing – from groups taught by
    Joanne  Wilder, Christine Reasks, Barbara Corso,   Martin Reichgut, and Karen Pfrommer
    Browsing of Arts & Crafts handmade by senior citizen students Emer Gearhart, Carlotte DeGrado,
    Loise Terrible, and Juliet Calabrese
    Kids Arts & Crafts activities, including snow globes, masks, and mural drawing/painting
    A hands-on, interactive presentation of exotic and unusual animals
    A pool tournament
    Carnival-type games

Not enough to pique your interest? There’s more!
Stop in at the meet-and-greet reception for Anne Kubitsky, creator of the “Look for the Good” Project. Share your own good things 2013 has brought by adding them to the “door,” and learn how you can spread the message in 2014.

Join in on the Bubble Wrap Stomp, courtesy of the Guilford UPS Store and DJ Ron Glick from Studio 99 Productions. Stomp to your heart’s content – all ages welcome!

Also in the afternoon, nearly 20 musical groups will present concerts at Christ Episcopal Church, Christian Science Church, First Congregational Church, and St. George Church (wristbands needed-click here for cost and information). The music and dance festival will provide nonstop musical entertainment – Broadway, classical, jazz – by 16 individual artists and groups. Coordinated by Kevin Buno, they will include:

    Schuyler Beeman
    Bravura Strings
    Kevin Buno
    Joe Cardinale
    Diana Dart Harris
    Brian Gillie
    Guilford Brass Ensemble with Joe Boughton, Dan Fisher, Jeff Tucker and Brian Wolek
    Chad Hardin and Michael Gracco
    Lara Herscovitch
    Keely Baisden Knudsen and Stephanie Stiefel Williams
    Emily Pecoraro
    Apollo Smile
    Mark Sullivan
    The Conn Artists
    GHS Voices and the Student Coffee House Showcase

At twilight, a bonfire will be lit at the northern end of the Green for all the vexations of 2013 to make way for a fresh beginning in 2014. All are invited to watch, get warm, or help fan the flames with bad paperwork, including report cards and “Dear John” letters you’ve received throughout the year.

Lighting up the darkened sky and capping the Guilford Generations Jubilee will be a high-shoot fireworks display visible from the Green and surrounding streets.

Are you ready now to join us? It’s a party for all Guilford Generations and visitors, family and friends and will be remembered by Generations to come!

Lights of the Season

 I have always loved the sights, sounds and smells of this holiday season.   Checking out the window displays in the stores in New York City, smelling the chestnuts on the vendor carts lining the streets, seeing the light display in Rockefeller Plaza and then of course the huge tree twinkling with lights and ornaments has been something that I look forward to each December.  But if a trip into Manhattan is not on your calendar there are plenty of wonderful sights, sounds and smells locally.

Many of our Shoreline towns took advantage of the Thanksgiving weekend to hold their annual tree lighting ceremony.  But many are still to come!  This Thursday, December 5, New Haven will hold its annual tree lighting festivities on the New Haven Green beginning at 4pm - including performances by Neighborhood Music School, opportunities to purchase holiday crafter and of course a visit from Santa Claus.

On Friday, December 6 you can head to Company 1 Firehouse in North Branford for their annual event, which features the North Branford High School Chorus singing holiday songs.

The Guilford Chamber of Commerce will be sponsoring the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony on the Guilford Town Green so mark your calendars and bring the entire family to this joyous community event, also scheduled on Friday, December 6 starting at 6:00 p.m., to ring in the holiday season.  From 4-5pm enjoy the Firelight Festival at the Henry Whitfield Museum to include a reading of The Night Before Christmas.  At 5:30pm The North Guilford Congregational Church Handbell Choirs will perform a program of holiday favorites at St. George Church (Whitfield Street on the Green).  Free will offerings will benefit Meals on Wheels.  The official tree lighting happens at 6pm after which you can choose from many activites and performances happening around the Green.  The Candlelight Stroll down historic Broad Street is a favorite sponsored each year by the Guilford Garden Club.  The street will be closed to traffic from 6 – 9pm.  Guilford High School Holiday Concert is taking place at the First Congregational Church.  Tickets are still available for the 9pm performances on both Friday and Saturday evening.  Tickets are available at La Rostecceria, 500 Village Walk, Guilford.  The nationally recognized United Girls Choir will be in concert at 7pm at the First Church of Christ, Scientist on Park Street on the Green.  Free will offering will also benefit Meals on Wheels.  Christ Episcopal Church is featuring a performance by the Christ Church Choir and the Greater New Haven Community Chorus- Chamber Choir titled Music for the Philippines.  Free will offering will benefit the typhoon relief efforts. And all are invited to enjoy free Cookies for the Community in the St. George Church Parish Hall sponsored by the Knights of Columbus.

Lyme/Old Lyme will also have their annual tree lighting on Friday, December 6 from 4-5pm at the Town Hall.  Following the tree lighting one can visit the Florence Griswold Museum’s The Magic of Christmas: A Holiday Tradition celebration featuring Fantasy Trees, Miss Florence’s Artist Tree with 140 works by artists from across the country who have donated to this one-of-a-kind tradition, and the Griswold House decorated to celebrate Christmas in 1910. Or head to the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts for the Student Holiday Art Sale Opening Reception.  Or return to Old Lyme on Saturday for the third annual Light Up Old Lyme. |

Old Saybrook offers a Winter Stroll on December 6, 5:00-9:00 p.m. Join the Main Street Business Association for a fun evening of hayrides, a visit with Santa, music, treats and events at each business along Main Street.

Portland is going to be lighting 55-foot Blue Spruce at an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in Monument Square.  The tree was chosen by the city's forestry section and will be lit with more than 3,000 LED lights.  The event is scheduled to start at 5:30 p.m. Friday and includes performances by the Maine State Ballet and Rick Charette and the Bubblegum Band.

The Killingworth Chamber of Commerce welcomes you to attend Christmas at the Farm on Saturday, December 7th at Parmelee Farm on Route 81, Killingworth.  The Chamber has partnered with the Killingworth Lions Club and TD Bank to sponsor this annual holiday gathering. The event will open at 2:00 PM and conclude with the tree lighting at 4:30 PM. Come out and enjoy horse drawn carriage rides across the Farm's picturesque fields, storytelling with Santa, refreshments and crafts.  The highlight of the evening will be sing-a-long caroling with local children's choirs and the lighting of our fabulous Christmas tree on the Farm's front lawn. There will also be Shop Local opportunities from some of Killingworth's local businesses inside our heated tent. Vendors will offer gifts, crafts, gift certificates and food as well as home improvement and end of year planning advice.  Event parking is at the adjacent HK Middle School. There is a well-lit trail from the parking area to this FREE event.

The 25th Annual Niantic Light Parade & Winterfest 2013 will take place on Saturday, December 7th and promises to be the biggest and best ever. Two great events, one awesome holiday tradition. The day starts with the 2013 Winterfest beginning at 2:00 pm on Main St. This prelude to the parade, will feature the popular Chowder & Chili Cook-off, Pictures with Santa, Magic Shows, Face Painting, Horse Drawn Carriage Rides, Ice Sculptures and much, much more!  Then, beginning at 6:30 p.m., Fireworks will kick off the 25th Annual Light Parade. Come see the beautifully built and lighted parade floats, dance groups and Santa himself as they parade down beautiful Main St. in Niantic.

On Sunday December 8 you can venture to Madison and/or Westbrook for their annual holiday festivals.  Meet on the Westbrook Town Green at 4pm for the annual Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting.  Bring the family and visit with Mr. and Mrs. Claus, sing carols, make crafts, watch some great performances, decorate your bikes, take a carriage ride, or make S’mores.

In Madison, Santa will be available for children’s visits from 1:30 to 3:30pm on the porch of the Cafe Allegre, 725 Boston Post Road, Madison.  The parade will begin at 4pm at the eastern end of the Stop & Shop and continue down the Post Road, through the center of town and end at the Town Green for the tree lighting.  This year people are encouraged to march in the parade to help usher Santa into town.  Participants may start at the beginning of the parade route or join in the fun along the way, and pets are welcome.  Luminarias will light the parade route so that parade participants and Santa can find their way.  Caroling and cocoa will accompany the tree lighting. The Madison A Better Chance (ABC) Program will present its Holiday Concert at 4pm in the First Congregational Church.  This annual event features many local performers including the Shoreline Youth Symphony Orchestra, Daniel Hand High School’s ENCORE, Guilford High School’s Voices, Shoreline Chorale and a special appearance by Yale’s oldest co-ed a cappella group, Redhot and Blue.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Enjoy!

Come to Ivoryton for the Fourth Annual Ivoryton Illuminations

Looking for a different way to celebrate Christmas? Then head down to Ivoryton for the Fourth Annual Ivoryton Illuminations on November 30th from 5pm to 8pm. The entire village of Ivoryton will be participating in this Holiday Extravaganza with carol singing, Santa’s Grotto, Holiday Craft Bazaar, and culminating with the lighting of the Ivoryton Illuminations at 6pm (over 200,000 lights!) and the arrival of Santa.

This year, the Alliance has chosen not to light the Giant Christmas tree as the decorations were causing some of the boughs to droop and even break. So the tree is resting and recuperating this year and instead, there will be a variety of animated lighting displays throughout the village,

Family activities include writing letters to Santa and cards to our soldiers and Toys for Tots at the Ivoryton Library; Santa’s Grotto and visiting with Santa in the Playhouse (bring your camera if you want a picture!); Santa’s Christmas Workshop and Holiday Bazaar run by local church groups; Christmas books display at Essex Books: and music by The Sweet Adeline’s, VRHS Madrigals, The New Horizons Band, and the CT Barbershop Quartet who will be playing at various locations throughout the village. George Martin will play the bagpipes to herald the spectacular arrival of Santa!

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire plus more, provided by the Essex Lions Club, and special menus at The Ivoryton Tavern, The Blue Hound Cookery and The Copper Beech Inn.

Free parking will be available at the First Congregational Church and the Ivoryton Piano Factory with a shuttle bus service to the village. The Illuminations will remain through January 6th and visitors can tune their radios to 101.5FM and watch as the lights dance to the music!

Families in the tri-town area can join in the fun by entering our Outdoor Lights Competition. Pretty and white or wild and crazy – celebrate in your own style! Lots of great prizes from hometown businesses. The judges’ criteria are creativity, number of lights and colored lights are looked upon favorably. Registration is free – you can register in person at Gather in Ivoryton or online at gather.ivoryton@yahoo.com

This event is supported entirely by volunteers and corporate sponsors including Essex Lions, First Niagara, Essex Savings Bank, Citizens Bank, Guilford Savings Bank, Essex Meadows, Valley Courier, Riggio’s General Contractors and Essex Rotary Club.

If you want to experience some real Christmas cheer, then come and join the party in Ivoryton, the brightest village in Connecticut!
For more information, visit us online at www.ivorytonalliance.org