Seventh Open Air Market and Festival at the Wadsworth Mansion

From Deborah Moore, Executive Director, Wadsworth Mansion

As the sultry summer slides towards fall it is once again time to celebrate the bounties of Connecticut. The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street, Middletown is hosting their seventh annual Open Air Market and Festival on Sunday August 23, 2009, from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rain or shine. The event is free.

The historic Mansion will transform its 700 foot vista into a marketplace and festival where a variety of vendors will gather to sell their Connecticut grown or made products. One can stroll from tent to tent purchasing fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods. Local artisans, such as potters, painters, and jewelers have been invited to sell their work. Visitors will be encouraged to lounge on the lawn with lunch and listen to live music performed on the patio. Families can bring their children and spend the day. It will be a day to discover the Wadsworth Mansion, enjoy music and art, and experience the tradition of shopping at an open-air market.

Over seventy Connecticut vendors will be participating this year including: Rose’s Berry Farm, Wayne’s Organic Garden, Stonewall Apiary, The Farmer’s Cow, Ballek’s Garden Center, Malabar Glass, Silks by Lucia, Zhe Feng Pottery, fine artist Adele Johnson as well as hand spun yarns from Tidal Yarns.

The Middlesex County Community Foundation will head the Non-profit corridor raising awareness for its ‘Live Local Give Local’ initiative. Children’s and musical entertainment will be featured throughout the day. There will be horse drawn carriage rides by Allegra Farms from 10:00-2:00. There will be face painting from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Docent-led historical tours will be given by the Friends of Long Hill Estate throughout the day. The Middletown Commission on the Arts will be sponsoring the musical entertainment.

9:30 - 11:30: The Middletown Symphonic Band
11:45 - 1:45: Tune Chick
2:00 - 4:00: The Bluelights

Convenient shuttle parking will be available from Snow School. Additional parking is available at Mercy High School. For a complete listing of performers and vendors visit www.wadsworthmansion.com.