Eighth Open Air Market and Festival at the Wadsworth Mansion

Middletown, CT Sunday August 22, 2010 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.

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 eighth annual Open Air Market and Festival on Sunday August 22, 2010. The Festival will be open to the public 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 eighty Connecticut vendors will be participating this year including: Cold Goats Farm, Flash and Fire Pottery, Northfordy Farm, Silks by Lucia, Hometown Bakery, La De Dah! Jewelry, fine artist Adele Johnson as well as hand spun yarns from Tidal Yarns.

Children’s and musical entertainment will be featured throughout the day. The Middletown Commission on the Arts will be sponsoring the musical entertainment. The Middletown Symphonic Band will play from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. The Dramatix Showband entertains from 11:45 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. and the final performance between 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. will be delivered by Tune Chic. There will be horse drawn carriage rides by Allegra Farms from 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Along the vista there will be face painting from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Additionally young and old alike can make their own letterbox stamp and at 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. you can learn to letterbox and take a short hike around the grounds to find a letterbox. Docent-led historical tours will be given by the Friends of Long Hill Estate throughout the day. And of course, don't forget to visit the Middletown Garden Club's Fall Plant Sale !

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.