Celebrate New Year's Day at The Mansion

There are so many ways and reasons to celebrate the coming of 2016 but not much for the entire family.  However, pack everyone in the car and head over to the annual Open House & Concert at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown. From 1 - 4 p.m., one gets to tour the building with one of the Mansion's knowledgable docents, enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride and take hikes through the grounds (weather permitting).

And, there's live music!  At 2 p.m. the Lost Acres String Band will play its enjoyable repertoire of fiddle tunes old and new, blues, swing, and so much more.  Featuring the talents of Gordon Swift (fiddle), his brother Jon (standup bass) and Paul Howard (acoustic guitar), LASB knows how to move and entertain a crowd of all ages.

Thanks to the Friends of the Wadsworth Mansion (the group that also sponsors the July Concert series), the event, rides and music are free and open to the public.  For more information, go to www.wadsworthmansion.com.

Wadsworth Haunted Mansion Costume Bash

WADSWORTH HAUNTED MANSION COSTUME BASH
BECKONS ALL GHOULS

The Wadsworth Haunted Mansion Costume Bash will be held on Friday October 25, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight.

Dress as one of Colonel Clarence Wadsworth's guests or your favorite ghoul and join in the festivities, which include dancing to the music of a DJ, fortune telling, light fare, and awards for best costumes. Tickets are $38.00 per person.

There is a cash bar. Tickets may be purchased at www.wadsworthmansion.com or by mail to Wadsworth Mansion, 421 Wadsworth Street.

The Gilded-Age mansion was built by Colonel Wadsworth and his wife Katherine for grand social gatherings. The Friends of Long Hill continue that tradition by planning several events throughout the year. Proceeds from the Haunted Mansion will go to the Friends of Long Hill Estate Conservation Fund.

3rd Annual Rubber Chicken Run

The 3rd ODDFELLOWS RUBBER CHICKEN RUN 5K Cross Country Race will take place Thursday, August 15th at Mercy High School.

Funds raised for the race will help Oddfellows maintain its high quality theatrical programming for young people and support its generous scholarship awards, which allows us to never turn a child away for financial reasons.

We hope that you, and your family and friends, will join us to run in support of Oddfellows.

August 15, 2012

*6:00pm Children's 1/2 Mile Fun Run
*6:30pm 5K Cross Country Race

Mercy High School
1750 Randolph Road
Middletown, CT 06457

Registration
$20 per Runner (ages 14 & up) in advance, $25 day of race.
$75 per Team. Teams will not be accepted on the day of the race.
$5 Children's Fun Run (ages 13 & under).
Advanced registration closes Friday, August 10, 2012

Visit RubberChickenRun.com for more information

Thanks to our Supporters!
Pratt & Whitney LLC.
Triple Frog LLC.
Dzialo, Pickett & Allen, P.C .
Community Health Center Inc.
Mercy High School
 The Iron Scissors Salon
The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill
Charles Computer Services
Prohealth Physicians Middlesex Pediatrics
Fusion Bakery
Chabaso Bakery
Illiano's Restaurant

Food Improv Event to Benefit Oddfellows Playhouse

Food Improv: Eat Your Art Out

Oddfellows Playhouse is excited to announce the return of Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meets the Culinary Arts- Take 2!.   This year it will be taking place on Thursday, June 6 and again be held at the Wadsworth Mansion of Middletown.  Food Improv is a fundraising event to help the Playhouse raise money for scholarships and program support.  They are also excited to announce this year’s host is WNPR Connecticut Public Radio Host and Correspondent Lucy Nalpathanchil.

The inspiration for Food Improv came out of the similarities between the performing arts and culinary arts.  Both forms of art build a foundation of life-skills, especially for young people, through working on a team, poise under pressure, responsibility and preparation, and especially how to improvise.  The children who attend Oddfellows are learning these types of skills on a daily basis.  Oddfellows received an overwhelming response of how much fun the event was last year and the connections  made between these two fields that they decided to hold it again this year.

A tasting style event, Food Improv will showcase a variety of dishes created by some of the best chefs and restaurants throughout Connecticut.   Returning restaurants include: Riverhouse Catering , Miya Sushi of New Haven, The New England Emporium, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, NoRA Cupcake Company, Tschudin Chocolates & Confections, Mattabesett Canoe Club, and Cold Stone Creamery of Middletown.  New participants include Lan Chi Restaurant and 2Hopewell.  The event will also feature a signature cocktail mixed and created by RIPE Craft Bar Juice.

“A fun twist to the event,” says Elizabeth Cipollina of Durham, Co-Chair of the event, “is that each chef has picked a play title from Oddfellows’ production history as inspiration for their dish.  We thought it would be a great way of incorporating theater into the food, while giving each chef an added culinary challenge.  We are excited to see what they come up with.  How they improvise.”  

“Not only are we grateful to all the restaurants, but we’ve also had amazing support from our major sponsors, Citizen’s Bank, Connecticut Rental Center and the law offices of Farrell, Geenty, Sheeley, Boccalatte & Guarino, PC, and Updike, Kelley and Spellacy, PC” says Mary Murphy, who also Co-Chairs the event.  She goes on to say that “Each of these organizations has generously donated to Food Improv and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done.

Tickets for the event are $75 for individuals and $125 for couples.  All proceeds from your ticket will go directly to benefiting Oddfellows Playhouse.  The event runs from 6 p.m.- 9pm.  There will also be a live auction.

If you have any questions about the event, or want to purchase tickets, you can contact Director of Development Courtney Antonioli at 860-347-6143 or email her at Courtney@oddfellows.org.  Tickets can also be purchased online at www.oddfellows.org.

Wadsworth Mansion Restoration Talk

The Middletown Garden Club is hosting a free talk on the restoration of the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, Thursday, April 18, at 1:00 p.m. at the Mansion, 421 Wadsworth St. Award winning architect David Scott Parker will join Joyce Kirkpatrick, chairman of the Long Hill Estate Building Committee, arborist Jane Harris, and Elaine Bank in a panel discussion on the project which took place beginning in 1994 and culminating in an open house on New Year’s Day, 2000.

The 1908 Beaux Artes mansion surrounded by 500 acres of land, was built for Colonel Clarence and Katherine Fearing Hubbard Wadsworth on land given to them as a wedding gift. It was a social mecca for the family and their friends for almost 40 years. In 1947, following the Colonel’s death, the house and 103 acres were sold to the Sisters of Our Lady of the Cenacle, who conducted weekend religious retreats. The sisters sold the house and acreage to a developer in 1986.

What followed was a period of failed development plans, bankruptcy, absentee bank ownership, squatters on the premises, and finally a devastating fire. The City of Middletown took ownership of the estate in 1994 and began a $5.8 million restoration project. Parker, a Principal of David Scott Parker Associates in Southbury, CT.. will talk about his role in both the restoration and in the interior design of the building. Joyce Kirkpatrick chaired the building committee, served on the Long Hill Estate Authority, and currently chairs the docent committee, a group of volunteers who share the history of the estate with visitors. Jane Harris is an arborist and Middletown Garden Club member who developed the brochure: Notable Trees at Long Hill Estate. Elaine Bank co-chaired the Middletown Garden Club vernal pool project. Club members uncovered a vernal pool that was smothered in vines. The club has planted the area around the pool with native plants and developed a trail around the pool.

A question and answer period and refreshments will follow the presentation.

Sunday: Daffodil Day-A Kids Fest At The Wadsworth Mansion

The Friends of Long Hill Estate and the Long Hill Estate Authority will host their annual spring event: Daffodil Day-A Kids Fest on Sunday, April 14th, from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street. This family event will be held rain or shine and there is no charge for admission.

Bring your children to the Mansion and enjoy activities provided by kids artspace, which include face painting, kite making, and scribble art. Participate in a hands-on HEART ART mural of hands and hearts where children will pledge to use their hearts to make art. Additionally there will be a children's art exhibit.

Guests will enjoy jugglers, stilt walkers, and performers on unicycles as provided by ArtFarm, a city-based theater with a commitment to simple living, environmental sustainability and social justice.

The NoRA Cupcake Company and Whey Station will tantalize visitors with delicious comfort food sold from their food trucks, the latest craze to hit American streets.

Ongoing throughout the afternoon, docents from the Friends of Long Hill Estate will lead guided tours of the Mansion providing a narrative that details the history of the Estate. Furniture donated by the Wadsworth Family will be on display in the History Room.

Guests are encouraged to enjoy independently the 103 acres of parklands and view the daffodils that will bloom sometime in April assuring us all that spring has finally arrived.

Information will be available at the Wadsworth Mansion by calling (860) 347-1064

You Are Invited To Tea

The thirteenth annual Tea at the Mansion will be Sunday, March 03rd, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. at the Wadsworth Mansion. The doors open at 1:00 p.m. to view the tables and shop in the loggia bazaar. Tea service commences at 2:00 p.m.

A three course tea menu from Kim’s Cottage Confections will be served with an estate tea from The Green Room. Hostesses set the tables for the event with their personal china, linens and silver befitting the elegant setting. Each table is unique and represents the style of the hostess. A boutique of selected vendors adds an opportunity for shopping. The loggia bazaar will feature Kim's Cottage Confections, Wild Wisteria, Echo Trader Clothing, Elegant Accents, Adele Frost Handmade Cards, Birdhouse Accents, Green Dahlia, and Fancy That, a vintage rental boutique in Walpole, MA that specializes in tea parties, renting vintage china and glasses to help hostesses plan the perfect tea. Fancy That will also be decorating one of the tables at the tea.

Admission at $30 per person is by advance registration only. Checks should be made out to Friends of Long Hill Estate and sent to the attention of the Tea Committee, 421 Wadsworth Streeet. Seating is limited and first come, first served. Call 860 349-9521 for more information. All proceeds go to the Friends of Long Hill Estate.

Wadsworth Mansion Bridal Show

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is hosting their annual Wedding Show on Sunday, February 24, 2013. The Show will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The fee for guests will be $5.00 a person.

Busy Night for EDC

The city council's Economic Development Committee dealt with a large agenda at its monthly meeting Monday night.  Some of the highlights:

30 PORTLAND ST.
Director of Planning Bill Warner said that preparations were being made to demolish the vacant house at 30 Portland Street, which the city acquired through foreclosure.  He said "a lot of people say it's going to collapse".  That prompted member Tom Serra to say that the city is liable in case the building does collapse.  "This should be an emergency situation," he said.  Councilman Joe Bibisi noted the roof had partially fallen in and he was concerned about any heavy rain.  "We own it, and it could all fall on Portland Street."

Chairman Gerald Daley said the building department, fire marshal or other authority should officially determine the building's safety.  Bibisi noted that the building was boarded up for security.  There was some question as to which city department would pay for the demolition.  The committee unanimously approved a resolution to make the demolition a priority.  Warner later said he would request a $30,000 appropriation so work could begin.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE JOB PROGRAMS
Jeff Pugliese of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce appeared before the committee to request funds for two jobs program.  The Worker Preparation Program provides job seekers help such as resume consulting, mock interviews, help with dressing professionally, and networking through chamber contacts and functions.  The committee unanimously approved $7500 for the program, as it had last year.

Pugliese also asked for $30,000 to support the chamber's "Youth @ Work" program.  The program, primarily funded by Workforce Alliance, placed 37 Middletown teens in jobs last summer.  Last year the city originally provided $20,000 for the program. It then provided an additional $7000 to match the $27,000 in private funds the chamber was able to raise.  Pugliese said that "city support definitely sparks private donations."  He said that the chamber hopes to raise even more in private donations this year.  The committee unanimously approved a resolution to recommend that the Mayor propose the funding in his budget.

RIVERFRONT PLANNING
As previously requested, Warner provided the committee with a report detailing the history of the "South Cove"section of the riverfront.  The land will become available for development after the decommissioning of the current sewage treatment plant there.  Warner said there has been great interest in future of the land.  Bibisi suggested that members visit the Norwich Harbor area, a similar area which has been developed with a miles-long walkway.

LONG HILL ESTATE
Connecticut Underwriters, which rents space from the city at the Wadsworth Mansion, has a new lease.   Any rental leases for the Long Hill Estate property must be approved by the Common Council.  The committee unanimously voted to recommend the council approve the new lease.  Said Daley "You couldn't ask for a better tenant."

Food Improv a Success

 Middletown, CT – On Thursday, June 28, Oddfellows Playhouse hosted a fundraising event, Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meets the Culinary Arts, at the Wadsworth Mansion of Middletown.  The event brought together over 140 of Oddfellows’ friends, alumni, community leaders, and families to enjoy a variety of food and drink while helping to support a great organization.

Over the course of the evening, Oddfellows raised over $20,000, $15,000 of which will be going directly to support scholarships for students, the Children’s Circus of Middletown, the Neighborhood Troupes/Arts Explorers for at-risk youth program, and the Teen Repertory Company’s fall production of William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead: A True Account of the Zombie Plague of 1599.  Executive Director Matthew Pugliese said that he was “overwhelmed by the support and generosity of all those attended and donated to the Playhouse.”  Oddfellows Playhouse Food Improv Success

Middletown, CT – On Thursday, June 28, Oddfellows Playhouse hosted a fundraising event, Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meets the Culinary Arts, at the Wadsworth Mansion of Middletown.  The event brought together over 140 of Oddfellows’ friends, alumni, community leaders, and families to enjoy a variety of food and drink while helping to support a great organization.

Over the course of the evening, Oddfellows raised over $20,000, $15,000 of which will be going directly to support scholarships for students, the Children’s Circus of Middletown, the Neighborhood Troupes/Arts Explorers for at-risk youth program, and the Teen Repertory Company’s fall production of William Shakespeare's Land of the Dead: A True Account of the Zombie Plague of 1599.  Executive Director Matthew Pugliese said that he was “overwhelmed by the support and generosity of all those attended and donated to the Playhouse.”

The event showcased performances by two of Traveling Circus’ members, Jasmine Peck and Zachary Sayers and a singing solo by Teen Repertory member Jacquan Shockley.   An attendee of the event, Peter Abare-Brown, said that it was “great to be able to see the kids perform.  It really hits you when you see what they are accomplishing and how you can help them achieve that.”

For the event, twelve of the best chefs and restaurants from around the state will be making tasting style dishes for guests to try.  “Each of the restaurants made amazing dishes, using past Oddfellows’ productions as inspiration for their food”, says Co-Chair of the event Elizabeth Cipollina, “and we can’t thank them enough for their support.  From the Ubo Rex inspired sushi of Miya Sushi, to the Wizard of Oz styled cupcakes from A Little Imagination Cakes, we are grateful”

“Not only were all our restaurants and guests generous and supportive of us, but sponsors were as well, including Citizen’s Bank, Connecticut Rental Center, Centerplan Companies of Middletown, Done on the Run, VerTerra, Connecticut Beverage Mart, Cardinal International, and Restaurant Equipment Paradise ” says Co-Chair Mary Murphy.   “Being able to help an organization like Oddfellows, and all the work it does for this community and seeing all the people come out to support them at the event, it made me know how valuable they really are.”

Oddfellows programming is made possible through the generous support of the American Savings Foundation, the CDBG Scholarship Program, the CT Department of Economic and Community Development, the CT Department of Education, Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Daphne Seybolt Culpeper Memorial Fund, Elizabeth Carse Foundation, the Fund for Greater Hartford, the George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, the Irving Kohn Foundation, the J. Walton Bissell Foundation, Liberty Bank Foundation, Maximilian E. & Marion O. Hoffman Foundation, Middlesex United Way, the Middletown Commission on the Arts, Middletown Youth Service Bureau Afterschool Incentive Grant, Pratt & Whitney, Price Chopper Golub Foundation, the Stare Fund, Stop and Shop Foundation, Thomas J. Atkins Foundation, Triple Frog, LLC and WESU (88.1FM). 

 Media support is provided by Comcast and WESU 88.1FM.

Eat Your Art Out

Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meet the Culinary Arts 
To benefit Oddfellows Playhouse Youth Theater programs and financial aid.
Thursday June 28
6-9pm
Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate
Individual $75 & Couples $125
Tickets available at the door or online. 

A Tasting Style Event featuring 
Cold Stone Creamery of Middletown
Eli Cannon's Tap Room
Esca
A Little Imagination Cakes
It's Only Natural Restaurant
Klekolo World Coffee
Mattabasset Canoe Club
Miya Sushi
New England Emporium
NoRA Cupcakes
The Riverhouse at Goodspeed
Thomas Hooker Brewery
Tschudin

Special thanks to our Special Event Producer Sponsors Citizens Bank and CT Rental 

Eat Your Art Out

On Thursday, June 28, Oddfellows Playhouse will be hosting a fundraising event, Food Improv: Where the Performing Arts Meets the Culinary Arts, at the Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate in Middletown, CT. This event is to raise money for scholarships and program support for the Playhouse.

  

The inspiration of this event came from the similarities between the performing arts and the culinary arts.  Both forms of art teach fundamental life skills, such as learning how to work as a team, dedication, poise under pressure, responsibility, and especially how to improvise.  Theater and food teach us about other cultures and bring people together from a variety of backgrounds.  At Oddfellows Playhouse, these are the types of essential skills being taught every day.

For the event, fifteen of the best chefs and restaurants around the state will be making tasting style dishes for guests to try.  Restaurants that will be present at the event are: The Riverhouse at Goodspeed, Miya Sushi of New Haven, Amici Italian Grill, Typhoon, The New England Emporium, ESCA, Eli Cannon’s Tap Room, It’s Only Natural Restaurant, NoRA Cupcake Company, Tschudin Chocolates & Confections, A Little Imagination Cakes, Mattabesett Canoe Club, Cold Stone Creamery of Middletown, Blackbird, and Haveli.  In addition, beverages and alcohol will be supplied from Klekolo World Coffee and Thomas Hooker Brewery. 

“A fun twist to the event,” says Elizabeth Cipollina of Durham, Co-Chair of the event, “is that each chef has picked a play title from Oddfellows’ production history as inspiration for their dish.  We thought it would be a neat way of incorporating theater into the food, while giving each chef an added culinary challenge.  We are excited to see what they come up with.  How they improvise.”   There will be also be a performance by the Traveling Circus and a short set by a local improvisational group.

“Not only are we grateful to all the restaurants, but we’ve also had amazing support from our major sponsors, Citizens Bank, Connecticut Rental Center, Centerplan Companies of Middletown, Done on the Run, VerTerra, Cardinal International, and Restaurant Equipment Paradise ” says Mary Murphy, who also Co-Chairs the event.  She goes on to say that “Each of these organizations has generously donated to Food Improv and we can’t thank them enough for all they have done.

Tickets for the event are $75 for individuals and $125 for couples.  All proceeds from your ticket will go directly to benefiting Oddfellows Playhouse.  The event runs from 6 p.m.- 9pm.  There will also be a live auction.

If you have any questions about the event, wish to make a donation, or want to purchase tickets, you can contact do that online or via email by contacting Director of Development Courtney Antonioli at 860-347-6143 or email her at courtney@oddfellows.org.  

Spring at Wadsworth Atheneum

Wadsworth Atheneum Erupts into Bloom!

Museum Presents the 31^st Annual Fine Art & Flowers

HARTFORD, Conn., March 18, 2012 – Celebrate spring with the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art at the 31^st Annual Fine Art & Flowers, presented by the Women’s Committee, starting Thursday, April 26 through Sunday, April 29, 2012. Each year the committee invites area florists, garden clubs, floral arrangers and designers to create stunning floral interpretations and tributes inspired by masterworks from the museum’s collection. The resulting arrangements are both beautiful and clever, and lend a deeper understanding of the artist’s vision. In addition to the arrangements, Fine Art & Flowers will also feature a number of exciting events, tours and workshops suitable for art and horticulture enthusiasts alike.

On Thursday, April 26, practice the art of floral arranging with design instruction from the talented and entertaining floral designer Tony Palmieri AIFD, of Datura – A Modern Garden.

On Friday, April 27, Martha Stewart Living Editorial Director of Gardening, Stephen Orr, will conduct a garden talk in the Aetna Theater. Renowned author of Tomorrow’s Garden - Design and Inspiration for a New Age of Sustainable Gardening, Orr will offer tips and anecdotes, using stunning photographs and detailed case studies to help gardeners achieve their ecological best. With a focus on sustainability, he encourages gardeners to create gardens filled with traditional and exotic plants that are designed for both aesthetic and environmental appeal. A book signing will follow the luncheon. Orr has been published in the New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and appears regularly on the CBS Early Show, The Today Show and the PBS Series, Cultivate Life.

On Saturday, April 30, floral fashion will be featured in the Aetna Theater, showcasing one-of-a-kind spring couture designed exclusively for this event. A reception in the Museum Café will follow.

Other featured events include docent-led tours of the special exhibitions Andrew Wyeth: Looking Beyond andJames Welling: “Wyeth”, both on view March 24 – July 22, 2012, as well as a jazz brunch on Sunday, April 30^th, featuring live jazz in the Museum Café.

Admission is $13 adults; $11 seniors; $8 students with ID; $3 members. For ticket information for the Flower Arranging Workshop and the garden talk by Stephen Orr, please contact the below.

About the Women’s Committee

Created in 1950 to provide assistance to museum staff, the Women’s Committee is now an organization whose primary goal is to raise money while increasing community involvement, public awareness, and support for the museum.

The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art is located at 600 Main St., Hartford, Connecticut. The museum is open Wednesdays to Fridays, 11 am – 5 pm and Saturdays and Sundays, 10 am – 5 pm, and the first Thursday of every month 11 am – 8 pm. Please visit wadsworthatheneum.org for more information.

Contact:

Terry Gaudet

Women's Committee President

860.978.7688

Sarah A. Ferri

Communications Assistant

860.838.4081

sarah.ferri@wadsworthatheneum.org

Wadsworth Wedding Show

Bridal Show at The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate

Middletown, CT

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is hosting their annual Wedding Show on

Sunday, February 19, 2012. The Show will be open to the public from 11:00 a.m. until

4:00 p.m. The fee for guests will be $5.00 a person.

The Wedding Show has been designed to help brides plan their special day. There

will be vendors representing different services, each of whom have worked at Long

Hill and are familiar with designing unique weddings. There will be caterers, florists,

photographers, videographers, rental companies, wedding cake bakers, as well as vendors

who provide transportation and hotel accommodations in the area. A complete listing of

participants can be found at http://wadsworthmansion.com/html/2012weddingshow.pdf

Sunday, February 19, 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Ring 860 347-1064 for details.

Wadsworth Mansion Holiday Bazaar

Saturday December 3, 2011 10:00-3:00

The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate is hosting their annual Holiday Bazaar on Saturday December 3, 2011 from 10:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. at 421 Wadsworth Street, Middletown. Children are free and a $2.00 donation for adults would be appreciated but, not expected. Door donations will be dedicated to conservation projects at the Mansion.

Twenty six vendors who sell at the August Open Air Market will be selling their handmade products. Hometown Bakery, a perennial favorite, will be selling their cardamom and cinnamon breads. Artists for World Peace selling their one-of-a-kind hats. Silks by Lucia will be offering their hand painted marbleized silk scarves, shawls, and ties. Cold Goats Farm will be selling their angora yarns as well as handmade mittens and hats. Several jewelers will be tempting shoppers with silver, gold, crystals, and gemstones. The Middletown Garden Club will be selling Amaryllis plants and the Wadsworth Mansion will be offering a 24k gold plated ornament depicting the front elevation of the building. Additional offerings include handmade chocolates, homemade pastries, pottery, and clothing. If you are just looking for a lovely respite David Alan Catering will be serving lunch in the lounge. For a complete listing of vendors, visit www.wadsworthmansion.com

Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market and Festival

Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market and Festival OCTOBER 23RD 10:00-4:00 Join us on Sunday October 23, 2011 for our August market rescheduled. The Festival will be open to the public from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rain or shine, but not threat of hurricanes or tropical storms! The event is free. One can stroll from tent to tent purchasing the bounties of a fall harvest, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods. Local artisans, such as potters, weavers, 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 experience the tradition of shopping at an open-air market. The Wadsworth Mansion 421 Wadsworth Street Middletown, CT 06457 860-347-1064 wadsworthmansion.com

Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market And Festival This Sunday

From the Wadsworth Mansion
August 28, 2011 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
As sultry summer slides towards autumn, come celebrate the bounty of Connecticut. The Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth Street, is hosting its ninth annual Open Air Market and Festival on Sunday. The Free Festival will be open to the public from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. rain or shine. 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.

Stroll from tent to tent to admire and purchase fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods. Local artisans, such as potters, painters, and jewelers have been invited to sell their work.

Lounge on the lawn with lunch and listen to live music performed on the patio.

Enjoy a whole day, let the children enjoy the music and kids activities, experience the tradition of shopping at an open-air market, and discover the history and tradition of our magnificent Mansion.

Over eighty Connecticut vendors will be participating this year including: Cold Goats Farm, The Farmers Cow, Cato Corner Cheese, Joy Newton Designs, Hometown Bakery, Wendy Black Nasta Jewelry, and Rustica Ornamentals.

Children’s and musical entertainment will be featured throughout the day, sponsored by Middletown Commission on the Arts.

• 9:30 to 11:30 The Middletown Symphonic Band
• 11:45 to 1:45 The Sam Vinci Band with Joey Pass
• 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Full Gael.

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. Docents of the Friends of Long Hill Estate will lead tours throughout the day.

Convenient shuttle parking is available from Snow School, with additional parking at Mercy High School. A complete listing of performers and vendors is HERE

Kick off to Wadsworth Concert Series July 6/ Art Walk July 8

2 awesome on-going arts events kick off this week:

1. Arts Walk at Riverview Plaza:

Where: Amici Italian Grill, 280 Main St, Middletown, CT 06457

Date: July 8, 2011 / July 15, 2011 / July 22, 2011 / July 29, 2011 / August 5, 2011 / August 12, 2011 / August 19, 2011 / August 26, 2011 / September 2, 2011

Next on: Friday, July 8, 2011Middletown’s Upper Main Street Will Feature Live Artistic and Cultural Performances and Vendors Weekends Through Labor Day.

The Middletown Commission on the Arts announces an exciting new project in conjunction with the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Business District this summer.

Beginning July 8 and running through Labor Day, weekends will feature street performers, vendors, arts groups and arts organizations introducing themselves and their wares to passersby on Main Street at Riverview Plaza.

Fridays from 6-9 p.m., Saturdays from 1-9 p.m. and Sundays from 1-5 p.m. will feature dozens of performers, to start this off summer will be :

July 8-10, ARTFARM actors will enact Shakespeare in the Grove selections from “Shakespeare’s Argument”

July 16, Wesleyan University’s Center for the Arts will host acoustic musicians and the Center for Creative Youth will exhibit a student art show and demonstrate stage, vocal, instrumental and musical skills learned over five weeks of intensive summer study.

July 22-24, Oddfellows Playhouse teens will perform scenes from “Romeo and Juliet” and “Comedy of Errors” and Children’s Circus members will be juggling, doing acrobatics and stilting.

For information on how to become a vendor or exhibitor, contact the MCA office at (860) 344-6620, Ext. 201, or email lkgodburn@aol.com.

___________________________________________________________

2. Summer Concert Series Music at the Mansion

Where: Wadsworth Mansion at Long Hill Estate, 421 Wadsworth St, Middletown, CT 06457

Date: July 6, 2011 Time: 6:30pm

Opening the 2011 Series on July 6th will bePrelude playing music from the ‘80s to the present.Prelude covers all of the great songs, including classic pop and rock, funk, disco, swing, country and Motown. [www.prelude.com]

All of the concerts will begin at 6:30 p.m. The grounds will be open for picnicking at 5:30 p.m. free and open to all!
Information will be available on the Wadsworth Mansion website at www.wadsworthmansion.com or by calling (860) 347-1064. Did you know the Mansion has a blog ? http://wadsworthmansionct.blogspot.com/
Check out the blog for a full calendar of events