Come one, come all to the New Fairfield Town Fair on Saturday, September 18, noon to 6:00 p.m. The New Fairfield Parks & Recreation Department has pulled out all the stops to create a free, entertaining event for people of all ages and they are hoping for a large number of attendees. Grab your family and friends (and your masks—they’re required at this event) and enjoy live music, delicious foods, entertainment for children, an art walk…you name it, fun will abound in every corner.
Kids will surely enjoy engaging live Animal Embassy shows from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. and 3:30 to 4:45 p.m. Plus, plan for a fascinating performance of a Fairy Circus Show by the Tanglewood Marionettes at 2:00 p.m. There will be fire trucks, boats, and lots of other equipment on view for children to take a closer peek at, plus local Boy and Girl Scout troops will be on hand to entertain kiddos with games and more. First Selectman Ms. Pat Del Monaco said, “After cancelling New Fairfield Fair Day last year due to COVID, I am looking forward to seeing the community gather in the center of Town for this fun, family event. There will be something for everybody, so come and enjoy!”
Over 50 businesses will be accessible in multiple rows (similar to a flea market), with some booths selling goods that range from jewelry and soap to beach towels and cosmetics, plus lots of informational booths on local businesses and town boards or committees. The Candlewood League of Artists will have pieces on display and for sale. And the New Fairfield Animal Shelter plans to charm residents by bringing puppies to meet.
Throughout the day live music by The Choir Boys, who will play multiple sets of easy-listening favorites and classic rock n’ roll covers from the 60s to today, will fill the air. As will the appetizing aromas of nearby local food offerings including a host of snacks, mains, and desserts by Candlewood Creamery, New Fairfield Food Center, Moonlight Mobile Kitchen, Litchfield Distillery, and White Feather Bakery. In addition to offering food, ICONS will be hosting a special, cordoned off beer and wine garden with seating.
A short walk on a new path to the grassy area just beyond Memorial Field will lead you through additional children’s activities, and then move on to the Veteran’s Memorial—which will be hosting the Farmers’ Market at the same time as the event. Head further up the sidewalk and you’ll find an art walk at the Senior Center, where lovely pieces will be on view indoors, with some for sale.
The Parks & Recreation Department has been working on this event since May with extensive planning needed for vendors and other booths. A self-sustaining town department, Parks & Recreation is not part of the tax structure of the town and all money raised from programs goes back into the running of the department. Free events, such as outdoor movies and concerts, the annual boat and light parade, and Town Fair Day, are funded by programming. The Parks & Recreation Department greatly thanks this year’s Town Fair sponsors: The Nicholas DiTullio Foundation, LUKS Realty,
NF Democratic Town Committee, and Reilly Biasetti Real Estate LLC.
Parks & Recreation employees work closely with the town’s Public Works Department in creating successful events. “Public Works is really our boots on the ground,” said Program Coordinator Ms. Jane Stagno “we couldn’t do it without them.” Among the town officials whose input has been valued is New Fairfield’s Director of Health Mr. Tim Simpkins, who has also been very involved in the planning for events, especially during the pandemic. Local firemen and police are also involved in these events to help with traffic flow.
Selectman Ms. Khris Hall noted that, if anyone is interested in getting vaccinated, “We have made arrangements for the Vaccination Van to be set up in the parking lot behind Town Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. to be close to all the New Fairfield Town Fair Day activities.”
A rain date is set for Sunday, September 19, with the same timing. NF Parks & Recreation Director Ms. Linda Lull is hoping for great weather and can’t wait to see the community come out and have a wonderful time at this event.
By Sarah Opdahl