By Sarah Opdahl

Summer is upon us and the New Fairfield Parks and Recreation department has planned a host of ways to celebrate the season. Head to the Town Beach for a day of sandy, watery fun, spend a delightful evening at a concert at Memorial Field, sign up a child for an cool educational activity, or cheer on the Illuminated Boat Parade, there are a multitude of options for summer fun.

 As it is every summer, the Town Beach is just the ticket on a hot summer day—open daily from 11:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m., Wednesday 11:00 a.m. -8:00 p.m. weather permitting. On Fridays, now through July 25,, the beach be will open at 2:00-6:00 p.m., as it is in use by the summer camp earlier in the day. Kayak rentals are available at the Town Beach House. A single is $10 per hour and a double is $15 per hour—ages 18 and up.

 There are several educational and sports camps and activities available for children through the Parks & Recreation page at Newfairfield.org. Sign up for the FLASH Track mini camp, which will be filled with energetic activities and an introduction to track & field skills; an intriguing forensic science camp; or any of a multitude of sports clinic camps.

 Join a happy crowd on Memorial Field for the band “On the Road Again” performing this Thursday, June 25th, and on July 23rd the band “Cross Purpose”. At the Town Beach nod your head along to the sounds of O.N.L. on July 10th and Split Decision, the local teacher-filled band who rock a range of classic hits or on Thursday, August 6.

 The 7th-annual Illuminated Boat Parade will launch on Friday, July 10—with a rain date of Saturday, July 11. New this year, the Bantam Ski Club will perform a combination of synchronized group athletic acts in front of the Town Beach at 7pm and the Illuminated Boat Parade starting at 8pm. The O.N.L. band will perform throughout the night. Gate entry begins at 5:30. Carpooling is highly recommended for this event. Dozens of decorated boats will line up at Candlewood Isle’s Beach and Clubhouse. The parade route then starts at the Candlewood Isle Beach and will proceed past the New Fairfield Town Beach, Knollcrest Shores, Chatterton Marina, Squantz Pond State launch, and end at Spear Point. Members of the public are welcome to view the parade from the Town Beach.