|
|
|
The Livin' Is Easy
|
Business New Haven
6/18/2001
By: Priscilla Searles
|
As the putative "Gateway To New England," Connecticut tries hard to make the Nutmeg State a destination for travelers and not just a pit stop while traveling north. And each town in Connecticut tries to come up with creative attractions to draw visitors and boost local economies.
New Haven launches its summertime schedule with the International Festival of Arts & Ideas, which runs June 14 to June 30. The eclectic assortment of entertainment includes theater, dance, opera, music of all types, street performers, exhibits and family programs. Started in 1996 as a way to bring attention to New Haven's cultural resources, the festival has grown to include world-class entertainment.
Among this year's highlights are the return of two festival favorites: the Royal Shakespeare Company, in co-production with Young Vic, performing Carlo Goldoni's 18th-century farce A Servant to Two Masters; and the Metropolitan Opera in a free concert performance of Puccini's Tosca on the New Haven Green. For a complete schedule of events call 888-ART-IDEA or check www.artidea.org.
Market New Haven has a diverse list of summer entertainments planned, including a five-concert series entitled Starry, Starry Saturday Nights. Activities, to take place on the New Haven Green, include a family film series on Fridays, live music each Saturday, a "Poet's Corner" on Sundays and concluding with a day-long book festival on September 15.
As an added incentive, event-goers will be treated to parking at the Temple Street garage on Saturday nights, thanks to an arrangement between the New Haven Parking Authority and the city. For a complete list of summer activities, contact Market New Haven at 203-782-4395.
The Milford Chamber of Commerce is once again offering its Summer Nights by Harbor Lights concert series. Concerts are scheduled for June 22, 29, July 6, 13, 20 and 28, beginning at 7 p.m. at the Rotary Pavilion at Fowler Field behind the library. The concerts are free. For particulars contact the chamber at 203-878-0681.
On August 18 the 27th annual Milford Oyster Festival will take place. The event, one of Milford's biggest drawing cards, will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout all of downtown Milford. Included are crafts, food, entertainment, an antique car show and exhibits. Admission is free. To learn more call 203-878-5363.
The Great Connecticut Jazz Fest will take place at the Guilford Fair Ground on July 27-29. Jazz bands from coast to coast will perform in an event dedicated to the preservation and proliferation of hot jazz, from Dixieland to swing. Ticket information can be obtained by calling 800-HOT-EVENT or visiting www.ctjazz.org.
The Coastal Fairfield County Convention & Visitors Bureau has published a comprehensive list of all activities in the coastal Fairfield County area through the end of August. Its publication, which offers attractions, events, festivals, hotels and bed-and-breakfast establishments, includes many discount coupons for major museums. For a copy of its summer events guide call 203-899-2799 or log on to www.coastalCT.com.
The Central Connecticut Tourism District also publishes a brochure listing summer activities. One of the more unusual events listed is the 17th annual Plainville Fire Company's Hot Air Balloon Festival which takes place August 24-26 at Norton Park and includes an arts and crafts show, firefighters' muster, classic car show and, of course, balloon flights. For a copy of the visitors guide, call 860-225-3901 visit www.centralct.org.
For those who pine all year for homegrown produce, summer is the season for farmers markets. One hundred fifty of Connnecticut's small family farms will offer fresh fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers at 62 farmers markets throughout a season that runs from early May through October. The state's Department of Agriculture publishes a brochure of Connecticut farm markets which includes locations, dates and times. For a copy of the brochure "Home Grown" contact theDepartment of Agriculture at 860-713-25503 or log on to www.state.ct.us/doag/.
|
Go FirstGo PreviousGo
NextGo LastGo
to Index
|
|
