Music and Dance

Meadowbrook

, 9 Shepard Rd. in Norfolk invites their neighbors to NORFOLK APPRECIATION NIGHT on Friday, August 16 at 6 p.m. Enjoy a free concert with Jerry Carillo and his band plus an ice cream social on the lawn. Free admission; bring folding chairs or blankets for seating.

Torrington Recreation

presents CANNONBALL EXPRESS performing traditional country music on Friday, August 16 from 7-9 p.m., rain or shine at the Coe Park Civic Center, Litchfield St. in Torrington. Free and open to the public; bring chairs, blankets, etc. to sit on the grass in the park.

Pioneer Valley Pickers and Grinners

host an ACOUSTIC MUSIC PICKING PARTY on Friday, August 16 from 7-9 p.m. in the Teen Center at Christ Lutheran Church, 568 College Highway (Route 10) in Southwick, MA. Musicians playing stringed acoustic instruments who are interested in traditional American music are welcome. Folks just wanting to listen or sing along are also welcome; there is no admission fee, and refreshments are available. No smoking and no alcohol, please. For more info call Kirk Creswell at 413-569-3637.

The Guthrie Center

, 4 Van Deusenville Rd. in Great Barrington presents BOBBY SWEET on Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The Guthrie Center is housed in the Old Trinity Church made famous in "Alice’s Restaurant"; sandwiches, ice cream and drinks will be available. Please bring at least one canned good or non-perishable food item to donate; for more info call 413-528-1955, or visit <www.guthriecenter.org>.

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

at the Yale Summer School of Music, Routes 44 & 272 in Norfolk presents OLD & NEW featuring fellows of the Summer School of Music performing with their faculty coaches on Friday, August 16 at 8 p.m. Program features Gabrielli's antiphonal brass music; Plog's Animal Ditties (poems of Ogden Nash); and Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 (an unconducted presentation led by members of the Tokyo String Quartet). Tickets are $10-$40 adults, $5 young adults (ages 18-25), kids free; for more info call 860-542-3000.

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

at the Yale Summer School of Music, Routes 44 & 272 in Norfolk presents a YOUNG ARTIST RECITAL on Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 a.m. Fellows of the Yale Summer School of Music perform in an informal setting designed to introduce families and young people to the arts. Admission is by donation; for more info call 860-542-3000.

Hartford Community Dance

sponsors a SUMMER DANCE FEST on Saturday, August 17 from 7:15-11:45 p.m. at the West Hartford Town Hall Ballroom, 50 South Main St. in West Hartford. A variety of dances will be offered, including contras with Larry Unger, zydeco with Slippery Sneakers, and swing with DJ Michael Lamy. Admission is $10, members free; for more info call 860-649-0482.

The Guthrie Center

, 4 Van Deusenville Rd. in Great Barrington presents GARNET ROGERS with Rick Robbins opening on Saturday, August 17 at 8 p.m.; doors open at 7 p.m. The Guthrie Center is housed in the Old Trinity Church made famous in "Alice’s Restaurant"; sandwiches, ice cream and drinks will be available. Please bring at least one canned good or non-perishable food item to donate; for more info call 413-528-1955, or visit <www.guthriecenter.org>.

Artwell

, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents COMMON THREAD MUSIC AND POETRY on Saturday, August 17 at 8 p.m. Returning for an evening of erotic poetry and song, the poets reading will include Cheryl Della Pelle, Sandra Bishop Ebner, Julia Bolus, Davyne Verstandig, Nick Jacobs and Alan Delarm. The drumming rap of Ameen Storm will quicken the heartbeats. A surprise musical guest will complete this stimulating and seductive event. Common Thread is always a night of spontaneity, revelation and sharing in our humanity. Suggested donation is $6; for more info call 860-482-5122.

Norfolk Chamber Music Festival

at the Yale Summer School of Music, Routes 44 & 272 in Norfolk presents the TOKYO STRING QUARTET with pianist Joan Panetti on Saturday, August 17 at 8 p.m. Program includes Haydn's String Quartet in F minor, Op. 20 No. 5; Tower's "In Memory"; and Brahms' Piano Quartet in F minor, Op. 34. Tickets are $10-$40 adults, $5 young adults (ages 18-25), kids free; for more info call 860-542-3000.

Pioneer Valley Pickers and Grinners

host an OLE FASHION PICKING PARTY during the Westfield Fair on Sunday, August 18 at noon on the lawn of the Westfield Fairgrounds. The public is invited to join with or without an instrument; this is an informal, family-friendly event. The picking party will be followed by a bluegrass performance by the Resurrection Airmen Band and the Stockwell Brothers until 8 p.m. For more info call Kirk Creswell at 413-569-3637.

Litchfield County Barbershop Chorus

(Norwestones) hold a WEEKLY REHEARSAL on Thursday, August 22 at 7:30 p.m. in the school rooms at the Litchfield Congregational Church. The Chorus, which has been in Litchfield County for 36 years, is looking for men who like to sing; college students are welcome. Come and join us on any Thursday and get hooked on the sound of four-part harmony. For more info call Al at 860-482-5413.

 

Drama and Comedy

Winsted Summer Theater Festival

presents Thornton Wilder’s "OUR TOWN" on Thursday through Saturday, August 15-17 at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, August 18 at 4 p.m. at the Gilbert School Library, 200 Williams Ave. in Winsted. A Pulitzer Prize winning play, "Our Town" addresses the simple and presumably ordinary events that give life its grandeur and meaning. The community is invited to this free performance, which is the first full-length production the group has mounted.

Tri-Arts

at the Sharon Playhouse, Routes 4 & 343 in Sharon presents Rodgers and Hammerstein's "STATE FAIR" through August 18, with performances on Thursdays and Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 3 p.m. and 8 p.m., and Sundays at 5 p.m. In honor of the 100th birthday of Richard Rodgers, composer of many of America's most beloved musicals, enjoy a quintessential all-American musical. The colorful setting, Academy Award-winning score and warm-hearted, family atmosphere will appeal to all ages. Arrive one hour before curtain and partake of the pre-show activities, including food, games, special events and a "Blue Boy the pig" art contest. For more info call 860-364-7469.

Greenwoods Theatre

, Route 44 in Norfolk presents "WAIT UNTIL DARK" through August 18, with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. A blind girl outwits three villains in a terrifying mystery. Tickets are $20 and $25; for reservations call 860-542-0026.

Riverton Theatre Festival

presents William Shakespeare’s "THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR" on Friday through Sunday, August 16-18 at 7 p.m. Set in the 1950s with an eclectic selection of music, this classic comedy will be performed "under the tent" along the Farmington River in scenic Riverton; tickets are $10. The Saturday show will be preceded by a light buffet dinner on the same grounds for an additional charge of $10 (advance reservations required for the buffet). On Saturday only, there will be a variety of family arts events in Riverton, most of which are free, including a presentation of "The Three Wishes" and "The Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing" by the Spring Valley Puppet Theater (recommended for ages 5 and up, suggested donation $1); puppeteer Susan Strand, Jinguls the Clown and Lucy Lou balloon show and face painting; and poetry readings by Tracy Cameron. Tickets may be reserved by calling 860-738-0377; for more info and directions, visit <www.rivertontheatre.org>.

Cojones Company

presents a youth production of Samuel Beckett’s "WAITING FOR GODOT" on Sunday, August 18 at 3 p.m.; and Monday through Wednesday, August 19-21 at 7 p.m. at Berkshire South Community Center, Crissey Rd. (off Route 7) in Great Barrington. Nadia Lippman is the founder of the company and the director of this production; the cast includes Fionn McCabe, Reilly Hadden, Greer Sanderson, Max Bambary and Tolan Aman. Proceeds from its premier show will help this nonprofit group have a fruitful future serving Berkshire County. For more info or reservations, call Nadia Lippman at 413-528-4948.

Barrington Stage Company

at the Consolati Performing Arts Center, Berkshire School Rd. in Sheffield presents "FALSETTOS" through August 24 with performances on Tuesday through Sunday. "Falsettos" is a wildly witty and heart-rending story about a highly unconventional family: Dad has run off with his boyfriend, Mom's married Dad's psychiatrist, and the whole fractured, fractious conglomerate family is about to convene for "their" only son's bar mitzvah. "Falsettos" is a musical comedy that takes a serious look at loss, love and the value of family in our changing, uncertain world. For more info call 413-528-8888, or visit <www.barringtonstage.org>.

Greenwoods Theatre

, Route 44 in Norfolk presents "THE LIVING SECTION" from August 20 through September 1, with performances on Tuesday through Saturday at 8 p.m., and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Geoff and Gabriella find love on the Lower East Side in this madcap musical. Tickets are $20 and $25; for reservations call 860-542-0026.

Shakespeare & Company

, 70 Kemble St. in Lenox presents "HENRY V" in the Founders' Theatre through September 1. "Henry V" opens with a war-sobered Hal at last sitting on his father's ill-gotten throne, while a traitorous fiend and a venal Church conspire to send Henry and England on a war of acquisition in France. Tickets are $10-45, with student, senior and group rates available; for more info call 413-637-3353.

 

Art Exhibits

Paris-New York-Kent Gallery

, Kent Square Station in Kent presents paintings by French artist HERVE GUILLEUX through August 25. Guilleux, who is in his 30s, calls himself an "autodidacte." His technique is unique—he uses black and white oil paint mixed with the oil from his car. Gallery hours are Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-927-4152.

Living Traditions Gallery

, Old Avon Village, 31 East Main St. (Route 44) in Avon presents an exhibit of works by photographer CHERYL CHAMBERS and potter/ ceramist LISA ZACCHEO through August 29. Gallery hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; for more info call 860-677-8012.

Artwell

, 19 Water St. in Torrington presents its 6th annual OPEN JURIED EXHIBITION through September 8. Artists from northwestern Connecticut and beyond will be exhibiting paintings, drawings, sculpture, photographs, prints and mixed media artwork. Douglas Hyland, director of the New Britain Museum of American Art, juried the exhibition. For more info call 860-482-5122, or 860-482-2045.

Potter & Slack Fine Art

, Route 202 in Marbledale presents "SNOW IN AUGUST: Winter Scenes to Cool Your Senses" through September 22. Works by more than a dozen artists celebrate the beauties of winter: the Maine seaside under snow, woodland streams and wilder terrain, the long shadows and subtle light of meadows and forests, domestic scenes with barns and farmhouses. Cold drinks will be served throughout the run of the exhibition. Gallery hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; for more info call 860-868-3245 or 860-927-3684.

Chesterwood National Trust for Historic Preservation

, 4 Williamsville Rd. (off Route 183) in Stockbridge presents CONTEMPORARY SCULPTURE AT CHESTERWOOD daily from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through October 14. Thirty-four works by thirty-three different sculptors have been chosen to participate in this juried exhibition. The sculptures have been fabricated in varying contemporary media and style. Admission is $10 adults, $5 children; for more info call 413-298-3579.

Holcomb Farm Learning Centers

in West Granby invites ENTRIES for its 9th September Art Show which opens on September 12. The purpose of the show is to provide a public venue for the visual arts and to recognize regional talent. This year's judge is artist John Atwater, a member of the CT Watercolor Society, the American Watercolor Society and the American Society of Marine Artists; a cash prize of $250 will be presented to the first place winner, with additional cash prizes and gift certificates also awarded. For more info call 860-844-8616.

 

Lectures and Presentations

The Mount

presents "THE SHAPING OF SPACE AND THE MAKING OF PLACE: Landscape Design From Pre-History to The Present" with Elizabeth Barlow Rogers on Saturday, August 17 at 10 a.m. at Town Hall, 65 Walker St. in Lenox. Landscape planner and historian Elizabeth Barlow Rodgers was the first Central Park Administrator and founder of the Central Park Conservancy. A book signing and refreshments follow the lecture. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations recommended; for more info call 413-637-1899.

Bidwell House Museum

, Art School Rd. in Monterey presents an exhibit of HISTORIC QUILTS from its collection in conjunction with a quilting demonstration by Mary Kate Jordon on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Mary Kate is a Massachusetts-certified art teacher and a member of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America. Built circa 1750, the Bidwell House is set amidst 196 acres of gardens and hiking trails, and contains an extensive collection of 18th and 19th century furnishings; for more info call 413-528-6888.

Gunn Historical Museum

, 5 Wykeham Rd. in Washington presents an ANTIQUE QUILT CRITIQUE on Saturday, August 17 from 2-4 p.m. As part of this summer's exhibition of quilts entitled "Dreams Beneath Design," guest curator Sue Reich offers a critique and review of antique quilts brought in by individual owners. Cost is a $5 donation to the museum; for more info call 860-868-7756.

Stone Museum

, Greenwoods Rd. (off East River Rd. in Peoples State Forest) in Pleasant Valley presents AS THE WHEEL TURNS, a slide-illustrated talk by Walt Landgraf on Saturday, August 17 at 8 p.m. This program will tell the story of the water resources, power, and early mills along the upper Farmington River. For more info call 860-379-9074, or 860-379-6118; or visit <www.stonemuseum.org>.

The Mount

presents ABIGAIL ADAMS AND THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION with Lynne Withey on Monday, August 19 at 4 p.m. at Seven Hills Inn, 40 Plunkett St. in Lenox. Lynne Withey's biography of Abigail Adams, "Dearest Friend," was recently reissued; her other works include a history of pleasure travel and a biography of James Cook. A book signing and afternoon tea follow the lecture. Tickets are $16 in advance, $18 at the door. Reservations recommended; for more info call 413-637-1899.

Beardsley & Memorial Library

, 40 Munro Place in Winsted hosts a BASEBALL AND THE AMERICAN VISION book discussion on "Shoeless Joe" by W.P. Kinsella on Wednesday, August 21 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. Baseball historian and poet Michael J. Bielawa will be the discussion leader. Free and open to the public; to register call 860-379-6043.

Congregation Knesset Israel

, 16 Colt Rd. in Pittsfield presents POLLUTION IN A PROMISED LAND on Wednesday, August 21 at 7:30 p.m. Alon Tal, founder of the Arava Institute for Environmental Studies, will discuss the history of environmentalism in Israel, and the priorities and strategies he believes environmental advocates must address beyond traditional green agendas. Tal holds a doctorate in environmental health policy and a master’s in environmental science and policy, both from the Harvard University of Public Health. He also holds a law degree with emphasis on criminal and international law from Hebrew University. Free and open to the public; for more info call 413-499-5970.

Simsbury Public Library

, Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury continues its MYSTERY DISCUSSION GROUP SERIES on Mondays, September 9, October 21, November 18 and December 9 from noon-1:30 p.m. in the Program Room. Writer and mystery aficionado Carole Shmurak will lead the discussions on "The Soft Side of Sleuthing, Part 2." The contemporary female detective is no longer a loner though she may still be a single woman. These women are judges, lawyers, housekeepers and college professors—and they have daughters, nieces and nephews, mothers and fathers and lots of brothers, all of whom complicate their lives. Books to be discussed include "Bootlegger’s Daughter" by Margaret Maron, "The Northbury Papers" by Joanne Dobson, "Blanche Cleans Up" by Barbara Neely, and "Heading Uptown" by Marissa Piesman. To register for the program, call the Adult Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.

Simsbury Public Library

, Hopmeadow St. (Route 10) in Simsbury begins its MOTHER-DAUGHTER BOOK GROUPS on Monday, September 9 from 7-8:30 p.m. for girls in grades 5-6; and on Monday, September 23 for girls in grades 7-8. To register call the Adult Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.

 

Classes and Workshops

Artwell Gallery

, 19 Water St. in Torrington offers an art history class on CUBISM on Monday, August 19 from 1-4 p.m. Teens and adults are welcome; for more info call 860-482-5122.

Artwell Gallery

, 19 Water St. in Torrington offers a CREATIVE SCRAPBOOKING class on Wednesday through Friday, August 21-23 from 6-8 p.m. Teens and adults are welcome; for more info call 860-482-5122.

Simsbury Public Library

, 725 Hopmeadow St. in Simsbury offers a special program for ADULT LEARNERS AND STUDENTS on Tuesday, August 27 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. in the Program Room. This program will benefit adult students enrolled in part-time or full-time undergraduate or graduate courses, as well as adult learners enrolled in courses for enrichment and enjoyment. Students will learn how to maximize their visit to the library. They’ll also learn how to conduct research from their home by using powerful reference tools that can be accessed from their home computer. The program, which is designed to help students save energy and time, is free and open to the public; to reserve your place, call the Reference Desk at 860-658-7663.

Farmington Valley Arts Center

, 25 Arts Center Lane in Avon offers its FALL CATALOG of art classes for adults and children. Fall class highlights include Inner Arts courses for adults, combining arts and personal discovery; Learn Photography in a Weekend; Mixed Media Collage; and Acting Arts for ages 6-17. For a free copy of the catalog, call 860-678-1867, ext 101.

 

Outdoors

Social Connections

sponsors a SINGLES SUMMER BEACH PARTY on Saturday, August 17 at 2 p.m. at at Sound View in Old Lyme. About 55 singles attended the last beach party. You can visit, hang out, or just walk on the beach. For the picnic, bring food to share. Admission is $15; for reservations call Gail in Bristol at 860-582-8229, or in Old Lyme at 860-434-6426.

White Memorial Conservation Center

, off Route 202 in Litchfield presents THINGS THAT GO BUMP IN THE NIGHT on Saturday, August 17; meet in front of the museum at 6:30 p.m. Explore the world of nocturnal animals with Dave Rosgen. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-567-0857.

Colebrook Land Conservancy

sponsors a HISTORY AND NATURE WALK on Sunday, August 18 (rain date is August 25) at 1 p.m. The walk through the woods will follow old town roads that once connected the center of Colebrook to mills on Sandy Brook. Led by Colebrook Municipal Historian and Land Conservancy trustee Robert Grigg, the walk will include stops at old mill sites and other historic spots. Meet at the bridge where Schoolhouse Rd. turns into Mt. Pisgah Rd. Parts of the walk are of moderate difficulty, and at the end the group will cross Sandy Brook. Wear suitable walking shoes and plan on spending about two hours; suitable for children over age 10. No pets. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-379-1679.

Farmington River Watershed Association

offers "Exploring the River’s Plant Community," a CANOE TRIP on Saturday, August 24; participants will meet at the Pinchot sycamore tree in Simsbury at 9 a.m. Trip leader Bill Moorhead, botanist for the Farmington Valley Biodiversity Project, will share information about the many plant species that line the river bank and the many resources they provide, and will explain what can be done to ensure that they are protected and conserved. This trip is not recommended for young children. Cost is $10-$30, depending on the need for a canoe and FRWA membership status; space is limited. For more info call Regina Mahony at 860-658-4442, or visit <www.frwa.org>.

 

Sports

The Gilbert School

in Winsted holds VOLLEYBALL TRYOUTS on Saturday, August 24 at 9 a.m. in the gym. All parents are required to be in attendance for a brief meeting in order for their child to participate.

CT Grand Prix Tennis Circuit

returns to Forman School in Litchfield on Saturday and Sunday, August 31-September 1. The LITCHFIELD TENNIS CLASSIC tournament will feature such categories as Men’s Open Singles, Women’s Open Singles, Men’s Intermediate Singles, Men’s 45 and over Singles, Men’s Open Doubles, Women’s Open Doubles, Men’s Intermediate Doubles and Mixed Doubles. Entry fee is $30 for singles and $50 per team for doubles; entry deadline is August 29. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Tennis Against Breast Cancer; for more info call Todd Nicholson at 203-263-0740, or visit <www.ctgrandprixtennis.com>.

Colebrook Lions Club

holds the COLEBROOK CHALLENGE 5-MILE ROAD RACE on Saturday, September 7 at 10 a.m.; registration starts at 8:30 a.m. at the Colebrook Congregational Church on Route 183 in Colebrook Center. This is a U.S.A.T.F. sanctioned course on rolling country roads. Entry fee is $10, with $2 discount if registered before September 1; T-shirts will be sold at the race for $7. For more info call Cinde at 860-738-7395.

Wheels for the World

holds its 2nd annual GOLF TOURNAMENT on Wednesday, September 18 at Fairview Farm Golf Course, Route 222 in Harwinton. Registration begins at 10:30 a.m., with shotgun tee-off for the 18-hole best ball scramble at 12:30 p.m. Entry fee of $125 includes lunch, dinner, prizes, raffle and awards; there will be four hole-in-one prizes, including a 2002 Chevy Cavalier. Proceeds benefit the work of restoring used wheelchairs and making them available to people in developing nations. Registration is requested by early September; for more info call Dick Dill at 203-755-0197, or Peter Doiron at 203-266-5974.

 

Kids

Beardsley and Memorial Library

, 40 Munro Place in Winsted presents "A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN," Elia Kazan’s 1945 double Academy Award winner (128 min.), on Friday, August 16 at 1:30 p.m. Free and open to the public; for more info call 860-379-6043.

Licia & Mason Beekley Community Library

, Central Ave. in New Hartford presents JUST DESSERTS, a puppet and mask performance by Marilyn O’Connor Miller on Friday, August 16 at 4 p.m. Marilyn O’Connor Miller is a multi-media storyteller with a style and presentation all her own. Performing with both puppets and masks, she moves through her stories with elegant minimalism, sometimes using mime and music. The stories, including "Chen Ping and His Magic Axe" from China, "The Tongue-Cut Sparrow" from Japan and "Zio Lupo" from Italy, explore love and kindness toward animals, greed for material things, and gluttony. In each one, unlike in life itself, the main character is rewarded accordingly in a deserving manner. Appropriate for all ages. Sponsored by the New Hartford Woman’s Club, this program is free and open to the public; for more info call 860-379-7235.

Wal-Mart

hosts the 2nd annual KIDS FAIR to benefit CT Children’s Medical Center on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. at the Wal-Mart Plaza in Torrington. There will be games, balloons, coupons and prizes; remote-controlled car races; free kid’s I.D.’s; a cake walk; and free popcorn compliments of the Radio Grill. Darren the DARE lion and McGruff the CrimeStopper dog will be there, and Ronald McDonald will make an appearance from 1-3 p.m. Great prizes donated by local businesses will be raffled off; and hot dogs, chips and soda will be available for only $2.

People’s Acorns to Oaks Network

offers a free FRIENDSHIP STORY HOUR program for area families with children in grades preK-1 on Tuesday, August 20 from 7-8:30 p.m. in the Community Hall at the Congregational Church in Sharon. A special juggling performance by Tyson Mitchell and activities led by Catherine Paton will be featured. People’s Acorns to Oaks Network is a volunteer community-building effort; for more info call Catherine Paton at 860-364-2277.

Kent Memorial Library

, 32 North Main St. in Kent presents Walt Disney’s "THE EMPEROR’S NEW GROOVE" on Wednesday, August 21 at 3 p.m. All children are invited for a movie and a snack in the comfort of the Children’s Room; for more info call 860-927-3761.

Oliver Wolcott Library

, 160 South St. in Litchfield holds a COCONUT BEACH LUAU to close its summer reading program on Thursday, August 22. Children of all ages should come in colorful "tropical" clothing and the library will provide the leis! The event, presented by Creative Hearts Center, LLC, will feature beach music, games, limbo and hula dancing, and special effect bubbles. Attendance is limited and pre-registration is requested; for more info call 860-567-8030.

 

Festivals and Sales

Winsted Fire Department

holds its CARNIVAL through Saturday, August 17 at the Gaylord Tiffany Playground in Winsted. Rides, midway and other concessions open at 6:30 p.m. each evening; there will also be a matinee geared specifically towards the children on Saturday from 1-4 p.m. The big fireworks show is slated for Friday at 9:30 p.m. The "Grand" Firemen’s Parade steps off at 6 p.m. on Saturday from the West End of town and follows Main Street past Town Hall, where review and judging takes place, before turning right on "Old Route 8" and proceeding to the carnival grounds. At 10 p.m. on Saturday the raffle will be drawn, followed by presentation of parade trophies. For more info call WFD Headquarters at 860-379-5155.

Canton Volunteer Fire Company

holds its 22nd annual LOBSTERFEST on Friday through Sunday, August 16-18 at Canton Springs Rd. in Canton. Dinner includes clam chowder, lobster, corn and beverage for $14; other foods will also be available from the food booth and dessert room. Entertainment and dancing are free. Dinners will be served from 6-10 p.m. on Friday, which features the 7th annual Cruise Night car show sponsored by Berkshire Automotive; the Nifty Fifties Band will play live. On Saturday, dinners will be served from noon-10 p.m. with live music by Eleventh Section and Diamondback. Saturday also features the first annual Poker Run and Bike Night to benefit Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang and Breast Cancer Research of CT; for more info call 860-693-4830. Dinners will be served from noon on Sunday until sold out; live music by Flipper Dave starts at 1 p.m. The event will be held rain or shine; eating will be under cover. For more info call 860-693-8120.

St. John’s Church

, Route 44 in Pine Meadow sponsors a FARMER’S MARKET AND TAG SALE on Saturday, August 17 from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., rain or shine. Featured will be tag sale items, garden produce, plants, fresh flowers and delicious baked goods. All proceeds will benefit the church’s community outreach.

St. Bridget Church

, Routes 4 & 7 in Cornwall Bridge holds its annual TAG SALE on Saturday, August 17 from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Featured will be attic treasures, baked goods, clothes, a farmer’s market, and dealers offering a variety of goods. Refreshments will be available throughout the day. Dealer space is available for $25; for more info call Sandi at 860-672-6716.

World Peace Sanctuary

, off Route 22 south of Amenia hosts the 12th annual WORLD PEACE FESTIVAL on Saturday, August 17 from noon-6 p.m. Thousands of peace-loving people of all ages will journey to the Peace Sanctuary for a day of "Igniting the Spirit of World Peace." There will be live music, activities for children, crafts, food, magic, and a Native American teepee village. The heart of the day is the inspiring World Peace Prayer Ceremony during which, on a field ringed with flags of all the United Nations, a non-sectarian prayer for peace will go out to every country of the world. This year's festival will have a special focus: the September 11th Memorial Peace Pole; this extraordinary 12-foot aluminum pole, with the message "May Peace Prevail on Earth" in 12 languages honoring those who died at the World Trade Center, will be given to Mayor Michael Bloomberg of New York City, accompanied by prayers for peace from people all over the world. Festival-goers will have the opportunity to place their prayers directly inside the Peace Pole, which will be blessed by all. Admission is free, parking $10 per car; no pets please. For more info call 800-PEACELINE.

St. George Greek Orthodox Church

, 73 Bradford St. in Pittsfield holds its 9th annual GRECIAN FESTIVAL on Saturday, August 17 from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday, August 18 from noon-7 p.m. The festival will feature Greek food, pastries, American Grille (dine in or take out), Greek dancing, live music by the Bouzouki Brothers, cash raffle, air bounce, and church tours. Imported Greek jewelry, clothing, groceries and music will be for sale. For more info call 413-442-8113.

Litchfield Hills Historical Automobile Club

sponsors its 27th annual AUTO SHOW AND SWAP MEET on Sunday, August 18 (rain or shine) at the Goshen Fairgrounds, Route 63 in Goshen. The flea market runs from 8 a.m.-3 p.m., with the car show starting at 10 a.m. Admission for show cars is $5, spectators $3, children (under 6) free; for more info call Jon Stolicny at 860-482-4500 weekdays.

Victory Grange

, Riverton Rd. in Colebrook sponsors its 22nd annual AGRICULTURAL FAIR on Sunday, August 18 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Traditional exhibits of flowers, vegetables, baked goods and handwork will be on display along with specialized floral shadow boxes and theme niches. There will be a free door prize and gift drawings on specialty items for a nominal donation. Hamburgers, hot dogs and drinks will be sold throughout the day; a large book and bake sale will also be featured. Anyone may enter exhibits (you need not be a Grange member); monetary prizes and ribbons will be awarded. Admission and parking are free; to obtain a premium book or for general info, call 860-379-3451.

Litchfield County Association for Retarded Citizens, Inc.

holds a benefit TAG AND BAKE SALE on Friday and Saturday, September 6-7 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., rain or shine at 66 East Albert St. in Torrington. All proceeds will be used to support the Day Service Option Program at LARC. Donations for the tag sale will be accepted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m. at LARC, 66 East Albert St. in Torrington; for more info call 860-489-2140, ext 11.

 

Trips

Goshen Recreation

offers a day trip to see "BREAKING THE HABIT" on Tuesday, September 10. Travel to the La Renaissance Dinner Theater in East Windsor for a delicious luncheon and the comedy "Breaking the Habit," which is a bit like "Nunsense." Cost of $55 includes coach, lunch, show and driver's gratuity; non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.

Foothills Adult and Continuing Education

offers a trip to MEADOWLANDS FLEA MARKET on Saturday, September 28; bus leaves the Education Connection on Route 63 in Litchfield at 7 a.m. and returns at 6 p.m. Do your shopping where there are bargains galore—over 800 vendors will be selling antiques, kitchen items, sporting goods, jewelry, luggage, collectibles, ladies designer clothes, and fabulous food. Cost is $25; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.

Foothills Adult and Continuing Education

offers a FALL FOLIAGE ON THE RAILS trip on Wednesday, October 2; bus leaves the Education Connection on Route 63 in Litchfield at 7:30 a.m. and returns at 8 p.m. Board the Green Mountain Flyer for a delightful 2-hour round-trip ride along the Connecticut and Williams Rivers, between Bellows Falls and Chester Depot, VT. Relax and experience a narrated journey into Vermont’s rich history and scenic splendor on a fully restored vintage passenger train. Then enjoy a classic New England feast at the charming Putney Inn, the epitome of fine Vermont country dining. Cost is $66; to register call 800-300-4781, or 860-567-0863.

Goshen Recreation

offers a day trip to Vermont, complete with a train excursion aboard the GREEN MOUNTAIN FLYER on Wednesday, October 9. On the way to Bellows Falls, stop in Putney for a shopping visit at Basketville and a bountiful Vermont feast at the Putney Inn. After lunch, it's all aboard the Green Mountain Flyer for a two-hour excursion. On the way home there's a brief stop at Allen Brothers farm and orchard, where fresh bakery items and produce are offered for sale. Cost of $63 includes coach, lunch, show and driver's gratuity; non-residents are welcome to participate. For more info call Dale Ives at 860-491-2249.

 

And More

CT Green Party

holds a fundraiser on Friday, August 16 at 7 p.m. at the Gathering Place, 100 Allyn St. (at the intersection of Ann St.) in Hartford. Human rights activist MEDEA BENJAMIN will speak, and folksinger Judy Gorman will perform. Medea Benjamin is founding director of Global Exchange, a nonprofit organization whose criticism of global trade policies has created "fair trade" alternatives beneficial to both producer and consumer. She has worked as an economist in developing countries for the UN and the WHO, has spearheaded anti-sweatshop movements, was the Green Party's U.S. Senatorial candidate from California in 2000, and facilitated a meeting between American and Afghan families who lost loved ones because of and since September 11. Judy Gorman plays blues- and jazz-rooted original songs with rich vocals and evocative, often political lyrics; she has shared stages with Arlo Guthrie, Sweet Honey in the Rock, Paul Winter, Laura Nyro and Richie Havens, and appeared in the feature film "In Our Hands." Suggested donation is $15.

Litchfield Parks and Recreation

sponsors its SENIOR PICNIC on Friday, August 23 at 11:30 a.m. at the Litchfield Community Field. This will be a fun day with a cookout, music, games and entertainment by the Jerry Carillo Band. Tickets are $5; for reservations call the Rec office at 860-567-7569, or you may purchase tickets at Murphy's Pharmacy or the Litchfield Community Center.