Yes, it’s hot but remember those snowstorms and the cherished thoughts of summer and weekend fun?
It’s time.
Fun this week begins Thursday at 5:30 p.m. when Community Connections hosts its annual “Summer Social-Party in the Park” at Bushnell Park. The evening party includes tours of the park arch, carousel rides, music, food and drinks. Information: leadershipgh.org
Then head over to Real Art Ways for the “Bottoms Up” cocktail event featuring author Tim Federle.
The event, sponsored by RAW and The Mark Twain House & Museum, features the fun guy whose new book “Tequila Mockingbird, Cocktails With A Literary Twist,” celebrates literary classics and classic cocktails. The evening includes a showing of the documentary ”Hey Bartender” followed by some of the book’s best cocktails and a book signing with Federle.
Tickets are $15 for RAW and MTH&M members, and $20 for the general public.
On Thursday, you can also head over to the Aqua Turf in Plantsville for the Calvanese Foundation’s Fifth Annual “Beer & Wine Tasting Festival” from 5:30 to 9;30
More than 60 vendors of beer and wine will be featured at the event which benefits foundation charities. Tickets are $30 at the door.
On Friday, treat yourself and go over to Simsbury’s Talcott Mountain for “Sinatra Under the Stars,” a tribute to the greatest hits of Frank Sinatra, featuring the Hartford Symphony Orchestra and vocalist/trumpeter Rob Zappulla and his Big Band beginning at 7:30 p.m. The show is part of the HSO summer music festival series. Pack a picnic, grab a couple of chairs and a blanket and feel free to make a night of it. The gate opens at 6 p.m. The HSO Education Tent there, open from 6 to 7:15 p.m. offers family friendly activities such as music-themed games and crafts, the “Instrument Zoo,” and youth performances. In the case of severe weather, this concert will be performed on Saturday, July 13 at the same time. Single tickets range in price from $20-$45; and lawn tickets for kids 12 and under are $5. Information: 860-244-2999 or www.hartfordsymphony.org.
Who doesn’t like a carnival and fireworks and a parade in the middle of summer? Tunxis Hose Co. #1 in the Unionville section of Farmington will deliver all three this weekend. The carnival opens Thursday and continues through Saturday, with fireworks planned for Friday night and the parade on Saturday. For more information go to tunxishose.com
On Sunday, the annual GE 5K Road Race, benefiting the Petit Family Foundation will be held in Plainville. Registration begins at 7 a.,m. with adult races and walks beginning at 9 a.m. There are also kid walks, activities and a formal program. Information: petitroadrace.com
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