CONNECTICUT, USA — It's a four-day "Weekend Happenings" this week, as celebrations for the Fourth of July will lead to more events this weekend!
If you want to experience American history this Fourth of July, head to Stamford for the 5th Annual Reading of the Declaration of Independence! The Stamford Historical Society will again recreate the city's atmosphere in 1776 by proclaiming the words of the Declaration from the steps of Stamford's oldest dwelling, the Hoyt-Barnum House! Admission is free, and the event runs from 10 a.m. to noon. Learn more here.
"Be Revolutionary," this July Fourth at the Leffingwell House Museum in Norwich! from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.! The day begins with the raising of the 13-star Betsy Ross flag, followed by a reading of the Intolerable Acts of 1774. Brown's Company of Artillery will set off cannon fireworks at noon. The Declaration of Independence will be read, and participants can add their signatures and even enlist in the militia with Col. Leffingwell! It's a day of history of revolution and independence. Learn more here.
Step to the beat of the Fourth of July with Willimantic's annual Boom Box Parade! Anyone can march or enter a float in "Connecticut's unique people's parade." The only requirement? Wear some red, white, and blue and bring a radio tuned to WILI (1400-AM). There is no "official" theme for the parade. American flags are encouraged! Formation for the Boom Box Parade begins at Jillson Square on Main Street around 9 a.m., with a step-off at 11 a.m. Admission is free! Learn more about the parade here.
It's a parade on the water for the Fourth of July at the Connecticut River Museum! The museum's Independence Day Boat Parade will feature a dazzling spectacle of boat displays and cannon fire while younger attendees can participate in crafts and other activities. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at the Connecticut River Museum in Essex. Learn more about the event here.
It's a Stars, Stripes, & Slices Independence Day Celebration in East Haddam on Friday! This is a ticketed event. Make sure to bring your appetite since Jerry's Pizza Truck, out of Middletown, will be serving delicious oven-fresh pizza! Adults can also purchase a hard cider ice cream float! Start up a game of cornhole, stretch out in the grassy field, or cozy up by the fire pit and enjoy the afternoon! The event runs from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Learn more here.
Celebrate America with Hartford Symphony Orchestra's Talcott Mountain Music Festival on Friday! The orchestra will present its annual "Celebrate America!" concern led by esteemed music director Carolyn Kuan. This patriotic extravaganza is accompanied by a spectacular fireworks display following the concert. The rain date will be Saturday, July 6. The concert will be held at the Simsbury Meadows Performing Arts Center, with the games opening at 6 p.m. and the show beginning at 7:30 p.m. Learn more about the concert here.
Head to Norwalk on Saturday for the 8th Annual NICE Festival, the city's leading multicultural program. The program features dancers, musicians, and art vendors from multiple traditions and customs and celebrates the diverse lifestyle that mirrors Norwalk's rich global heritage. The event runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Learn more here.
Celebrate the arts at the Niantic Lions Annual Arts & Crafts Show and Food Truck Court! This festival will be held on Saturday and Sunday in the Niantic section of East Lyme. The show is where some of New England's finest artists and crafters display their creations of juried fine arts and crafts, as well as feature a food court featuring a variety of food trucks serving up delectable summer delights! The event runs from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Learn more about the event here.
Lime Rock Park in Lakeville will be hosting its annual firework show and celebration on Saturday. Starting at 6 p.m., spend the evening at the race track enjoying live music, food tricks, activities, and a fireworks show at 9:15 p.m. Walk-ins are $5, cars are $20 and buses are $50 to get in. More information here.
And, of course, there's the Hartford Bonanza! This event has been moved to Sunday, July 7. This is a FREE Independence Day celebration that features Hartford-centric entertainment, art, culture, food, and fireworks! This festival will take place at Bushnell Park on Sunday. It's a culmination of what makes the city great and is a celebration of the community. It will feature four live performances, over 30 local vendors, over a dozen food trucks, two beer gardens, and a cross-section of community partners. Hartford Bonanza kicks off at 4 p.m. and will have its fireworks show at 10 p.m. Learn more here.
These aren't the only events happening this weekend. For more ideas, head to CT Visit.
See you next weekend, and have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend!
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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com.
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