Summer Happenings

by Kelly Kandra Hughes

Now that pandemic restrictions are easing and the number of people vaccinated is increasing, Norfolk residents are excited to get more out and about this summer. When asked what they’re most looking forward to this summer in Norfolk, members of the Norfolk Connecticut Past & Present Facebook group enthusiastically responded with a variety of answers, including WIN Weekend, Tobey Pond, the summer reading program with Miss Eileen at the library and the farmer’s market. 

Although this summer looks like it could soon be more like pre-pandemic times, there are also new plans for summer fun in the works. In addition to the usual enjoyable places and events, this summer’s line-up will include a town-wide collaboration to host Friday night events on the Village Green. The Botelle PTO will also host yard games, such as spikeball, corn hole and ladder toss every other Friday night on the Green, starting Friday, June 11, to coincide with the special programming.   

As Friday Night on the Green events are scheduled, they will be posted on the town website’s event calendar, (norfolkct.org/calendar/). Anyone who would like a weekly list of town events delivered to their inbox can sign up for the “This Week in Norfolk” newsletter at mailchi.mp/mail.norfolkct.org/events.

For those eager to plan their summer outings, here are some highlights of new events, as well as some of Norfolk’s annual favorites:

Tobey Pond – Town clerk Linda Perkins says Tobey Pond will be open when lifeguards are available. Tobey Pond vehicle stickers go on sale June 1 and are $70 per pass; $50 per pass for individuals over 65. For more information, please visit: https://norfolkct.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/Tobey-Info-Requirements.pdf. 

Sunday, June 6, 9 to 11:00 a.m. – Norfolk Land Trust: Connecticut Trails Day Walk. Meet at the Pine Mountain trailhead off Grantville Road. Shelley Harms, vice-president of the land trust, will lead the walk. Shelley, a member of the Norfolk Conservation Commission, will identify native plants along the old railroad bed, and as a long-time bird enthusiast, she will point out avians along the route. Rain or shine. 

Friday, June 11, 6:30 to 8 p.m. – Friday Night on the Green event with the Norfolk Library. To celebrate the start of their summer reading program, “Tales & Tails,” the library is hosting a pet parade. Register pets at www.norfolklibrary.org by June 9 or by calling 860-542-5075. More details about the summer reading program can be found on the library’s website. 

Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. – The first Norfolk Farmer’s Market of the season, featuring live music by Bill Benson. Town Hall Green, 19 Maple Ave. Every Saturday through Sept. 11. To view vendors, please visit: norfolkfarmersmarket.org/our-vendors. For the schedule of the live music, see: norfolkfarmersmarket.org/events. 

Friday, June 18, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Friday Night on the Green event with the Norfolk Land Trust. Certified Master Wildlife Conservationist Paul Colburn presents “Black Bears for Kids.” Intended for ages 10 years and under, this program focuses on the natural history of black bears in Connecticut, an overview of black bear habitat, diet, behavior, reproduction and current research efforts. It also provides practical recommendations for optimum coexistence with our black bear population. Black bear artifacts are shared with the audience. 

Friday, June 25, July 9, July 23 and Aug. 20, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Friday Night on the Green event TBD. Also, yard games with the Botelle PTO. 

Sundays, July 11 to Sept. 5, 8:30 to 9 a.m. – Norfolk Church of Christ Congregational (UCC) Outdoor Worship Experience at Haystack Mountain. Meet at the picnic tables by the lake for some summer soul refreshment. All are welcome. For more information, contact the church office at office@cofcucc.org. 

Friday, July 30 to Sunday, Aug. 1 – Weekend in Norfolk (WIN) Weekend. Hear world-class music, explore local trails, go bird watching, enjoy art and self-guided tours of historic houses. The list goes on for WIN Weekend activities: weekendinnorfolk.org.

Friday, August 6, 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. – Friday Night on the Green event with Botelle PTO. Children are invited to bring their best homegrown flowers, fruits and vegetables for a good, old fashioned garden contest. Awards will be given across different categories. More details to come.

Friday, Aug. 27 to Sunday, Aug. 29 – Norfolk Library Associates Book Sale. There will be no gala event to kick-off the sale; instead, Friday will be used to give customers additional time to browse and buy books. All materials will be outside, including the books of better value. For more information, contact the library at thenorfolklibrary@gmail.com.