The thirty fifth Have a good time! West Hartford returns on Saturday, June 11 and Sunday, June 12, and right here’s a information to what you want to know.

By Ronni Newton

Have a good time! West Hartford has been a not-to-be-missed occasion within the area since 1987, and has grown from a small city honest to what’s now a two-day pageant that features one thing for everybody.

Now in its thirty fifth 12 months, Have a good time! West Hartford will probably be held on Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to six p.m. and Sunday, June 12, from midday to six p.m.

When it started, Have a good time! was a one-day occasion, but it surely has now advanced into an award-winning pageant that in previous years has commonly attracted almost 40,000 individuals in the course of the course of its two-day run – city residents, individuals from all through Connecticut, and vacationers who come to West Hartford particularly to benefit from the nice meals, enjoyable, music, crafts, and displays of civic and group sources that the pageant has to supply.

“It’s thrilling to convey this beloved occasion again to life after its two-year shutdown. They are saying that ‘We’ve got all of it in West Hartford.’ Nowhere is that extra evident than at Have a good time! the place you will see that energetic nonprofits which improve our group; hardworking companies providing excellent services and products; and group leaders devoted to preserving and bettering our pure sources,” Occasion Director Linda Geisler mentioned.

“We’re pleased to indicate off what makes West Hartford such an exquisite place to dwell, work, play and go to. This pageant is a enjoyable means for households to kick off the summer time collectively whereas buying, consuming, dancing, driving rides, and visiting with neighbors and pals,” Geisler added.

Annually the occasion has one thing new and completely different, so even if in case you have attended prior to now, you’re assured to search out one thing to spark your curiosity.

“I’m so excited to be chairing the Have a good time! West Hartford Committee, and to be bringing again the city’s signature pageant that we’ve missed the previous two years,” mentioned Joan Karas.

“On behalf of the City of West Hartford, and after two years of COVID-related shutdowns, I’m delighted to welcome everybody again to city for the thirty fifth annual Have a good time! West Hartford,” Mayor Shari Cantor mentioned. “This signature occasion attracts individuals from all around the area to our city to benefit from the pageant and whereas they’re right here, to expertise first-hand the dynamics that make West Hartford an award-winning place to dwell. Come and have a good time,” she mentioned.

Have a good time! West Hartford is open to the general public and is held rain or shine. There is no such thing as a admission cost and ample parking is out there. Extra data may be discovered at www.celebratewesthartford.com.

Right here’s what you possibly can anticipate finding at this 12 months’s Have a good time! West Hartford.

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Juried Arts & Crafts Present

Have a good time! West Hartford has developed a nationwide status, and grasp artists and crafters come to Have a good time! West Hartford from all around the nation.

This 12 months’s present will function the unique works of greater than 150 grasp artists and crafters from all around the nation, providing customers a various number of high quality jewellery, pottery, woodwork, sculpture, textiles, glasswork, artwork, attire, and extra that may be bought straight from their creators.

“The humanities and crafts present has turn into one of many high showcases in New England for the exhibition and sale of extremely authentic arts and crafts created each by regional artisans and people who journey nice distances to take part, mentioned Arts and Crafts Present Director Barbara Belmont.

The combo of exhibitors this 12 months contains “an exquisite mixture of exhibitors who’ve been with us a few years and have developed a powerful following, and an ideal group of recent exhibitors who’re bringing with them fascinating and various works,” Belmont mentioned.

The Arts and Crafts present will probably be open on Saturday from 10 a.m. to six p.m. and Sunday from midday to six p.m. Admission is free.

A listing of distributors has been printed on the Celebrate! West Hartford website, and packages itemizing the artists and crafters, their works, and their places will probably be out there at Data Sales space No. 1 on South Predominant Road.

This system brochure can be included as a PDF beneath.

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Meals

Energy don’t rely at festivals.

Even in the event you don’t begin out hungry, the smells coming from the 20-plus meals distributors at Have a good time! West Hartford will get your style buds excited. A collection of yummy dishes vary from pageant favorites like Grandpa’s Kettle Korn, to wholesome choices, to a wide range of desserts and different candy treats.

Rotary Membership will probably be again grilling scorching canines and hamburgers, as will another standbys like J’s Crab Shack and Harry’s Bishops Nook.

West Hartford’s Candy Chili will return with their scrumptious Rooster Terryaki and different dishes, and native favorites Hartford Baking Firm and the Toasted meals truck may even be on website.

Come for lunch, keep for dinner. There are greater than 100 menu selections within the meals court docket, in addition to meals like smooth serve ice cream and fried dough out there inside the carnival space!

Distributors embody:

  • Banh Meee – Pork Banh Mi; Beef Banh Mi; Pork Eggrolls; Veggie Banh Mi; Noodle Veggie Bowl; Pork Nuggets; Chips; Flavored Lime-aid
  • Ben & Jerry’s – Ice Cream-Dairy & Non-Dairy; Yogurt; Sorbet; Cups & Cones; Toppings
  • Chompers – Fried Two-Chunk Balls: Bacon Cheeseburger, Rooster Parm, Taco
  • Cukoo’s Hawaiian Shave Ice
  • Flavors – Caribbean Platter; BBQ or Jerk Rooster or Pork; Spanish Rice; Fried Candy Plaintains; Guava or Mango Juice; Deep Fried Desserts
  • Futures Inc. – Iced Tea Lemonade; Packaged Choc. Drizzle Popcorn
  • Good Ole Boys Lemonade – Recent Squeezed Drinks: Lemonade, Limeade, Strawberry & Cherry
  • Grandpa’s Kettle Korn – Kettle Korn
  • Better Hartford Host Lions Membership – French Fries
  • Harry’s Bishops Nook – Pizza Slices; Gluten Free Slice; Drinks
  • Hartford Baking Firm – Pretzels, Pastries, Scorching & Iced Espresso
  • J’s Crab Shack – Lobster Roll-Scorching/Chilly, Fried Clam Strip/Entire Stomach; Lobster Tater Tots, Mini Crab Cake w/ Bourbon Sauce
  • Maui Wowi – Recent Fruit Smoothies; Scorching & Iced Espresso Drinks; Pulled Pork/Rooster Luau Wraps
  • Prime Concessions – Sausage & Cheese Steak, Greek Gyro, Rooster Fingers, Corn Canines
  • Rotary Membership of West Hartford – Scorching Canines, Hamburgers, Chips
  • Candy Chili – Grilled Rooster Teriyaki; Vegetable Fried Rice; Vegetable Lo mein; Smoothie Bubble Tea; Sticky rice with Mango
  • Toasted – Toasted sandwiches
  • Vinci’s Concessions – Fried Dough, Soda, Water
  • World’s Greatest Sundae, Inc. – Delicate Ice Cream Cones & Cups; Cappuccino; Floats
  • Yosi Kosher Catering – Falafel, Hummus, Pita, Spring Rolls

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Carnival Rides and Video games – plus some enjoyable freebies

Perhaps this half ought to have come earlier than the part about meals, however for a lot of younger and young-at-heart, the carnival rides are the most effective a part of Have a good time West Hartford.

The Have a good time Amusement Park contains rides that vary from the tame (the ever-popular kiddie automobiles and swirling tubs) to rides that spin and tilt and whirl for the thrill-seekers and daredevils. The standard ferris wheel gives riders of all ages with an ideal vista of the Better Hartford space.

Bank cards will probably be accepted for buy of experience tickets.

Younger kids will benefit from the petting zoo – the place they will go to African Pygmy/Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Jacob 4/2 Horned Sheep, child doll sheep, alpacas, and llamas – a few of which have appeared in performs, reveals, and films.

And talking of goats, the Yard Goats crew mascots – Chompers and Chew Chew – may even be at Have a good time! West Hartford on the Yard Goats sales space for picture ops.

Blue Again Sq. retailers will probably be offering samples and demonstrations, and different native companies could have giveaways akin to frisbees, water bottles, t-shirts, and goodie baggage. There will probably be raffles for some main prizes (hearth pit, Echo dot) a martial arts board-breaking demonstrations, mini guitar classes, and extra.

People of all ages can benefit from the probability to strive for a hole-in-one at West Hartford’s personal 9-hole mini golf course. Every gap of the course replicates a well known landmark such because the West Hartford City Corridor, the First Church Congregational, Noah Webster Home, the Westmoor Park Barn, and a West Hartford hearth truck.

Autism Households CONNECTicut will probably be again this 12 months with a Sensory Pleasant Zone for these on the autism spectrum, or anybody needing a sensory-friendly surroundings or break from the hustle and bustle of the occasion. Clinicians and volunteers will probably be there to counsel a wide range of sensory actions which can be the cornerstones of their packages, together with an space for motion, calming, tactile, and focus.

Many are targeted on residing a wholesome way of life – which incorporates bicycling, and people who select to cycle to Have a good time! West Hartford can discover safe bicycle parking on Burr Road courtesy of Bike West Hartford. There will probably be no payment, however donations will probably be welcomed. For extra data on Bike West Hartford, go to www.bikewesthartford.org.

Because of the West Hartford Firefighters Affiliation who will probably be again offering first assist for anybody needing medical care. If emergency help is required, ask a employees particular person at any of the three Data Cubicles to summon assist.

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Nonprofit and Enterprise Exhibitors

Dozens of nonprofits and different companies have reserved tent house at Have a good time! West Hartford as soon as once more this 12 months. Guests to the occasion can cease by the cubicles to study extra in regards to the organizations.

There are many free actions on the nonprofit and sponsor cubicles as properly, starting from coloring pages and puzzles, raffles, martial arts challenges, video games to win prizes, and a great deal of giveaways.

The cubicles are an ideal car for golf equipment and different native organizations to have interaction the group and supply schooling in regards to the wide selection of companies out there.

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Publish 96, which is commemorating its one hundredth anniversary this 12 months, is likely one of the organizations that may have a sales space on the occasion.

Free COVID-19 vaccines may even be out there from Griffin Well being via the Connecticut Division of Public Well being throughout the complete Have a good time! West Hartford occasion. First and second doses, in addition to boosters – together with second boosters – will probably be administered to all who’re eligible.

“The occasion is a superb car for group engagement. Individuals take pleasure in studying in regards to the wide selection of companies out there to them via non-profit or enterprise exhibitors,” mentioned Geisler. “On the identical time, they reconnect with pals from throughout city.”

The places of all of the actions will probably be posted on the web site and within the Have a good time! West Hartford program that will probably be out there on the Data Cubicles each days of the pageant and is connected as a PDF beneath.

Music

Music is a vital a part of Have a good time! West Hartford, and the principle stage will function a wide range of leisure all through the two-day pageant.

On Saturday, the present cell stage will function a wide range of ensembles from West Hartford’s faculties, starting at 10:30 a.m. and lasting via 6 p.m. Sunday’s performers embody a number of skilled teams providing all kinds of musical kinds.

The schedule of musical performances (at press time) options

Saturday, June 11

  • 10:30-11:30 a.m. Northwest Catholic Jazz Band & Jazz Singers
  • 11:40 a.m.-noon King Philip Center Faculty Jazz Band
  • 12:35-1:20 p.m. Bristow Center Faculty Huge Band
  • 1:30-2:25 p.m. Sedgwick Center Faculty Jazz Band
  • 2:35-3:05 p.m. Conard Excessive Faculty Be S#arp
  • 3:15-4:30 p.m. Conard Excessive Faculty Jazz Ensemble & Live performance Jazz Band
  • 4:40-6 p.m. Corridor Excessive Faculty Jazz Band II and Live performance Jazz Band

Sunday, June 12

  • Midday-1:30 p.m. Faculty of Rock West Hartford Home Band
  • 2:30-4 p.m. Latanya Farrell
  • 4:05 p.m. Sustainable CT Certification Award Presentation to Mayor Cantor
  • 4:30-6 p.m. Orquesta Afinke

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Street Races

The Have a good time! Committee has modified the title of this aspect of the pageant from “Street Races” to “FUNd RUNS” to emphasise the charitable nature of the working occasions. This variation initially happened due to COVID after we couldn’t maintain the runs in particular person, however many individuals nonetheless needed a chance to return collectively as a group to assist our neighbors in want by taking part in a wholesome exercise collectively however aside.

In 2020 and 2021 we held digital FUNd RUNS the place individuals might log their mileage and time.

The custom of the working occasions for a few years has been {that a} portion of the proceeds are donated to the Leisure Providers Scholarship Fund. This fund helps kids from low-income households pay for camps in the course of the summer time and college holidays the place they will study to swim and interact in different life-enhancing packages.

In the course of the pandemic, the digital occasions additionally supported The City That Cares which gives for households in occasions of disaster.

The children’ run, which had been known as the Children’ Enjoyable Run, is now the Children’ Ok – and it’s a non-timed, non-competitive run.

Research proceed to search out that hitting the highway improves your well being and well-being, and rain or shine, and greater than 1,000 runners are anticipated to take part within the Have a good time! West Hartford 5K Street Race – one of the crucial fashionable aggressive races within the space – scheduled for Sunday, June 12. Begin time for the 5K is 9 a.m. The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all skills, ages 6 and up.

Earlier than the 5K, the non-competitive Children’ Ok for kids 10 and below will happen on Sunday at 8 a.m. The course is 1.75 loops round Blue Again Sq. beginning on Raymond Street. Medals will probably be awarded to all finishers.

There are 10 aggressive age divisions for each women and men within the 5K. Prizes valued at $30, $25, and $20 will probably be awarded to the primary, second, and third place finishers respectively in every division. Any 5K registrant can enter a random drawing with a wide range of prizes together with a $150 reward card to Restore Hyper Wellness and tickets to the Yard Goats and Hartford Athletic.

Registration may even be out there together with packet pick-up at Fleet Ft Sports activities, 1003 Farmington Ave., West Hartford, on Friday, June 10, from 3-6 p.m. and Saturday, June 11, from 9 a.m.-noon.

Race-day registration and packet pick-up can be out there, from 7:30-8:30 a.m. within the Competition Eating Tent that will probably be situated within the City Corridor Parking zone at 50 South Predominant St. Runners are inspired to reach with loads of time, and free race-day parking is out there in Isham Storage, 17 Isham Rd. A post-race reception and awards ceremony may even happen within the Competition Eating Tent.

More information about the FUNd RUNS, including the link to online registration, can be found here and on the Have a good time! West Hartford web site.

Proceeds from the race will profit West Hartford’s Leisure Providers Scholarship Fund, which subsidizes summer time camp tuition, swimming classes, and different year-round leisure packages for kids in want.

Have a good time West Hartford 5K. June 10, 2018. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto (we-ha.com file picture)

Inexperienced West Hartford

The City of West Hartford and Have a good time! West Hartford proceed to advertise sustainability in addition to recycling event-wide. Refuse and recycling barrels can be found in pairs all through the occasion to make recycling a straightforward alternative. Blue barrels clearly recognized as recycling receptacles can be utilized for all single stream recycling gadgets along with the typically-recycled bottles and cans. West Hartford continues to be a frontrunner in recycling in Connecticut.

This 12 months Pure Dividends is partnering with the Division of Public Works’ West Hartford Recycles to assist make Have a good time! West Hartford extra sustainable. Additionally it is a part of an effort for the City of West Hartford to earn the Sustainable CT certification.

Pure Dividends will probably be working with meals distributors to scale back trash by via a wide range of incentives, together with encouraging use of recyclable serving containers. They may even promote correct waste and recycling disposal by staffing waste assortment areas and offering schooling in particular person and thru signage.

In addition, the City’s Clean Energy Commission could have a sales space to advertise the HeatSmart West Hartford marketing campaign – a year-long outreach program that assists residents in accessing the vitality effectivity packages and incentives out there via Energize CT.

Energize CT’s Energy in Action will current its interactive cell exhibit, a 30-foot trailer loaded with instructional hands-on experiments and guided excursions to show kids about the advantages of turning into an energy-efficient society.

A number of different organizations are working to offer a “cleaner West Hartford,” together with the West Hartford Land Belief, Associates of West Hartford Parks, Bike West Hartford and the Blue Again Farmer’s Market.

thirty third Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 1-2, 2019. Photograph credit score: Hunter Marotto

CERT

West Hartford’s Group Emergency Response Workforce (CERT) has offered much-needed volunteer help at COVID-19 vaccination clinics, N95 masks distributions, and on the Park Street Parade, and can fill necessary roles at Have a good time! West Hartford as properly.

“The mission of the CERT crew is to assist our native first responders, different city departments and residents throughout emergencies and city extensive occasions,” mentioned Bob McCue, the city’s former assistant police chief who’s now the deputy director of West Hartford’s Workplace of Emergency Administration (led by Fireplace Chief Greg Priest) and leads CERT’s efforts.  “Up to now the crew has logged over 1,700 service hours towards that aim. The core rules of the crew are easy: everybody can put together, everybody may help and everyone seems to be welcome,” McCue mentioned.

For extra data on CERT, go to [email protected].

Basic Data, together with Parking, Visitors, and Pets

Have a good time! West Hartford joined Fb in 2014, and key data in addition to enjoyable images will probably be posted each prematurely and all through the Have a good time weekend on the Fb web page (@celebratewesthartford). Have a good time! West Hartford can be on Twitter with the deal with @CelebrateWH and on Instagram (@celebrateweha). Use the hashtag #CelebrateWH along with your tweets and images to maintain up with the most recent information and data from the thirty fifth anniversary of the occasion.

Have a good time! West Hartford is open to the general public and is held rain or shine. There is no such thing as a admission cost and ample free parking is out there on neighborhood streets and within the Isham Storage (17 Isham Rd.).

Handicapped parking will probably be out there on Burr Road, and will probably be monitored by employees.

As a result of giant variety of individuals anticipated to attend Have a good time! West Hartford, occasion organizers are encouraging through-traffic to keep away from the middle of city. Individuals coming to the occasion are requested to contemplate strolling, biking (free bike park on Burr Road), utilizing the bus, or carpooling are urged.

Burr Road will probably be closed to vehicular site visitors on each Saturday and Sunday. On Sunday, Raymond Street will probably be closed between 7:45 a.m. and 9:45 a.m. for the FUNd RUNS

One closing be aware about your four-legged pals: Though we love canines of all shapes, colours, and sizes in West Hartford, organizers of Have a good time ask that you just please depart them at residence.

“Public occasions are robust on canines: the new asphalt (which might trigger scalded paws); the hordes of individuals towering above them; the a number of of smells from the meals court docket, the music and shrieks of enjoyment from the kids having fun with the rides, all mix to type an anxiety-producing, sensory overload in your canine,” West Hartford Animal Management suggested.

thirty second Annual Have a good time West Hartford. June 9-10, 2018. Photograph credit score: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file picture)

PeoplesBank is first presenting sponsor

PeoplesBank, which lately opened a department at 102 LaSalle Street in West Hartford, announced last fall that they would donate $10,000 to Celebrate! West Hartford, because the occasion’s first presenting companion.

“We’ve got discovered the city, the companies and the residents of West Hartford to be so welcoming to us, and we’re pleased to assist a enjoyable, free occasion for everybody to take pleasure in,” Matthew Bannister, SVP of Company Duty for PeoplesBank, mentioned in a press release. “The truth that proceeds assist to fund necessary native causes makes this an excellent higher match for us.”

Have a good time! West Hartford director Linda Geisler (far proper) with presenting sponsor PeoplesBank representatives together with (from left) Assistant Supervisor Kris Lueke, Regional Supervisor Roma Odedra, Banking Middle Operations Specialist Kevin Hernandez, Banking Middle Specialist Karmeliz Camacho, and Mortgage Mortgage Officer Eric Coutinho. Photograph credit score: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file picture)

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