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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T173000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260918T210000
DTSTAMP:20260921T030607Z
CREATED:20260914T013818Z
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UID:10007599-1789752600-1789765200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Raise a Pint to the Revolution Recreates the Night Westerly Chose the American Cause
DESCRIPTION:Raise a Pint to the Revolution will take Westerly back exactly 250 years on Friday\, September 18\, recreating a pivotal 1776 town meeting before shifting the celebration to Grey Sail Brewing for period music\, beer\, ale\, rum\, and a decidedly less serious round of Colonists-versus-Redcoats games. \nThis isn’t a generic Revolutionary War reenactment scheduled to coincide with America’s 250th anniversary. \nThe date is the point. \nOn September 18\, 1776\, Westerly men gathered and signed a declaration pledging allegiance to the newly independent American states. Contemporary town history records that 50 men enlisted in the Revolutionary forces after signing what was known as the Declaration or Test Act. \nOn September 18\, 2026\, Westerly will hold the meeting again. \nThe Evening Begins With the Meeting\, Not the Beer\nOrganizers are dividing the event into two parts: The Meeting and The Celebration. \nThe first is a period reenactment of the actual town event that took place 250 years earlier. \nActors portraying figures from Revolutionary-era Westerly will recreate the gathering and the decision facing local residents in 1776. \nVisitors won’t necessarily remain spectators. \nThe event invites modern-day “colonists” to sign their own allegiance to America before heading back for a pint. \nThe reenactment gives Raise a Pint to the Revolution something many semiquincentennial events can’t claim. \nWesterly isn’t simply commemorating something that happened somewhere in America during the Revolution. \nIt’s reenacting something that happened in Westerly\, on the same calendar date\, a quarter of a millennium later. \nWesterly Had Already Been Choosing Sides\nThe September 1776 gathering didn’t come out of nowhere. \nWesterly’s break with British policy had been developing for years. \nThe town’s own historical record notes that on February 2\, 1774\, local freemen met and adopted resolutions condemning oppressive measures imposed by Great Britain\, particularly the tax on tea. \nWesterly’s 1919 history even characterized the episode as the town’s own “tea party.” \nBy then\, resistance to British authority was spreading throughout Rhode Island. \nAnd Westerly had a particularly important connection to the emerging national movement through one of the most prominent political figures in colonial Rhode Island. \nSamuel Ward Took Westerly to the Continental Congress\nSamuel Ward was born in Newport but became closely identified with Westerly after settling there. \nHe served as governor of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations and became an outspoken opponent of British taxation. \nIn 1774\, Rhode Island sent Ward and Stephen Hopkins to Philadelphia as delegates to the First Continental Congress. \nWard continued serving in the Continental Congress as the colonies moved toward independence. \nHe died in Philadelphia on March 25\, 1776\, only a few months before the Declaration of Independence was adopted. \nBut his family remained deeply connected to the war. \nHis son\, Samuel Ward Jr.\, served in the Continental Army\, becoming a captain in 1775 and major in 1776. He later served as an aide-de-camp to General George Washington and eventually became a lieutenant colonel. \nFor Westerly residents gathering in September 1776\, the Revolution wasn’t distant news arriving from Philadelphia. \nPeople from their own community were already part of it. \nSeptember 18\, 1776 Was a Dangerous Time to Pick a Side\nIt’s easy to look backward from 2026 and imagine American independence as inevitable. \nIt wasn’t. \nWhen Westerly’s men gathered on September 18\, the Declaration of Independence was barely two months old. \nAnd militarily\, things weren’t going particularly well. \nBritish forces had inflicted a major defeat on Washington’s army in the Battle of Long Island in late August. American forces withdrew from New York City in September\, and the British occupied the city. \nJust two days before Westerly’s meeting\, American and British troops had fought at Harlem Heights. \nWashington was still reporting on that engagement to the Continental Congress on September 18. \nSo the men gathering in Westerly weren’t signing onto a revolution whose outcome they knew. \nThey were choosing allegiance while the new nation was fighting for survival. \nThat makes the date considerably more interesting than simply saying Westerly supported independence. \nThey were committing themselves while the result was very much undecided. \nFifty Men Signed and Enlisted\nWesterly’s historical record describes what followed succinctly. \nOn September 18\, 1776\, 50 men enlisted in the Revolutionary forces after signing the Declaration or Test Act. \nThat was a significant commitment for a small colonial town. \nBy 1777\, Westerly’s population stood at only 1\,812 people. \nBy 1781\, the town had enrolled four companies of militia in addition to its quota serving in Continental battalions. \nA history prepared for Westerly’s 250th anniversary in 1919 estimated that the combined military commitment ultimately absorbed about one-fifth of the town’s population. \nThe Revolution was not an abstract political debate here. \nIt took people out of homes\, farms and businesses and put them into military service. \nRaise a Pint to the Revolution is built around the moment that commitment became formal. \nThen Comes the Party\nOnce Westerly has reenacted its revolutionary pledge\, the evening becomes considerably less solemn. \nThe celebration takes place at Grey Sail Brewing\, where organizers promise live period music\, beer\, ale and rum along with what they describe as “fuel for the Revolution.” \nThere will also be Colonist and Red Coat games. \nThe result should land somewhere between living history and a colonial tavern night. \nThat seems appropriate. \nTaverns were important gathering places in 18th-century America\, serving not merely as drinking establishments but as social centers where travelers exchanged news\, residents debated politics and communities conducted business. \nBeer\, ale\, cider\, punch and rum were thoroughly embedded in colonial social life. \nSo while nobody should mistake a modern craft brewery for an 18th-century tavern\, finishing a Revolutionary reenactment over a drink isn’t as historically incongruous as it might sound. \nRum Has a Particularly Good Claim to the Glass\nBeer gets top billing in the event’s title\, but rum may have the stronger Revolutionary-era New England credentials. \nThe triangular Atlantic trade made rum an important part of the colonial economy. \nNew England distilleries turned imported Caribbean molasses into enormous quantities of rum\, which became one of the region’s characteristic spirits. \nRhode Island was particularly involved in the colonial rum trade. \nThat history makes Grey Sail an unusually appropriate modern host. \nThe Westerly brewery shares its Canal Street property with South County Distillers\, giving the celebration access to both brewing and distilling traditions. \nThe drinks have changed considerably since 1776. \nThe idea of gathering together over them hasn’t. \nGrey Sail Has Its Own Westerly History\nGrey Sail Brewing is much younger than the event it is commemorating\, but its home has a history of its own. \nThe brewery opened in Westerly in 2011\, brewing its first batch of Flagship Ale on November 11 of that year. \nIts production facility occupies a brick industrial building at 63 Canal Street that was constructed near the end of the 1920s for the Westerly Macaroni Factory. \nThe building later served other commercial uses before Grey Sail transformed it into a brewery. \nNext door\, the Grey Sail Taproom and courtyard have developed into a gathering place for live music\, markets and community events. \nFor September 18\, the brewery becomes Westerly’s temporary Revolutionary tavern. \nThe Babcock-Smith House Connects the Celebration to 1776\nOne of the event sponsors is the Babcock-Smith House Museum\, and its connection to Revolutionary Westerly runs particularly deep. \nThe museum centers on the historic home of Dr. Joshua Babcock\, one of colonial Westerly’s most significant residents. \nThe Georgian house dates to around 1734\, putting it squarely within the world being recreated during Raise a Pint to the Revolution. \nBabcock was a physician\, public official and prominent citizen whose life stretched across Westerly’s transition from British colony to American town. \nHe was also Westerly’s first postmaster. \nThe town’s first post office was established in 1776\, the same year as the meeting being commemorated. \nIts first-year receipts totaled the wonderfully precise sum of one pound\, three shillings and eight pence. \nBefore that\, Westerly’s nearest post office had been in New London. \nToday the Babcock-Smith House preserves both that colonial history and another enormous chapter of Westerly’s story through its exhibits devoted to the local granite industry. \nThree Westerly Organizations Are Behind the Night\nRaise a Pint to the Revolution is sponsored by the Westerly 250th Commission\, Westerly Historical Society and Babcock-Smith House Museum. \nThat combination helps explain why the event goes beyond costumes and colonial-themed drinking. \nThe historical organizations have an actual local event to reconstruct. \nThe Westerly 250th effort\, meanwhile\, places it within the much larger America 250 commemoration marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. \nRhode Island is observing the anniversary through RI 250\, with events taking place throughout the state. \nBut September 18 gives Westerly something unusually specific to commemorate. \nExactly 250 years earlier\, townspeople were deciding what allegiance meant in a country that was only weeks old. \nYour $10 Ticket Buys More Than a Pint\nThe ticket covers participation in the commemorative event rather than functioning as a prepaid bar tab. Alcohol purchases should be expected to follow Grey Sail’s normal service rules\, including age and identification requirements. \nThe evening is scheduled from 5:30 to 9 p.m.\, with the recreated meeting beginning at 6:30 p.m. \nThat leaves time to arrive\, settle in and get oriented before Westerly turns the clock back to 1776. \nThe Best Part Is Knowing How the Story Ends\nThe people at the original meeting didn’t have that luxury. \nThey couldn’t know that Washington would survive 1776. \nThey couldn’t know about Saratoga. \nThey couldn’t know France would enter the war. \nThey couldn’t know Cornwallis would surrender at Yorktown. \nThey couldn’t know there would someday be a United States celebrating its 250th birthday. \nAnd they certainly couldn’t know that 250 years to the day after their meeting\, another group of Westerly residents would gather on Canal Street\, raise glasses and reenact their decision. \nWe know what happened next. \nFor one evening\, Westerly gets to return to the moment when they didn’t. \nDetails\nEvent: Raise a Pint to the Revolution\nDate: Friday\, September 18\, 2026\nTime: 5:30–9 p.m.\nReenacted Meeting: 6:30 p.m.\nLocation: Grey Sail Brewing\nAddress: 63 Canal Street\, Westerly\, RI 02891\nOccasion: 250th anniversary of Westerly’s September 18\, 1776 Revolutionary-era meeting and pledge\nThe Meeting: Period reenactment of the historic Westerly town event with actors portraying Revolutionary-era figures\nAudience Participation: Guests will have an opportunity to sign an allegiance to America\nThe Celebration: Live period music\, beer\, ale\, rum and Colonist-versus-Redcoat games\nTickets: $10 base ticket price; online processing fees may apply\nFood & Drink: Available as part of the evening’s celebration; alcoholic beverages are subject to normal age and identification requirements\nSponsors: Westerly 250th Commission\, Westerly Historical Society and Babcock-Smith House Museum\nHistorical Date: September 18\, 1776\, exactly 250 years before the event\nHistorical Significance: Westerly history records that 50 men enlisted in the Revolutionary forces after signing the Declaration or Test Act on that date \nMore information is available at the Event Website link below. \nTo purchase tickets\, click the Event Ticketing link below. \n  \n  \nFeatured image is an artistic representation inspired by the event and may not depict the actual people\, location\, or activities shown.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/raise-a-pint-to-the-revolution-recreates-the-night-westerly-chose-the-american-cause/
LOCATION:Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island\, 63 Canal St\, Westerly\, RI\, 02891\, United States
CATEGORIES:Grey Sail Brewing of Rhode Island
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Raise-a-Pint-to-the-Revolution-Recreates-the-Night-Westerly-Chose-the-American-Cause.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260808T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260808T120000
DTSTAMP:20260806T152457Z
CREATED:20260806T152457Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T152457Z
UID:10007129-1786176000-1786190400@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Waterford Day Parade & Family Festival 2026
DESCRIPTION:Waterford Day Parade & Family Festival 2026 returns on Saturday\, August 8\, with free family-friendly activities celebrating the community’s 225th anniversary and America’s 250th birthday. The festivities begin with morning activities on the Jordan Park Green before the annual parade steps off at 11 a.m.\, followed by family entertainment\, crafts\, food vendors\, and community celebrations throughout town. (Waterford CT) \nMore than just a parade\, Waterford Day has become one of the town’s signature summer traditions. Families gather along Rope Ferry Road to cheer on marching groups\, community organizations\, first responders\, local businesses\, and civic leaders before spending the afternoon enjoying activities designed for visitors of all ages. \nWith free admission\, children’s entertainment\, food vendors\, and dozens of community organizations participating\, Waterford Day offers one of southeastern Connecticut’s largest hometown celebrations of the summer. Rain or shine\, the event welcomes residents and visitors alike to experience the town’s community spirit. \nParade Highlights\nThe annual parade steps off promptly at 11:00 a.m. from Waterford High School and travels along Rope Ferry Road\, concluding near the First Baptist Church. \nThe Color Guard leads the procession\, followed by a variety of community groups\, local organizations\, public safety agencies\, and participants celebrating Waterford’s history and civic pride. \nPopular viewing areas are available throughout the route\, including a viewing stand near the Waterford Public Library. \nPre-Parade Family Fun\nBefore the parade begins\, Jordan Park Green hosts free activities from 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.\, including: \n\nDunk Tank\nBalloon Twister\nTemporary Face Tattoos\nInflatable Firehouse\nGAME ON interactive sports activities\nMr. Magic’s family comedy and magic show\nCoke Hug Machine\nFood vendors\n\nAll pre-parade activities are free\, with food and beverages available for purchase. \nMore Things to Do\nThe celebration continues beyond the parade with additional family activities around town\, including: \nWaterford Town Park\n\nKids crafts presented by the Waterford Public Library\nLive broadcasts from On Air Talent 106.5\n\nCommunity Celebration\nAs part of this year’s anniversary celebration\, 500 miniature American flags will be distributed\, courtesy of the Waterford Regional Lions Club\, helping commemorate both Waterford’s 225th anniversary and the nation’s Semiquincentennial. \nFood & Vendors\nVisitors will find food vendors serving a variety of festival favorites before\, during\, and after the parade. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack while waiting for the procession or lunch afterward\, vendors will be available throughout the event. \nParking & Road Closures\nSeveral public parking locations are available\, including: \n\nWaterford Public Library\nCommunity Center\nTown Hall\nPolice Department\nGazebo area\n\nPlease note: Parking at Waterford High School is reserved for parade participants only. \nRoad closures along the parade route are expected from approximately 10:30 a.m. until noon. Visitors are encouraged to arrive early to find parking and secure a viewing location. \nTips for Visitors\n\nBring lawn chairs if you plan to watch the parade.\nArrive early for the best viewing locations.\nStop by Jordan Park Green before the parade for children’s activities.\nWear comfortable shoes if you plan to explore multiple activity locations.\nStay after the parade to enjoy crafts\, entertainment\, and food vendors around town.\n\nEvent Details\nDate\nSaturday\, August 8\, 2026 \nPre-Parade Activities\n8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. \nParade Step-Off\n11:00 a.m. \nPrimary Locations\nJordan Park Green\nRope Ferry Road\nWaterford Town Park \nParade Route\nWaterford High School to First Baptist Church via Rope Ferry Road \nAdmission\nFree \nParking\nPublic parking is available at the Library\, Community Center\, Town Hall\, Police Department\, and Gazebo. Waterford High School parking is reserved for parade participants only. \nAge Restrictions\nNone. \nImportant Notes\nRain or shine event. Road closures are expected from approximately 10:30 a.m. to noon. All activities are family friendly. Food vendors will be available for purchases throughout the day. \n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/waterford-day-parade-family-festival-2026/
LOCATION:RI
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Waterford-Day-2026-Parade-and-Family-Festival-Saturday-August-8.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260801T180000
DTSTAMP:20260725T020007Z
CREATED:20260725T020007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260725T020007Z
UID:10007023-1785596400-1785607200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Historic Stonington Presents the 1864 Baseball Game
DESCRIPTION:Historic Stonington presents the 1864 Baseball Game on Saturday\, August 1\, from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m. at the COMO’s Bears Field in Stonington Borough\, offering spectators a chance to experience America’s pastime as it was played during the Civil War era. Presented as part of America 250 commemorations\, the free family-friendly event recreates baseball under the original 1864 rules\, complete with period uniforms\, historic customs\, and vintage equipment. \nThe afternoon begins at 3:00 p.m. with the NY Mutuals taking on the Providence Grays\, followed by a second game at 4:30 p.m. featuring the NY Mutuals against the Stonington Cannons. Unlike modern baseball\, the 1864 version of the game features underhand pitching\, no gloves\, and rules that reflect the sport’s earliest organized years\, giving fans a fascinating glimpse into baseball’s evolution. Visitors can also meet special guests portraying President Abraham Lincoln and members of the 8th Connecticut Regiment\, adding to the living history experience. \nGuests are encouraged to pack a picnic\, bring lawn chairs or blankets\, and enjoy an afternoon celebrating America’s history in a relaxed outdoor setting. Whether you’re a baseball enthusiast\, history buff\, or simply looking for a unique family outing\, the 1864 Baseball Game offers an entertaining look back at one of the nation’s favorite pastimes. \nEvent Details\nEvent: Historic Stonington Presents the 1864 Baseball Game \nDate: Saturday\, August 1\, 2026 \nTime: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. \nLocation: COMO’s Bears Field (next to the viaduct)\nN Main Street\nStonington Borough\, CT \nAdmission: Free \nGame Schedule: \n\n3:00 p.m. – NY Mutuals vs. Providence Grays\n4:30 p.m. – NY Mutuals vs. Stonington Cannons\n\nWhat to Bring: Lawn chairs\, blankets\, and picnic baskets are encouraged. \n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/historic-stonington-presents-the-1864-baseball-game/
LOCATION:COMO Bears Field\, North Main Street\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:COMO's Bears Field
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Historic-Stonington-Presents-the-1864-Baseball-Game-on-Saturday-August-1-3pm-6pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260719T160000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260719T180000
DTSTAMP:20260715T201022Z
CREATED:20260715T201022Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260715T201022Z
UID:10006824-1784476800-1784484000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Historic Stonington Annual Meeting: Portraits of Patriots
DESCRIPTION:Historic Stonington Annual Meeting: Portraits of Patriots brings acclaimed Revolutionary War historian Damien Cregeau to the La Grua Center on Sunday\, July 19\, for a fascinating presentation exploring Connecticut’s role in America’s fight for independence through the artwork of one of the nation’s most celebrated painters. Free and open to the public\, the program is part of Historic Stonington’s 2026 Annual Meeting. \nCregeau’s presentation\, Portraits of Patriots: Colonel John Trumbull and Five Fellow Patriots From Connecticut in the American Revolution\, examines the life and work of Colonel John Trumbull\, the Connecticut-born artist whose paintings became some of the most enduring images of the Revolutionary War. While best known for his monumental historical paintings\, Trumbull also created portraits of many of the leaders who shaped the nation’s founding. \nThe program also highlights five Connecticut patriots connected to Trumbull’s work\, offering insight into their contributions during the American Revolution and the lasting legacy they left on the state and the nation. Cregeau\, a nationally recognized historian and author\, has spent decades researching Revolutionary War history and has written extensively on Connecticut’s role in the conflict. \nEvent Details\n\nEvent: Historic Stonington Annual Meeting: Portraits of Patriots\nDate: Sunday\, July 19\, 2026\nTime: 4:00 p.m.\nVenue: La Grua Center\nAddress: 32 Water St.\, Stonington Borough\, CT\nAdmission: Free and open to the public\n\nFeatured Speaker\nDamien Cregeau \nPresentation: \nPortraits of Patriots: Colonel John Trumbull and Five Fellow Patriots From Connecticut in the American Revolution \nAbout the Presentation\nTopics include: \n\nThe life and artwork of Colonel John Trumbull\nConnecticut’s role in the American Revolution\nFive Connecticut patriots featured in Trumbull’s work\nRevolutionary War history and its lasting legacy\n\nAbout Damien Cregeau\nDamien Cregeau is a Revolutionary War historian and author who has researched the conflict for decades. He received the History Award and Medal from the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution in 2021 and is the author of several books on Connecticut history\, including Portraits of Patriots. \nWhy Attend\n\nFree public program\nRevolutionary War history\nAcclaimed guest historian\nAnnual Historic Stonington meeting\nPerfect for history enthusiasts and America 250 commemorations\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/historic-stonington-annual-meeting-portraits-of-patriots/
LOCATION:La Grua Center\, 32 Water Street\, Stonington\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:La Grua Center
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Historic-Stonington-Annual-Meeting.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260709T213000
DTSTAMP:20260705T022650Z
CREATED:20260702T202204Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T022650Z
UID:10006523-1783620000-1783632600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Charlestown's America 250 Celebration
DESCRIPTION:Charlestown’s America 250 Celebration invites families and visitors to Ninigret Park for an evening of live music\, local food\, patriotic fun\, and fireworks as the community celebrates America’s 250th anniversary. This free event brings together neighbors and visitors for one of the area’s signature summer celebrations\, honoring the nation’s semi-quincentennial with entertainment\, history\, and a spectacular fireworks display. \nGuests are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets and settle in for an evening of live music by Nick Bosse and the Northern Roots while enjoying a variety of food trucks throughout the park. Organizers have also hinted that a few special historical guests may make appearances during the celebration\, adding to the patriotic atmosphere as Charlestown joins communities across the country in commemorating this historic milestone. \nThe evening concludes with a fireworks finale lighting up the skies above Ninigret Park\, making this a memorable way to celebrate America’s 250th birthday with family and friends. \nEvent Details\nDate \n\nThursday\, July 9\, 2026\n\nLocation \n\nNinigret Park\nCharlestown\, RI\n\nAdmission \n\nFree\n\nEntertainment\nLive Music\n\nNick Bosse and the Northern Roots\n\nFood Trucks\nA variety of local food vendors will be serving dinner\, snacks\, and refreshments throughout the evening. \nHistorical Guests\nKeep an eye out for special historical visitors who may make appearances during the celebration. \nFireworks Finale\n9:00 PM\nThe evening concludes with a fireworks display celebrating America’s 250th birthday over Ninigret Park. \nWhat to Bring\n\nLawn chairs\nBlankets\nFamily and friends\nPatriotic spirit\n\nCelebrate America’s semi=quincentennial with live music\, great food\, community spirit\, and fireworks during Charlestown’s America 250 Celebration at Ninigret Park. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/charlestowns-america-250-celebration/
LOCATION:Ninigret Park\, 5 Park Lane\, Charlestown\, RI\, 02813\, United States
CATEGORIES:Ninigret Park
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Charlestowns-America-250-Celebration-and-Fireworks-Display-Thursday-July-9-6pm-at-Ninigret-Park.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T170000
DTSTAMP:20260705T022215Z
CREATED:20260618T015650Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T022215Z
UID:10006021-1783504800-1783530000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Stars\, Stripes & Sea Life at Mystic Aquarium
DESCRIPTION:Stars\, Stripes & Sea Life at Mystic Aquarium celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with a day of patriotic festivities\, community recognition\, live entertainment\, and marine life encounters on Wednesday\, July 8. Included with general admission\, the event brings together local heroes\, conservation partners\, and visitors for a uniquely Connecticut celebration set against the backdrop of one of the region’s most beloved attractions. \nThroughout the day\, guests will have opportunities to meet Olympians\, military members\, and community leaders while learning about the people and organizations making a difference both locally and beyond. Live music and patriotic activities add to the festive atmosphere\, creating a family-friendly celebration that honors the nation’s milestone anniversary while highlighting the importance of service\, leadership\, and conservation. \nOf course\, the Aquarium’s marine animals remain at the heart of the experience\, giving visitors the chance to enjoy exhibits\, animal encounters\, and educational experiences alongside the special programming. The result is a day that blends American pride\, community spirit\, and ocean conservation into a memorable summer event. \nEvent Details\nDate: Wednesday\, July 8\, 2026\nTime: 10:00 a.m.\nLocation: Mystic Aquarium \nHighlights\n\nCelebration of America’s 250th anniversary\nMeet Olympians\nMeet military and community heroes\nOcean conservation partners and exhibits\nLive music\nPatriotic activities\nMarine animal encounters\nIncluded with general admission\n\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/stars-stripes-sea-life-at-mystic-aquarium/
LOCATION:Mystic Aquarium\, 55 Coogan Blvs\, Mystic\, CT\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Mystic Aquarium
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T163000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T200000
DTSTAMP:20260701T235836Z
CREATED:20260615T005207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T235836Z
UID:10005962-1783269000-1783281600@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:The Patriot's Table at Rocks 21
DESCRIPTION:The Patriot’s Table at Rocks 21 invites guests to gather for an evening of food\, fellowship\, and celebration as part of the Fire & Freedom Festival on Sunday\, July 5. Held at the waterfront Rocks 21 restaurant in Mystic\, this special limited-seating dinner honors America’s 250th anniversary with a menu inspired by classic American comfort food and shared traditions. \nDesigned as the grand finale to a day celebrating freedom\, history\, and community\, The Patriot’s Table brings guests together around an elevated buffet featuring regional favorites and hearty American fare. The relaxed waterfront setting provides an ideal backdrop for raising a glass\, sharing stories\, and reflecting on the spirit of the nation while enjoying a memorable meal with family and friends. \nWith limited seating available\, advance tickets are required. Guests are encouraged to reserve early and take advantage of this unique opportunity to extend their Fire & Freedom Festival experience with an evening of great food\, community\, and patriotic celebration. \nMenu Highlights\n\nMaryland Fresh Crab Dip with Crostini & Crackers\nPickled Watermelon Salad with Feta & Green Onions\nBeef Pot Roast\nChicken Thermidor\nVegetable Ravioli with Tomato Sauce\nSavory Mashed Potatoes\nGreen Bean Casserole\nFresh-Baked Cookies\n\nEvent Details\nDate: Sunday\, July 5\, 2026\nLocation: Rocks 21\, Mystic \nAdvance tickets are required. Purchase tickets using the website link at the bottom of this page.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/the-patriots-table-at-rocks-21/
LOCATION:Rocks 21\, 3 Williams Avenue\, Mystic\, CT\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Rocks 21
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END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260705T190000
DTSTAMP:20260705T015915Z
CREATED:20260615T003857Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260705T015915Z
UID:10005961-1783242000-1783278000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Fire & Freedom Festival at Haley Mansion
DESCRIPTION:Fire & Freedom Festival at Haley Mansion invites visitors to spend a day celebrating American history\, community\, and service on Sunday\, July 5. Held on the grounds of the historic Inn at Mystic\, this special America 250 event honors the nation’s veterans while commemorating the 250th anniversary of America’s founding through reenactments\, demonstrations\, music\, food\, and family-friendly activities. \nThe day begins at 9 a.m. with a ceremonial Veteran Torch Relay departing from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park. Carried through a series of community checkpoints\, the torch symbolizes the enduring flame of liberty first ignited during the American Revolution. The relay concludes at Haley Mansion around noon\, where the torch’s arrival officially opens the festival with a ceremonial bonfire lighting in honor of the courage\, service\, and sacrifice of American veterans. \nFrom noon to 4 p.m.\, the grounds transform into a Revolutionary-era celebration featuring historical reenactments\, live entertainment\, artisan demonstrations\, colonial trades\, educational workshops\, carriage rides\, sing-alongs\, children’s activities\, and local vendors. Guests can browse handcrafted goods\, enjoy food and refreshments\, meet farm and craft vendors\, and explore interactive experiences designed to bring Revolutionary America to life. The festivities conclude with an optional ticketed\, period-inspired dinner\, offering guests the chance to enjoy a meal reflecting the flavors and traditions of the colonial era. (See separate event\, “The Patriot’s Table at Rocks 21” for more information and tickets). \nEvent Details\nDate: Sunday\, July 5\, 2026\nTime: 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.\nLocation: Haley Mansion at the Inn at Mystic \nHighlights\n\nVeteran Torch Relay from Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park\nCeremonial bonfire lighting\nRevolutionary War reenactments\nLive music and entertainment\nColonial trades and artisan demonstrations\nEducational workshops\nCarriage rides\nChildren’s games and activities\nArts and crafts\nFood vendors\nTavern sing-alongs\nOptional period-inspired dinner\n\nFeatured Vendors\n\nAssociated Light Horse\nDirty Knees Heritage Farm\nHickory Forge Blacksmithing\nPewter Pot Chocolate\nThyme for Tea\nWedges of Time\nXen’s Critters\nAllegra Farms\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/fire-freedom-festival-at-haley-mansion/
LOCATION:Haley Mansion\, 9 Williams Avenue\, Mystic\, 06355\, United States
CATEGORIES:Haley Mansion
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Fire-and-Freedom-at-Haley-Mansion-July-5-9am-to-7pm.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260704T110000
DTSTAMP:20260701T235132Z
CREATED:20260615T000346Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T235132Z
UID:10005959-1783159200-1783162800@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:4th of July Parade: Celebrating 250!
DESCRIPTION:4th of July Parade: Celebrating 250! marks a milestone year as Groton joins communities across the nation in celebrating America’s 250th anniversary. This beloved Independence Day tradition returns on Saturday\, July 4\, bringing together local organizations\, businesses\, military groups\, nonprofits\, performers\, and community members for a patriotic procession through town. \nHeld annually as one of the area’s signature summer events\, the parade draws hundreds of spectators who line the route to celebrate the nation’s birthday. With 2026 marking the 250th anniversary of the United States\, organizers are encouraging participants to embrace the occasion with creative floats\, patriotic displays\, and tributes to the country’s history and heritage. \nWhether you’re marching in the parade or watching from the sidelines\, the event offers a chance to celebrate community\, honor the nation’s past\, and kick off Independence Day festivities with family and friends. \nEvent Details\nDate: Saturday\, July 4\, 2026\nTime: 10:00 a.m.\nStarting Location: Poquonnock Plains Park\, Groton \nHighlights\n\nAmerica 250 celebration\nCommunity floats and displays\nLocal businesses and organizations\nMilitary and civic groups\nFamily-friendly Independence Day tradition\nHundreds of spectators and participants\n\n\n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/4th-of-july-parade-celebrating-250/
LOCATION:Poquonnock Plains Park\, 1 Central Avenue\, Groton\, 06340\, United States
CATEGORIES:Poquonnock Plains Park
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260703T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260703T220000
DTSTAMP:20260701T232811Z
CREATED:20260621T235903Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260701T232811Z
UID:10006144-1783101600-1783116000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:First Friday Norwich: Red\, White & Boom! 250 (Fireworks)
DESCRIPTION:First Friday Norwich: Red\, White & Boom! 250 celebrates America’s 250th anniversary with an evening of community festivities\, local businesses\, live entertainment\, food\, and fireworks over Norwich Harbor. As part of Norwich’s popular First Friday series\, the event transforms downtown into a patriotic celebration that brings together residents and visitors for one of the city’s signature summer gatherings. \nThroughout the evening\, guests can explore downtown shops\, enjoy live music and entertainment\, sample food from local vendors\, and take part in family-friendly activities before the festivities culminate with a fireworks display over the harbor. The event combines the energy of a community festival with a celebration of America’s semi-quincentennial\, creating a memorable night along the waterfront. \nWhether you’re looking to enjoy the fireworks\, support local businesses\, or simply spend an evening downtown with family and friends\, Red\, White & Boom! 250 offers a festive way to celebrate both the holiday weekend and a milestone in American history. \nEvent Details \nDate: Friday\, July 3\, 2026 \nLocation: Downtown Norwich \nFestivities Begin: 6:00 p.m. \nFireworks: 9:15 p.m. \nAdmission: Free \nHighlights \n\nFireworks over Norwich Harbor\nAmerica’s 250th anniversary celebration\nLive music and entertainment\nLocal shopping and businesses\nFamily activities\nFood vendors\nDowntown festival atmosphere\n\nAdditional Information \n\nPart of the First Friday Norwich series\nFamily-friendly event\nDowntown Norwich location\nFireworks finale over the harbor\n\n  \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/first-friday-norwich-red-white-boom-250/
LOCATION:Downtown Norwich\, Union Street and Broadway\, Norwich\, 06360\, United States
CATEGORIES:Downtown Norwich
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260627T160000
DTSTAMP:20260614T051921Z
CREATED:20260614T051921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260614T051921Z
UID:10005947-1782558000-1782576000@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:North Stonington Celebrate America 250 Parade\, Muster\, and Colonial Fair
DESCRIPTION:North Stonington Celebrate America 250 Parade\, Muster\, and Colonial Fair invites visitors to step back into the Revolutionary era for a day of living history\, music\, demonstrations\, and family-friendly activities on Saturday\, June 27. Held as part of the nationwide America 250 commemoration\, the free event transforms North Stonington into a celebration of the people\, traditions\, and stories that shaped the nation’s founding. \nThroughout the day\, guests can experience Revolutionary War-era life through historical reenactments\, demonstrations\, exhibits\, and hands-on activities. Hear the Declaration of Independence performed as it was intended to be heard\, listen to martial music from traditional fife and drum corps\, explore colonial crafts and textiles\, and learn about the contributions of both Revolutionary soldiers and the Eastern Pequot Tribal Nation. Families will also find colonial games\, historic exhibits\, demonstrations\, and opportunities to interact with reenactors portraying life in 18th-century New England. \nThe event combines history\, education\, and community celebration in a uniquely local way. Visitors can browse colonial-inspired vendors\, meet local farmers\, enjoy food from community organizations\, and experience a variety of living history presentations throughout the day. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply looking for a memorable family outing\, Celebrate America 250 offers one of the region’s most distinctive summer events. \nSchedule of Events\n11:00 a.m. \n\nPerformance of the Declaration of Independence\nWreath Laying Ceremony\nLocation: 123 Main Street & Wheeler Cemetery\n\n11:30 a.m. \n\nParade from Wheeler Cemetery to 1 Wyassup Road\n\n12:00 p.m. \n\nMuster Demonstrations\nIndigenous Presentations\nRevolutionary War Reenactor Performances\nLocation: 1 Wyassup Road\n\n11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. \n\nColonial Fair\nColonial Games\nFife & Drum Music\nEastern Pequot Tribal Nation Presentations\nHistoric Musket Displays\nTextile\, Weaving\, and Dyeing Demonstrations\nColonial Vendors and Exhibits\nFood Vendors and Community Organizations\n\nParking\nFree Parking \n\nGrange Fairgrounds\, 21 Wyassup Road\nNorth Stonington Schools\, 298 Norwich-Westerly Road\n\nHandicap Parking & Drop-Off \n\nTown Garage\, 11 Wyassup Road\n\nVisitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs. The muster field is a working hayfield\, so appropriate footwear is recommended.
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/north-stonington-celebrate-america-250-parade-muster-and-colonial-fair/
LOCATION:North Stonington Historical Society Muster Field\, 1 Wyassup Road\, North Stonington\, 06359\, United States
CATEGORIES:North Stonington Historical Society Muster Field
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260606T120000
DTSTAMP:20260511T214917Z
CREATED:20260511T214917Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260511T214917Z
UID:10001187-1780740000-1780747200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:Stonington America 250 Cemetery Clean Up
DESCRIPTION:Stonington America 250 Cemetery Clean Up invites volunteers to help preserve local history during a community headstone cleaning workshop at the historic Robinson Burial Ground in Stonington Borough. Held as part of Stonington’s America 250 celebrations\, the event takes place June 6 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and focuses on hands-on cemetery preservation\, local heritage\, and community involvement tied to the nation’s upcoming semiquincentennial commemorations. \nThe workshop gives participants an opportunity to learn proper headstone cleaning techniques while helping care for one of the area’s historic burial grounds. Organizers will provide cleaning supplies\, while attendees are encouraged to bring work gloves and water. The event is weather permitting and designed to be approachable for volunteers of varying experience levels\, making it as much a community gathering as a preservation effort. \nBeyond the practical work itself\, the event highlights the growing interest in protecting historic cemeteries as living pieces of local history rather than forgotten landmarks. Robinson Burial Ground contains generations of Stonington history\, and events like this help connect residents directly to the people and stories that shaped the borough over centuries. The workshop also reflects the broader goals of America 250 programming\, which often focuses on local history\, civic participation\, and preserving community heritage ahead of the United States’ 250th anniversary. \nWhat makes the event stand out is its quieter sense of purpose. While many anniversary celebrations lean into fireworks and festivals\, this gathering centers on stewardship\, remembrance\, and the simple act of caring for historic spaces together. For history enthusiasts\, longtime residents\, or anyone interested in local preservation work\, it offers a meaningful way to spend part of a summer morning in Stonington Borough. \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/stonington-america-250-cemetery-clean-up/
LOCATION:Robinson Burial Ground\, Broad Street\, Stonington Borough\, CT\, 06378\, United States
CATEGORIES:Robinson Burial Ground
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://thectbeacon.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Stonington-America-250-Cemetary-Clean-Up.jpeg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260517T170000
DTSTAMP:20260514T155032Z
CREATED:20260514T155032Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260514T155032Z
UID:10001623-1779030000-1779037200@thectbeacon.com
SUMMARY:East Lyme High School Americana 250th
DESCRIPTION:East Lyme High School Americana 250th brings orchestral tributes to American music and culture to East Lyme High School on May 17 as the Southeastern Connecticut Community Orchestra presents an afternoon concert celebrating the country’s musical heritage through iconic composers and cinematic favorites. Led by Music Director Dr. Hilarie Clark Moore\, the performance is part of broader America 250 commemorations and blends classical\, jazz\, film\, and patriotic influences into a program designed to appeal to longtime orchestra supporters as well as casual listeners looking for a relaxing Sunday cultural outing. \nThe concert lineup highlights works connected to some of the most recognizable names in American music\, including John Williams\, Aaron Copland\, Duke Ellington\, and George Gershwin. Together\, the selections reflect a wide range of American musical traditions\, from sweeping orchestral themes and jazz influences to compositions deeply tied to the country’s cultural identity. Community orchestra performances like this often carry a different atmosphere than large metropolitan symphonies\, more welcoming\, local\, and connected to the audience gathered in the room. \nTaking place at East Lyme High School at 3 p.m.\, Americana 250th offers an accessible and family-friendly way to experience live orchestral music in southeastern Connecticut. Ticket pricing remains intentionally affordable\, with discounted admission available for seniors and children ages 6 to 12\, while children under 6 are admitted free. The event highlights both the region’s arts community and the enduring popularity of American composers whose music continues to shape film\, jazz\, and concert performances generations later. \nRules and Suggestions:\n• General admission tickets are $12\n• Seniors and children ages 6–12 receive discounted admission at $10\n• Children under 6 are admitted free\n• The concert takes place May 17 at 3 p.m. at East Lyme High School\n• The program features works by John Williams\, Aaron Copland\, Duke Ellington\, George Gershwin\, and others \n 
URL:https://thectbeacon.com/event/east-lyme-high-school-americana-250th/
LOCATION:East Lyme High School\, 30 Chesterfield Road\, East Lyme\, 06333\, United States
CATEGORIES:East Lyme High School
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