🔤 Spelling Bee Showdowns, Maple Sugaring & Alice in Wonderland

March 05, 2026

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Happy Thursday! The weekend is almost here, and there’s plenty happening across Connecticut to get excited about. From family-friendly traditions to classic stories on stage and a showcase of some seriously impressive young minds, here are a few standout events worth checking out as you start making your plans.

Here’s what’s inside:

🔤 Connecticut Spelling Bee in West Hartford
🍁 Maple Sugaring Open House at Ambler Farm
🎭 Alice in Wonderland at The Kate in Old Saybrook
📗 This Month in CT History: When Abraham Lincoln Took the Stage in Hartford
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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The 2026 Connecticut Spelling Bee returns to West Hartford

Some of Connecticut’s brightest young students will compete at the 9th Annual Connecticut Spelling Bee on March 8 at the University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford. Students in grades 1–8 earned their place by winning local school and town spelling bees, making this event a statewide showdown of top spellers. With more than 60 competitors expected, this year’s competition is shaping up to be the largest and most competitive yet.

The event is hosted by the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society and gives the winner the opportunity to advance to the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Spectators are welcome to attend and cheer on the students as they take on increasingly challenging words in front of a live audience.

Maple Sugaring fun for families at Ambler Farm

Ambler Farm in Wilton is celebrating maple season with a Maple Sugaring Open House on March 7, giving families a chance to experience the process of turning sap into syrup. Visitors can learn about maple sugaring methods used by Native Americans, colonists, and modern producers while exploring the farm and its maple trees.

Kids can try tapping a tree, take part in a maple syrup taste test, and enjoy a classic seasonal treat — Ambler Farm’s maple syrup served over vanilla ice cream. The free event runs from 11 am to 12 pm, making it an easy and educational stop for families looking to enjoy a classic New England tradition.

A whimsical musical adventure in Old Saybrook

A lively musical adaptation of Alice in Wonderland is coming to the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center in Old Saybrook. The production follows Alice as she tumbles into a curious world filled with unforgettable characters including the Mad Hatter, the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar, and the Queen of Hearts.

Blending music, humor, and imaginative storytelling, the show brings the beloved classic to life for audiences of all ages. The performance takes place March 7 at 1 pm, offering a fun and family-friendly theatre experience along the Connecticut shoreline.

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This deal is valid for daytime weekday and weekend public skate sessions, with rental skates included so you can show up and hit the ice right away. It’s a simple way to add a little winter fun to your plans without breaking the bank.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

When Abraham Lincoln Took the Stage in Hartford

In the tense months leading up to the 1860 presidential election, the issue of slavery and its expansion dominated American politics. After gaining national attention for a powerful anti-slavery speech in New York City, Abraham Lincoln embarked on a speaking tour across the Northeast to rally support for Republican candidates and build momentum for his rising political profile.

During that tour, Lincoln visited Hartford, where he delivered a lengthy address focused on what he called the “slave question,” the most pressing issue facing the nation. Speaking before an enthusiastic crowd at City Hall, Lincoln warned against attempts to compromise with slavery’s expansion and urged supporters to remain firm in defending their principles and the nation’s founding ideals.

Though the visit was brief, its impact proved lasting. Lincoln met with Connecticut Republican Gideon Welles, who would later serve as his Secretary of the Navy during the Civil War. The energetic torchlight procession that accompanied Lincoln through Hartford also helped spark the formation of the “Wide Awakes,” a political group that quickly spread across the country and played a role in mobilizing voters during the 1860 election that ultimately sent Lincoln to the White House.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Stanley Black & Decker Plant Closure Sparks Manufacturing Concerns

The planned closure of Stanley Black & Decker’s tape measure manufacturing plant in New Britain will eliminate roughly 300 jobs and raise questions about the future of manufacturing in Connecticut. Industry leaders say rising costs, evolving technology, and shifting market demand are forcing manufacturers to reassess where they produce goods, though opportunities remain through supply chains tied to companies like Electric Boat, Sikorsky, and Pratt & Whitney.

Historic Simsbury Farm Expands Winery to Boost Agritourism

Rosedale Farms & Vineyards in Simsbury has received approval to expand its wine operation by converting a bottling area into a larger indoor tasting room. Town officials say agritourism — including events, tastings, and farm experiences — is increasingly essential for farms to stay financially viable while adapting to changing consumer trends.

Final Connecticut Hooters Location Closes After 33 Years

The last remaining Hooters restaurant in Connecticut, located on the Berlin Turnpike in Wethersfield, has officially closed after more than three decades in operation. The closure follows the shutdown of the Manchester location in 2024, marking the end of the chain’s presence in the state.

Boot Barn Secures Fourth Connecticut Location in Waterford

Western apparel retailer Boot Barn is expanding its footprint in Connecticut with a new location planned at Waterford Commons. The 9,880-square-foot store will take over a former Party City space, with renovations expected to begin in spring 2026 and an opening targeted for late third quarter.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! We hope it sparked a few ideas to get out, explore, and enjoy everything Connecticut has happening this week.

If you enjoyed today’s edition, share it with a friend and help them discover more great things to do around the state.

P.S. Looking to partner with Connecticut Lifestyles? Just reply to this email or click here to learn how we can promote your brand to thousands of interested locals!