🎉 Parades, Revolutionary War Fun & A Dog Festival

May 14, 2026

Hey there, Connecticut explorers! We’ve got another fun lineup of events happening around the state this week, packed with activities, vendors, and live entertainment.

Here’s what’s featured in today’s email:

🎉 Shad Derby Festival & Parade in Windsor
🇺🇸 America 250 Parade & Revolutionary War Program in Preston
🐶 Barks & Blooms spring festival in Killingly
📗 This Month in CT History: Timothy Dwight Helped Shape Early Connecticut and Yale
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Windsor’s longtime hometown festival returns this weekend

The annual Shad Derby Festival & Parade returns to Downtown Windsor on Saturday, May 16 from 11:30 AM–1:00 PM, bringing one of Connecticut’s most beloved local traditions back to the streets of Windsor Center. The parade will feature marching bands, fife and drum corps, first responders, scouts, school groups, community organizations, and the Shad Derby Royal Court.

The family-friendly celebration marches through town before ending near the Town Green, creating a lively afternoon filled with music, community spirit, and local pride. Admission is free, and visitors are encouraged to arrive early to grab a good viewing spot along the parade route.

A community parade and historic program honoring America 250

Preston’s America 250 Parade and Revolutionary War Program takes place Sunday, May 17 from 1:00 PM–2:00 PM at the Preston Historical Society. The event will feature a parade with the Governor’s Horse & Foot Guard, the NFA Marching Band, fire trucks, floats, local organizations, scouts, and community groups.

Following the parade, guests can enjoy a short historical program celebrating Revolutionary War history and America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. The event offers a fun and patriotic afternoon for families and history lovers alike.

Dogs, food trucks, vendors, and family fun all in one place

Barks & Blooms takes over Killingly Intermediate School on Sunday, May 17 from 12:00 PM–3:00 PM with a pet-friendly spring festival celebrating dogs, local businesses, and the community. The free event will include a pet tricks competition, K-9 demonstrations, live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, adoption opportunities, and dozens of local vendors.

Guests can also join the pre-event “Pack Walk” beginning at 11:30 AM and explore activities designed for both pets and their owners throughout the afternoon. All leashed and well-behaved pets are welcome.

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A fun indoor activity for families, date nights, and groups

Looking for an easy indoor activity that works for all ages? Lessard Lanes in Plainville is offering discounted indoor mini golf through Groupon, with rounds for two starting at just $12 with code MAYSALE. The deal includes access to the venue’s 18-hole indoor mini golf course, featuring glow-style elements, waterfalls, streams, and fun obstacles throughout the course.

The family-friendly course is designed for both kids and adults, making it a solid option for date nights, group outings, birthday activities, or rainy-day plans. Groupon options are available for either two or four players, and the venue also offers bowling and arcade games if you want to turn it into a full afternoon outing.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

  • Stars and Stripes Day (New London) - Invites children and families to celebrate with a creative arts and crafts experience.

  • Paintball Thursday League Night (Middlefield) - Paintball enthusiasts can gear up for adrenaline-filled Thursday evenings.

  • Kimberly Akimbo (New Haven) - A heartfelt and offbeat musical comedy that explores growing up, growing old, and making the most of the time we have.

  • Cinderella (New London) - Offers a Broadway-style production featuring a cast of 40 international dancers, more than 150 hand-sewn costumes, and elaborate sets.

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Timothy Dwight Helped Shape Early Connecticut and Yale

Timothy Dwight IV was one of the busiest and most influential figures in early Connecticut history. Born in 1752, Dwight built a remarkable career as a minister, educator, writer, political leader, military chaplain, and eventually president of Yale College. Over the course of his life, he helped shape both Connecticut’s intellectual culture and the future of higher education in America.

Before leading Yale, Dwight worked as a teacher and minister in Connecticut while also serving as a chaplain during the Revolutionary War. Although he did not fight in combat, he became known for writing patriotic songs and inspiring troops through his speeches and writing. He was also part of the “Hartford Wits,” a group of early American writers and poets known for promoting American ideals through satire and literature.

Dwight later became president of Yale from 1795 to 1817, overseeing major growth that helped transform the school into one of the country’s leading colleges. Beyond education, he wrote poetry, travel accounts, songs, and political works throughout his lifetime. His influence remained so significant that Yale later named Timothy Dwight College in honor of both him and his grandson, who also served as Yale president.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Bethel Man Launches Nature-Focused Community Platform

A Bethel resident created a new online platform called Grower’s Guild to connect Connecticut residents with gardening, farming, hiking, and nature-based activities across the state. The free community platform also helps nonprofits recruit volunteers and encourages local environmental engagement.

Connecticut Lottery Player Wins $2 Million Scratch-Off Prize

A Manchester resident claimed a $2 million prize from a Connecticut Lottery scratch-off ticket purchased in Higganum. The winning Fabulous Fortune ticket cost $30 and offered odds of 1 in more than 666,000.

Summer Concert Series Returns With Food Trucks & Live Music

A Connecticut town’s annual Summer Concert Series is returning this season, bringing weekly Tuesday night live music performances, food trucks, ice cream, and family-friendly activities back to the Town Hall Green throughout the summer.

Washington Farmers Market Returns Later This Month

The farmers market at Judy Black Memorial Park and Gardens in Washington Depot will reopen May 23 and continue through November. The weekly market will feature local produce, baked goods, meats, flowers, coffee, artisan products, and live entertainment throughout the season.

Thanks!

That’s it for today’s Connecticut roundup! Whether you’re planning a weekend outing, looking for family-friendly fun, or just love staying connected to local happenings, we’re glad you’re here with us each week.

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!