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- 🎆 Fireworks, Colonial Fair & America's 250th Celebration
🎆 Fireworks, Colonial Fair & America's 250th Celebration
Happy Thursday, Connecticut! As we head into the weekend, communities across the state are kicking off America’s 250th birthday celebration with fireworks, parades, colonial fairs, live entertainment, and family-friendly festivities. Whether you're looking for a patriotic celebration, local history, or a fun night out with family and friends, there are plenty of ways to join the excitement.
Inside today's newsletter:
If you're a fan of fresh doughnuts, coffee, and sweet treats, this deal is an easy way to save on your next Krispy Kreme visit. Right now, you can get a $25 Krispy Kreme eGift Card for just $20 through Groupon.
The eGift Card can be used on anything Krispy Kreme offers, from the iconic Original Glazed Doughnut to seasonal favorites, specialty drinks, and even merchandise. Whether you're stopping in for a morning coffee, picking up a dozen doughnuts for the office, or treating the family to a sweet surprise, you'll get more for your money with this discounted offer.
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With more than 100,000 purchased and thousands of glowing reviews, this popular deal is also a great gift idea for birthdays, celebrations, thank-you gifts, or anyone who appreciates a box of fresh doughnuts.
👉 Ready to save on your next sweet treat? Grab this discounted $25 Krispy Kreme eGift Card for just $20 before the deal is gone
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Parade, Muster, and Revolutionary-Era Traditions Bring History to Life
History takes center stage in North Stonington as the town hosts its Parade, Muster & Colonial Fair on June 27. This free event invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and traditions of colonial America through a full day of activities and demonstrations.
The celebration begins with a performance of the Declaration of Independence and wreath-laying ceremony before a community parade winds through the historic village district. Visitors can then explore the Colonial Fair, enjoy muster demonstrations, and experience living history presentations throughout the day.
Perfect for families, history buffs, and anyone looking for a unique way to celebrate America's 250th anniversary, this event offers an engaging look at the people and traditions that helped shape the nation.
Two Communities Unite to Honor America's 250th Anniversary
The towns of Avon and Farmington are joining forces for a special community celebration marking the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. Taking place on June 26, this free event brings residents together for an evening of entertainment, history, and hometown pride.
Visitors can enjoy live performances, family-friendly activities, food trucks, local vendors, and exhibits highlighting the area's connection to the American story. The event is designed to honor the past while bringing communities together to celebrate the future.
As one of many events happening across Connecticut during the nation's semiquincentennial, this gathering offers a unique opportunity to reflect on the country's history while enjoying a fun summer evening with family and friends.
Fireworks, Food Trucks, and Family Fun Kick Off Independence Week
Litchfield is starting the nation's 250th birthday celebration with a festive evening packed with entertainment, food, and fireworks. The Happy 250th Birthday America Fireworks event takes place Friday, June 26, at Plumb Hill Middle School and offers something for all ages.
Families can enjoy food trucks, bounce houses, live music, entertainment, and even birthday cake before the evening concludes with a fireworks display celebrating America's milestone anniversary. It's the perfect way to kick off Independence Week and enjoy a summer evening with friends and neighbors.
With a fun community atmosphere and plenty of activities before the fireworks begin, this annual celebration is expected to be one of the area's biggest summer gatherings.
If you're tired of paying monthly or annual software subscriptions, this Microsoft Office 2024 deal could save you hundreds of dollars over time. Right now, Groupon is offering lifetime licenses for Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows or Microsoft Office 2024 Standard for Mac at a fraction of the regular retail price.
Windows users can get Office Professional Plus, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access, while Mac users can choose Office Standard with the essential productivity apps optimized for Apple Silicon devices. Best of all, this is a one-time purchase—not a Microsoft 365 subscription—so there are no recurring fees, renewal reminders, or surprise charges down the road.
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With more than 100,000 purchases and thousands of positive reviews, this popular offer continues to attract shoppers looking for a long-term alternative to subscription software.
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Duckpin Bowling, Glow Bowl, Snacks, and Nostalgia All in One Great Deal
Looking for a fun outing that everyone can enjoy? Johnson's Duckpin Lanes in Hamden is offering a Groupon deal that makes it easy to gather friends and family for an afternoon or evening of classic Connecticut entertainment.
Unlike traditional bowling, duckpin bowling uses smaller balls and shorter pins, creating a unique challenge that's easy to learn and fun for all ages. This special offer includes 90 minutes of bowling, shoe rentals, soda, and chips, with options available for groups of two, four, or six people. Guests can choose between Open Bowl or the popular Glow Bowl experience for an extra layer of excitement.
A local favorite since 1955, Johnson's Duckpin Lanes has become known for its nostalgic atmosphere, family-friendly environment, and old-school charm. Many visitors love the manual scorekeeping, hand-reset pins, and community feel that have helped make the venue a Connecticut institution for generations.
Whether you're planning a family outing, date night, birthday celebration, or simply looking for something different to do this weekend, this deal offers a fun and affordable way to enjoy one of Connecticut's most unique bowling experiences.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
🚌 Van Trip: America 250: Two Revolutions at Mattatuck Museum (Waterbury): Explore America's revolutionary past and technological future during a fascinating day trip to historic Cambridge and the MIT Museum.
📜 Sarah Treadwell: Connecticut Mom, American Patriot at Weston History & Culture Center (Weston): Discover the story of a Revolutionary War-era Connecticut woman and the often-overlooked contributions of women during America's founding.
⚽ FIFA World Cup 2026™ Public Screenings at Pitkin Plaza (New Haven): Watch World Cup matches alongside fellow fans while enjoying food specials and a lively international atmosphere downtown.
🇺🇸 Revolutionary Roots: Generations of Change at Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum (Norwalk): Explore newly uncovered Revolutionary War stories through artifacts, costumes, and exhibits marking America's 250th anniversary.
🎨 Cocktails and the Collector at Ridgefield Guild of Artists (Ridgefield): Enjoy an evening of art, cocktails, and bidding on original works from a remarkable private collection during this special gallery event.
💃 Salsa in the Ninth Square (New Haven): Learn new moves and dance the evening away at this free outdoor salsa event featuring lessons and open dancing on the colorful Orange Street Promenade.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
The Litchfield Educator Who Helped Redefine Women's Education
Long before higher education opportunities were widely available to women, Sarah Pierce was helping to change what girls could learn—and what they could achieve. Born in Litchfield in 1767, Pierce would go on to become one of the most influential educators in early American history.
After receiving teacher training in New York, Pierce returned to her hometown and opened the Litchfield Female Academy in 1792. At a time when most girls' education focused primarily on social accomplishments and household skills, Pierce developed a far more ambitious curriculum. Students studied subjects such as history, geography, and natural sciences alongside music, art, and embroidery, creating a balanced educational experience that was unusual for the era.
The academy quickly earned a national reputation and eventually educated more than 3,000 young women, making it one of the largest and most successful schools of its kind in the young United States. Its graduates included notable figures such as author Harriet Beecher Stowe and educator Catherine Beecher, both of whom would leave their own lasting marks on American society.
Together with the nearby Litchfield Law School, the academy helped transform the small Connecticut town into one of the country's most important educational centers during the early republic. Sarah Pierce's vision helped raise expectations for women's education nationwide and paved the way for future generations of female scholars, teachers, and leaders.
If you're looking for an easy way to cut costs on groceries, gas, and household essentials, this BJ's Wholesale Club deal is worth a closer look. Right now, Groupon is offering a one-year BJ's Club Membership for just $15 (regularly $60) or a one-year BJ's Club+ Membership for $60 (regularly $120).
What makes BJ's stand out from other warehouse clubs? Members can stack manufacturer coupons with BJ's digital coupons, helping shoppers save even more on already discounted prices. Add in everyday savings on groceries, fuel discounts, and access to hundreds of club locations, and it's easy to see why so many families rely on BJ's for their weekly shopping.
For frequent shoppers, the Club+ Membership adds extra perks including 2% back in rewards on qualifying purchases, additional savings at BJ's Gas stations, free curbside pickup, free same-day delivery benefits, and special rewards events throughout the year.
Whether you're stocking up for the family, looking to save at the pump, or simply trying to stretch your budget a little further, this membership can quickly pay for itself through everyday savings.
👉 Ready to start saving? Grab this discounted BJ's membership today and enjoy a full year of warehouse savings, fuel discounts, rewards, and member-exclusive perks.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
💼 Connecticut Job Growth Continues in May
Connecticut employers added an estimated 500 jobs in May, pushing total payroll employment to a new all-time high. State officials say the economy remains stable, with gains in education, local government, and arts and entertainment helping drive growth, while the state has added approximately 7,400 jobs so far in 2026.
🩺 UConn Study to Examine Parkinson's Care in Connecticut's Quiet Corner
A new UConn-funded project will assess the needs of people living with Parkinson's disease in Windham County. Researchers hope the study will identify gaps in care, resources, and awareness while gathering input from patients, caregivers, and families, with the goal of eventually expanding the effort statewide.
As temperatures rise across Connecticut, United Illuminating is encouraging residents to take simple steps to stay cool while managing energy costs. Recommendations include using fans efficiently, adjusting thermostats, sealing air leaks, and taking advantage of online tools that help customers track electricity usage and budget for seasonal increases.
🀄 Mahjong's Popularity Surges Across Connecticut
A centuries-old game is finding a new audience throughout Fairfield County and beyond. Local clubs, lessons, and social events are helping fuel a growing interest in mahjong, with organizers reporting increased participation as more residents discover the strategy, social connection, and fun behind the classic tile-based game.
Thanks!
Thanks for spending part of your day with us! We hope today's newsletter helped you discover a few new places to explore, events to attend, and experiences to enjoy across Connecticut this week.
If you enjoyed this edition, consider sharing it with a friend or family member. The more people who know about Connecticut's great events, local stories, and hidden gems, the better!
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!