🌻Sunflower Maze, Sand Sculptures, & More CT Goodness

Happy Tuesday, Connecticut! 🌻 We’re getting ready to slide into August with sunflowers, sculpture, and smooth jazz. Whether you’re sipping wine at sunset, digging in the sand, or dancing under the stars, this week’s got something good. Here’s what’s blooming:

This issue:

🏖️ Sandcastles by the sea at Walnut Beach
🎠 A Classic Summer Fair Returns to Stonington 
🌻 Sunflowers and sips at Lyman Orchards
📗 This Month in CT History: The Night Cos Cob School Went Up in Flames
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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🏖️ 48TH ANNUAL SAND SCULPTURE CONTEST

Create Anything from Lobsters to Mermaids to Astronauts

Bring your imagination (and sunscreen) for a day of creativity at the beach!

Hosted by Milford Arts Council, this long-standing tradition returns to Walnut Beach on Saturday, August 2. For 48 years, families and artists from all over the East Coast have flocked to this event to sculpt sandy masterpieces and soak in the coastal vibes.

It’s more than just castles—past creations include everything from fire-breathing dragons to full-on sea creatures. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or just want to build alongside your kiddos, all skill levels are welcome.

You’ll also find local favorites nearby like Scoot & Paddle, Walnut Beach Creamery, and the MAC Firehouse Gallery. The event is free, runs rain or shine, and offers plenty to explore even if you don’t get your hands sandy.

Click here for all the details.

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🎪 THE 73RD ANNUAL COMO VILLAGE FAIR IS BACK!

Community, creativity, and classic summer fun — all in one unforgettable day. 🎉

Get ready for a feel-good Saturday on August 2 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Wadawanuck Square in Stonington. This iconic summer fair brings together locals and visitors for a day filled with fun, food, and fantastic finds.

There’s something for everyone—classic games and prizes for the kids, over 55 local artists in Artisan Row, and live music to keep the good vibes going. 🎶

Come hungry because Captain Scott’s, Taqueria Cinco, Rolling Tomato, and Blazin' BBQ will be serving up the best of the best. 🌮

Check out the annual book sale in collaboration with the Stonington Free Library, admire blooms from the Garden Club, and snag fresh Portuguese sweet bread from Mato’s.

Art lovers can shop handcrafted pottery from the COMO studio and grab this year’s limited-edition poster illustrated by local artist Susan Scala.

🎟️ Admission is totally free—just bring your crew and summer energy.

You can click here to learn more about this event.

🌻 SUNFLOWERS, SIPS & SUNSETS

A Wine Tasting Maze Experience at Lyman Orchards

Wander through golden blooms while sipping local wines under the sunset sky.

On the first three Fridays in August (Aug 1, 8, & 15), Lyman Orchards is hosting a 21+ wine tasting event in their famous Sunflower Maze. Your $40 ticket includes six wine tastings from Gouveia Vineyards, Paradise Hills, and Priam Vineyards—plus entry to the 3-acre maze filled with 350,000 sunflowers.

Take in sweeping views from the 10-foot platform, snap the perfect photo, and spot butterflies as you stroll. Sunsets hit different with a glass in hand.

Note: Tickets must be bought in advance. No kids, pets, or walk-ins.

Click here for more details.

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🎤 ROB THOMAS IS BACK—AND CONNECTICUT GETS HIM FOR JUST $25?!

If you still catch yourself humming “Smooth” on a random Tuesday, this one’s for you.

Rob Thomas is hitting the stage again with The All Night Days Tour, and Bridgeport just made the cut. Catch the Grammy-winning Matchbox Twenty frontman LIVE on August 16 at 7:30 p.m. at the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater—and yes, tickets are starting at just $25 right now on Groupon. That’s a 46% discount for a night full of “Unwell,” “Lonely No More,” and all the nostalgia.

Even better? He’s bringing along A Great Big World, so you’re basically getting two concerts for the price of dinner.

But here’s the thing: this is a limited-time deal, and over 30 people already viewed it today. Don’t be the person paying double later.

🎟️ Book now → Rob Thomas Live in CT

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

• Storytime Tuesdays at Shore Line Trolley Museum (East Haven) - Join Miss Phyllis for an enchanting storytelling experience combined with a scenic trolley ride.

• Bringing Up Baby at Connecticut River Museum (Essex) - A comedic chaos unfolds in this classic film featuring Cary Grant and Katharine Hepburn.

• Pizza Making Class with Wine at Mangia Mi East (Newtown) - Hands-on pizza-making class accompanied by a complimentary glass of wine.

• Drive-By Truckers & Deer Tick: Charm & Decadence Tour at College Street Music Hall (New Haven) - Enjoy an evening with Drive-By Truckers and Deer Tick, two dynamic music acts on tour together.

• Astrology Reading Night at Aquila’s Nest Vineyard (Newtown) - Get a personalized astrology reading while enjoying the vineyard's enchanting wines.

• Comedy Night at Brignole Vineyards at Brignole Vineyards (East Granby) - Experience a night of laughter featuring top comics and local brews.

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HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

WANT TO CATCH SOME LIVE MUSIC THIS WEEK?👇

There’s no shortage of live music happening all around the state. Check out the upcoming show calendar below:

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

The Night Cos Cob School Went Up in Flames

In the early hours of a summer morning in 1990, a quiet neighborhood in Greenwich was jolted awake by a major emergency. At 1:59 a.m., a fire alarm signaled a blaze at Cos Cob School—and within minutes, the local fire department was on the scene. Smoke was light on the lower floors, but the attic told a different story. The heat and smoke were so intense that firefighters had to pull back, and just minutes after the last crew evacuated, a violent explosion rocked the building.

The fire quickly tore through the old wooden beams and open attic, turning the school into an inferno. With no way to fight it from the inside, crews shifted to aerial ladders and high-powered hoses, blasting thousands of gallons of water every minute. It took 80 firefighters and six long hours to finally get it under control.

Miraculously, no one was seriously injured—but the damage was total. The school community rallied fast: within days, the district had made plans to relocate students, secure funding, and prepare for the upcoming school year. Despite the chaos, students and staff were reassured: it would still be “school as usual.”

At the time, Cos Cob School had smoke detectors—but no sprinkler system, which wasn’t required by law. Today, sprinkler requirements have changed, but the story of the fire still serves as a powerful reminder of how fast disaster can strike—and how a community can rise to meet it.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

☀️ Extreme Heat Protocol Activated Across CT
With temps set to sizzle into the 90s and heat indices topping 100, Governor Lamont has activated the state’s Extreme Hot Weather Protocol starting Monday, July 28 through at least Wednesday, July 30. Cooling centers are opening statewide—residents can call 2-1-1 to find relief from the heat.

🎶 Replay Records Closes Up Shop After 36 Years
Hamden’s beloved Replay Records has closed its doors after nearly four decades of spinning vinyl and swapping music stories. Owners Doug and Mary Snyder are retiring and moving operations online—leaving behind a loyal fanbase and one surprise final sale that cleared out the store in a single day.

🛒 Trader Joe’s Confirmed for Hamden
It’s official—Trader Joe’s is coming to Hamden. The new store will take over part of the former LA Fitness building on Skiff Street. Renovation permits have been filed, with no opening date yet announced. Time to start prepping your reusable bags.

🚰 Hidden Danger: Lead Pipes Still in Use Across CT
Thousands of homes across Connecticut—especially in older neighborhoods like Waterbury’s East End—are still connected to lead service lines. Public health experts are raising alarms about long-term exposure risks as efforts to replace the aging infrastructure lag behind.

Thanks!

Thanks for reading today’s roundup! 💌 If you enjoyed it, pass it along to a friend or two—good news is better when shared.

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