🎡 Summer’s Last Hurrah: ODYSSEY, Woodstock & Haddam Neck Fairs!

August 26, 2025

Good morning, Connecticut! 👋 Labor Day Weekend is almost here, and the state is buzzing with fairs, festivals, food, and fun. Whether you’re craving authentic Greek eats, classic fair vibes, or tractor pulls and contests, there’s no shortage of things to do. Here’s a look at what’s coming up this week:

🍇 A taste of Greece at Odyssey ’25
🎡 The 164th Annual Woodstock Fair
đźšś Family fun at the Haddam Neck Fair
đź“— This Month in CT History: Hartford Welcomes Home Its First Korean War Prisoner of War
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed

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Food, Dance, Music & Culture This Labor Day Weekend

For 42 years, ODYSSEY has been serving up the sights, sounds, and flavors of Greece right in Orange, CT. From authentic cuisine like souvlaki and spanakopita to lively Greek dance performances, cooking demos, and a bustling marketplace, there’s something for everyone. At night, two live bands keep the party going with traditional music and dancing under the stars. And don’t forget to grab a raffle ticket—you could win the $10,000 grand prize!

📍 Saint Barbara Greek Orthodox Church, Orange | Aug. 29–Sept. 1 | Free admission & parking

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🎡 WOODSTOCK FAIR RETURNS FOR ITS 164TH YEAR

Agriculture, Rides, Music & Carnival Fun

The Woodstock Fair is one of Connecticut’s longest-running traditions, and it’s back this Labor Day Weekend with all the classics: livestock competitions, giant vegetables, tractor pulls, live concerts, and midway rides that light up the night sky. Whether you’re there for the agricultural exhibits or the carnival thrills, this fair promises fun for all ages.

📍 Woodstock Fairgrounds, Woodstock | Aug. 28–Sept. 1 | Admission $10–$15, kids under 10 free

Tractor Pulls, Horse Shows & Old-Fashioned Fair Fun

The Haddam Neck Fair is all about community, tradition, and family-friendly entertainment. From baking contests and horse shows to truck pulls, road races, and a bustling midway, this fair packs the holiday weekend with activities from morning till night. With free parking, free bleacher seating, and plenty of small-town charm, it’s the perfect way to wrap up summer.

📍 Haddam Neck Fairgrounds, Haddam Neck | Aug. 29–Sept. 1 | Admission $12–$15, kids under 12 free

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Hotel Stay + Water Park Access = The Ultimate Family Getaway

Looking for an end-of-summer adventure without leaving New England? Great Wolf Lodge Connecticut has you covered with family-friendly suites and access to its massive indoor water park—kept at a balmy 84° year-round. Whether you’re racing down slides, floating in the wave pool, or just kicking back in the outdoor hot tub, there’s no shortage of thrills for kids and grown-ups alike.

The resort features themed suites like the Wolf Den and Kid Cabin, perfect for turning bedtime into part of the adventure. With multiple dining options (yes, even Dunkin’ on-site), an arcade, nightly story times with costumed characters, and its convenient location near Foxwoods Resort Casino, you can pack your trip with both family fun and adult escapes.

Best part? Right now you can snag discounted rates—up to 47% off—through Groupon. Rooms include daily water park wristbands for the whole crew, making this deal one of the easiest ways to score a memorable getaway.

TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS

HAVE YOU BEEN HERE YET?

Gerard Way Concert GIF by My Chemical Romance

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

THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY

Hartford Welcomes Home Its First Korean War Prisoner of War

In the summer of 1953, Hartford’s North End became the stage for a remarkable homecoming. Corporal John H. F. Teal, the city’s first returning prisoner of war from the Korean conflict, came back after surviving 32 months in captivity. His arrival marked not just the end of a long ordeal, but also a powerful moment of community pride.

Hartford greeted Teal with an all-day block party featuring live music, dancing, and plenty of food. The celebration spilled into the streets, culminating in a motorcade to City Hall where Teal was presented with the key to the city. Newspapers described him as modest and soft-spoken, clearly moved by the overwhelming reception.

The goodwill extended beyond parades and speeches. Local residents quickly organized a fund to help buy Teal and his family a new home, while a neighborhood clothier offered him a suit of his choosing to wear to his next job. The event captured the spirit of Hartford in that era—patriotic, generous, and determined to embrace one of its own returning from the hardships of war.

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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE

Affordable Housing Battle Heats Up in Bethel
A proposal for a 75-unit affordable housing complex in Bethel has sparked fierce pushback from residents, who call the design an “insult” to the town’s small-scale charm. Despite objections, state law gives developers like Vessel Technologies strong legal footing, leaving town officials with little power to block the project.

$25K a Year for Life: Lucky CT Player Scores Big
A Connecticut player hit it big with the Lucky for Life lottery game, winning $25,000 annually for life. It’s the third such jackpot in the state this month—though the latest winner hasn’t yet been identified.

Paul’s Boutique in Vernon Goes Virtual
The beloved Vernon record shop, Paul’s Boutique, is closing its physical doors and moving entirely online. Known for its eclectic vinyl collection and quirky finds, the shop is marking the transition with a 50% off sale at its longtime Talcottville Road location.

Wayback Burgers + Molte Pizze = New CT Spots
Two combo restaurants featuring Wayback Burgers and Molte Pizze are set to open in Bridgeport and Orange later this year. The co-branded eateries mark the first of their kind in the state, blending burgers, pizza, and fast-casual flair under one roof.

Thanks!

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