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- 🎡 Newtown Carnival, Local Eats & a Weekend on the Trails
🎡 Newtown Carnival, Local Eats & a Weekend on the Trails
Happy Wednesday, Connecticut! The weekend is shaping up with plenty of ways to get out, explore, and have some fun. There’s something for just about every kind of weekend plan.
Here’s what’s inside:
🎡 A summer carnival brings rides, games, and food to Newtown
🎨 Shop more than 50 local artisans at CT Arts & Eats
🥾 Take on a marathon hike or family-friendly 5K for a good cause
📗 This Month in CT History: The Floods That Changed Connecticut Forever
📰 Local headlines you might’ve missed
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Rides, games, food trucks, and plenty of summer fun are rolling into Fairfield Hills Campus
The Newtown Summer Carnival is bringing a full weekend of classic carnival fun to town, with rides, games, food trucks, and plenty of reasons to gather with family and friends. Whether you're there for the thrills, the food, or just the atmosphere, there's something to keep everyone entertained.
The carnival runs Friday, August 21, from 6–10 p.m.; Saturday, August 22, from 1–10 p.m.; and Sunday, August 23, from 6–10 p.m. Admission ticket options will be available for purchase on-site at Fairfield Hills Campus.
More than 50 Connecticut artisans, local food, live music, and family activities come together in Southbury
CT Arts & Eats is bringing a little bit of everything to Southbury Town Hall on Saturday, August 22, from 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Browse handmade art, home goods, ceramics, apparel, accessories, gourmet treats, fresh flowers, and plenty more from talented Connecticut makers.
When you need a break from shopping, grab something from a food truck or local vendor, enjoy live music, or let the kids explore the games and crafts area. Admission and parking are both free, making this an easy way to spend a Saturday supporting local businesses and community causes.
Choose a marathon hike or a family-friendly 5K while supporting the Mattatuck Museum
The MattaTrek 20(26.2) Marathon and 5K Hiking Fundraiser returns August 21–22 for a weekend that combines Connecticut scenery, outdoor adventure, and community spirit. Friday's challenge is a 26.2-mile guided hike along the scenic Shenipsit Trail, beginning at 8 a.m.
Saturday brings a more relaxed, family-friendly option with a 5K hike at Flanders-Whittemore Sanctuary, with registration and T-shirt pickup at 8:30 a.m. and the hike beginning at 9 a.m. Both events support the Mattatuck Museum while giving participants a chance to get outside and explore.
Craving something warm, sweet, and seriously delicious? This Cinnabon deal gives you a $25 eGift Card to use toward cinnamon rolls, sweet treats, and drinks, plus a free Cinnabon Mini to make the indulgence even better.
Redeem it at participating Cinnabon locations and grab a classic cinnamon roll, Caramel Pecanbon, MiniBon, BonBites, or a specialty drink. Whether it’s a quick dessert run or a little pick-me-up, this deal makes it easy to satisfy your sweet tooth.
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Take the wheel and put your driving skills to the test on an indoor quarter-mile go-kart track
Brass City Raceway in Waterbury is giving thrill-seekers a chance to hit the track with one or two races for one or two people. Hop into an OTL Storm Kart, gear up with a helmet, and race around an indoor course built for some seriously fun competition.
Whether you're planning a date, hanging with friends, or looking for something different to do with the family, this is an easy way to turn an ordinary outing into a race-day adventure. Drivers must be at least 7 years old and 3 feet, 12 inches tall, with closed-toe shoes required.
TOP EVENTS TODAY YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS
Tai Chi (Waterbury) - Learn gentle techniques designed to help reduce stiffness and soreness while encouraging relaxation and overall wellness.
Senior Mornings (Waterbury) - Older adults can enjoy a quieter museum experience during Senior Mornings.
Volunteer Docent Open House (Waterbury) - Learn about becoming a museum docent during the Volunteer Docent Open House at the Mattatuck Museum.
America 250 Wayback Fare Day – Ride (East Haven) - Enjoy discounted admission at 2016 prices while exploring one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating suburban street railways.
Pequot Village Tour (Mashantucket) - Experience life in a 16th-century Pequot community.
Sunset Trolley Ride (East Haven) - Evening experience timed to coincide with sunset, offering passengers scenic views and the warm glow of late summer.
Fyütch & Aura V: Children’s Series (Westport) - Families are invited to enjoy an evening of music, creativity, and fun with Fyütch & Aura V.
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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS YET?
THIS MONTH IN CONNECTICUT HISTORY
The Floods That Changed Connecticut Forever
August 1955 brought one of the most destructive natural disasters in Connecticut history. Two hurricanes, Connie and Diane, struck southern New England in quick succession, sending rivers over their banks and causing catastrophic flooding across the state.
The devastation was widespread, particularly in communities along Connecticut's rivers, including Winsted, Torrington, Naugatuck, Waterbury, Putnam, Ansonia, and Farmington. Eighty-seven people lost their lives, while property damage reached roughly $200 million at the time, equivalent to about $2.3 billion today.
The floods became a defining moment in Connecticut's history, remembered as the state's worst flooding disaster and a benchmark for future storms. Photos, newspaper reports, government records, and archival collections continue to document the destruction, recovery, and lasting impact of the 1955 floods.
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HEADLINES AROUND THE STATE
UConn Student Pushes for More Native Meadows
UConn student William Sweet ’29 is working on legislation that would encourage Connecticut homeowners to replace portions of traditional lawns with native plant meadows. The goal is to support pollinators, reduce runoff, cut maintenance, and create more habitat for wildlife while exploring incentives that could make the switch easier.
A Look Back at Connecticut’s Nostalgic Summer Favorites
A new survey is shining a light on Connecticut’s most nostalgic summer spots, highlighting destinations that continue to bring back memories for generations of residents. The rankings offer a fun excuse to revisit some classic summer traditions.
Connecticut’s Filmmaking Story Hits the Big Screen
A new documentary is celebrating Connecticut’s filmmaking history while looking at the industry’s present-day creators and its potential future. The film explores how the state’s connection to movies and filmmaking has evolved over the years.
New London Police Warn of Rising Vehicle Thefts
New London police are reminding residents that a few simple precautions can help prevent vehicle break-ins and thefts. The department is also giving eligible residents free pedal locks while supplies last, with one available per household for those with a valid Connecticut driver's license and New London-registered vehicle.
Thanks!
That’s a wrap for today! Whether you’re looking for something fun to do, a new local spot to explore, or just want to stay in the know, we’ve got you covered.
Have a great Wednesday, Connecticut, and we’ll see you back here tomorrow!
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!