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Essex Goes Alfresco

With the sunshine comes the summer season, just in time for Essex’s downtown celebrations, dubbed Alfresco Thursdays. These summer evening events will run on the second Thursday in June, July, and August. On June 13, the first of the al fresco events is planned to kick off with shopping, patio dining, live music, art, strolling, socializing, and more.

The event is organized by the Essex Board of Trade.

“Essex Board of Trade would like the public to know that all are welcome to Alfresco Thursdays. They will be easy and casual opportunities to gather with family and friends and enjoy the spirit of summer, outdoor socializing, shopping, dining, live music, yoga, and a classic car show. It’s an alfresco party on Main Street, Essex Village,” said Susan Dee, Alfresco Thursdays event coordinator. “Come, bring a friend and have fun.”

Participating shops will stay open until 8 p.m. and patrons may find fashion parties, discounts, and festive nibbles and drinks.

The open-air patios, decks, and docks of Abby’s Place, Olive Oyl’s Cuisine, The Griswold Inn, and The Connecticut River Museum will be offer drinks and special events, including Yoga in the Park, a free, introductory class sponsored by Essex Park & Recreation led by certified yoga instructor Angela Stevens in the Main Street Park from 5:15 to 6:15 p.m. (Participants are asked to bring a yoga mat or towel of their own.)

Olive Oyl’s Cuisine will host a variety of classic cars for Cruise Night and the outdoor grills will be fired up for BBQ and live music on the patio.

The Griswold Inn will offer a complimentary wine tasting from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on its new patio. This “walk-around” tasting will feature 15 wines for summer sipping: Whites of the World, Rosés and Sparklers, and Summer Reds. Light hors d’oeuvres will also be offered.

Shashok Farms will have a pop-up tent in Griswold Square offering native, farm-grown vegetables, flowers, herbs, and more.

For fashion tips, stop by Talbots for the Fun & Fashion shopping party from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wardrobe specialists will be on hand to assist shoppers select items.

At J. Alden Clothiers, guests who mention Father’s Day receive 20 percent off all menswear purchases. Newbury Place will host Drinks & Discounts, offering a signature cocktail and the deal of the day.

For more information, visit essexct.com.