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05/25/2021 12:30 PMWith COVID limiting in-person events for more than a year, the Town of East Haven recently announced a full calendar of fun for residents this summer.
“After the year we have had, I hope everyone can reconnect with their neighbors and civic organizations can get back to working towards their missions, but most of all, that our residents enjoy the entertainment we have planned,” said Mayor Joe Carfora. “Community events are instrumental in building relationships with neighbors, visitors to the town, and creating a sense of pride for this wonderful town we live in. These events also provide a venue for families and residents to experience something they may not have on their own, such as a type of music and theater.”
While the beach is now open, many consider the official kickoff to summer to be the East Haven Fireworks, which are scheduled for Saturday, June 26 with a rain date of Monday, June 28. As in past years, the event begins with a beach party starting at 1 p.m. There will be food trucks and a full day of live music, including performances by KENNII, Senior Discount, Take Two and Call Me in the Morning, Head Over Heels, and a Journey tribute band.
There will be plenty of other opportunities to enjoy live music this summer. Not only does the Sunday Concert on the Green series continue from July 11 to Aug. 29 (with the exception of Aug. 8) at 6:30 p.m., but a beach concert series was added on Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. from July 17 to Aug. 28 (no beach concert on Aug. 21). Both concert series are co-sponsored by the Recreation Department.
On Saturday, Aug. 21, the music will move back to the Town Green for a special event following the return of the East Haven Proud motorcade. The motorcade, which began during COVID, will begin at noon, traveling from the Town Beach to the green. The complete route will be posted on the town website, townofeasthavenct.org. Following the motorcade and beginning at 4 p.m., there will be food trucks and vendors at the Town Green where Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot will perform.
“This [motorcade] started last year during COVID-19 as a way to safely bring the community together during a very challenging and dark time for our town and country,” said Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration and management. “Due to the overwhelming response to the event, this year we decided to hold it again, but make it a full-day event. This is sure to be an incredible event and hope everyone can come out and enjoy it.”
Benivegna has taken the lead in planning the many events. She has worked closely with Mark Gravino of East West Productions in order to secure many of the bands that will be featured throughout the summer.
“[Planning these events] has been a tremendous undertaking, but I am thrilled with the line-up,” said Carfora. “I would also like to thank Mark for being a wonderful community partner with the Town of East Haven.”
The events extend beyond music with two movie nights scheduled at the town beach on Saturday, July 10 and Aug. 7. The movies—The Goonies and Grease—will begin at dark and the event is sponsored by the East Haven Youth Services Bureau and Youth Commission with its State of Connecticut grant funds.
“Summer time in East Haven is going to be filled with activities for the residents,” said Carfora.
For information, visit townofeasthavenct.org, subscribe to alerts at bit.ly/alerteh, or call 203-468-3204.
Summer Events in East Haven
Saturday, June 26: East Haven fireworks with entertainment at the beach starting at 1 p.m. (rain date Monday, June 28)
Saturday, July 10: The Goonies movie on the beach at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, July 11: The 70s Project concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 17: Jimmy Buffet cover band beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 18: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, July 18: Senior Discount concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 24: One Way Ticket beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, July 25: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, July 25: One Way Ticket concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, July 31: Cobalt Rhythm Kings beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 1: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, Aug. 1: Red Hill Rockers concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 7: Juice Box beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 7: Grease movie on the beach at 8:30 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 8: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, Aug. 8: Neapolitan Night on the green from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 14: Pop Rocks beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 15: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, Aug. 15: Loco Motion concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 21: East Haven Proud Motorcade at 12 p.m. followed by entertainment on the green at 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 22: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Saturday, Aug. 28: Senior Discount beach concert from 1 to 4 p.m.
Sunday, Aug. 29: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Sunday, Aug. 29: Last Licks concert on the green at 6:30 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 5: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon
Friday, Sept. 10 to Sunday, Sept. 12: East Haven Fall Festival
Sundays, Sept. 12 to Oct. 10: Farmers Market on the green from 8 a.m. to noon