East Haven Gears Up for Summer

As the summer months approach, East Haven is gearing up with something for everyone."East Haven comes alive every summer with an incredible array of activities for all ages. The Saturday Beach concerts electrify the atmosphere at our beautiful town beach. Our Sunday morning Farmer's Market provides fresh, local produce that supports our community and local businesses. The Sunday night summer concerts on the green offer a perfect way to end the week with family-friendly entertainment," said Mayor Joseph Carfora. "This is far and away my favorite time of the year."The Summer Concert Series at the Town Green, which Carfora described as a "true gem" on Sunday evenings, will begin on June 23 with Alex Shilow's Tribute to Bruce Springsteen. Concerts will run from 6 to 8 p.m., and run through the summer every Sunday until Aug. 25.The annual Fireworks Party at the Town Beach will take place on Saturday, June 29, from noon to 10 p.m. and features music from the Kathy Thompson Band and the Rum Runners. Town Hall is asking residents to support the event."Anyone interested in donating, please contact the Mayor's Office," said Michelle Benivegna, head of administration and management. "Any monetary donation is greatly appreciated."The Summer Beach Concert series at the beach will commence on Saturday, July 6, with the blues and rock group Cobalt Rhythm Kings. The concerts, which will run from 1 to 4 p.m., are scheduled weekly for Saturdays through Aug. 3, and attendees are encouraged to bring their own beach chairs and blankets "to amplify their enjoyment of the music," said the Mayor's Office."The East Haven Summer Beach Concerts are a treasured tradition that unites our community in celebration of summer and the magic of music," said Carfora. "I am thrilled about this year's lineup, which promises entertainment for all age groups."The Farmer's Market will run every Sunday morning from June 16 through Oct. 13, where "people can expect a vibrant and diverse experience that celebrates local produce, small businesses, crafts, and community engagement," said Benivegna.Selections of locally produced fresh food include produce sourced directly from local farms, treats from local bakeries, and specialty blends from local coffee roasters. Local crafters and nurseries will sell homemade projects and a wide selection of plants and garden supplies, respectively, while homemade pet treats will also be sold.A new addition to the farmer's market this year, which has tripled in scale since its beginning, said Benivegna, is family-themed market days with a range of activities and goods for children. Live music will continue to be a staple of an event that has garnered greater interest from local vendors and is a chance for the community to engage with one another and support local commerce."Overall, the East Haven Farmer's Market offers a delightful mix of fresh food, artisanal products, community engagement, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for locals and visitors alike," said Benivegna.Beginning on Wednesday, June 26, at the Town Green, there will be nine weekly free dinners sponsored by the Community Dining Room (CDR), which extended its services into East Haven last fall. This will see many stakeholders congregate over food and community, such as food donations from local restaurants and volunteers serving the food from personnel of Youth Services and the Board of Education.Later in the season, Senior Day will be held on Aug. 3 at the Town Green. Rather than solely being a day of entertainment, that aspect will be coupled with its being a resourceful day for East Haven's older residents."We're going to try to get some resources for our senior population," said Benivegna. "They'll get resources that may help them with rent assistance and energy assistance."From the Farmer's Market to the summer concerts to Senior Day and CDR dinners, utilizing the Town Green as a "central and picturesque location" enhances the value of these events and activities for town residents and visitors, said Benivegna."The new design of the green is conducive to [events]," she said. "It's really turned into a Sunday morning stop - a part of their routine."