Meet the Goodie Bag Girls!

So I went to a great party last night for a friend's birthday. I left with a nice buzz and a cute little goodie bag filled with delicious cookies that I gobbled up on the car ride way home. Life was good.

This morning as my daughter and I polished off the remaining crumbs, I noticed a sticker on the bag pointing me to The Goodie Bag Girls. It turns out it's a business run by two women from New Canaan who will save you the time and effort of putting together goodie bags for your next party by doing it themselves. 

They do personalized goodie bags for kids' parties, adult parties, corporate events and showers and you can see on the web site that they're all tastefully done with themes to suit any occasion or age.

www.thegoodiebaggirls.com

More Weekend Ideas From StamfordTalk

Thanks to StamfordTalk.com for two more fun weekend activities... read more by clicking here.  If you're not familiar with StamfordTalk, it's worth a visit. It's full of random gossip and news that's fun to read even if you don't live in Stamford. Think of it as our own super local version of TMZ or E!...enjoy!

Reminder - Sunday Concerts at Stamford's Bartlett Arboretum Start this Weekend!

Click for more details.

Coming Soon... The FairfieldCountyChild.com Event Calendar

Soon it will be even easier to find the best kids' events and activities in Fairfield County. I'll be unveiling an event calendar that will help you efficiently map out your family's plans with a quick glance at the months ahead. If your business or organization has an upcoming event to share with the FairfieldCountyChild.com community, please contact me.

Healthy Home Event on July 31 in Rowayton... Reserve Your Spot Now!

I don't know about you, but I'm so  confused and frustrated by all the information out there lately about all the dangers lurking in my child's toys, bottles, pacifiers, etc. And then there's the issue of dangerous chemicals in other household and cleaning products. I've spent a small fortune on "safe" products recently, but still I feel like there's a lot I don't know.

So, thanks to Lynn Blank of Stroller Strides for organizing this free, educational event for parents on July 31, 2008 at 7:30 pm in Rowayton. It's sponsored by Healthy Child, Healthy World and you'll walk away with five simple solutions to leading a life with fewer chemicals, toxins and hazards in your home.

Dr. Lori Storch-Smith of Bay Street Pediatrics in Westport will talk about the importance of having a healthier, greener home for yourself and your children.

To RSVP or for more information, including the event location, contact Lynn Blank at lblank@strollerstrides.net.

Organized Playgroups Now Offering Friday Program for Two Year Olds! FairfieldCountyChild.com Readers Receive $100 off Tuition*

If your child will be between the ages of 22 and 32 months come September and you're on the lookout for a great social activity for him/her, Organized Playgroups should be on your radar.

Here's how it works: A group of 8 children within this age group gather every Friday from 9:30 and 11:45 am at one of the participating families' homes for a structured playgroup that's run by two trained early childhood educators. Each family takes a turn as "host" over an eight week period. Organized Playgroups has been running programs like this with over 300 families in the towns of New Canaan, Darien, Rowayton and Greenwich and now they're looking to expand to surrounding towns. The mission of the program is to to provide children with a play-based positive experience that will develop their cognitive, physical, social and creative skills.

Visit www.organizedplaygroups.com for more information about the Organized Playgroups curriculum which includes music enrichment and Spanish language instruction. Organized Playgroups was founded by Veronica Ponce (shown above) who I guarantee you will love the moment you meet her. She holds an AS Degree in Early Childhood Education from Norwalk Community College, a BA in Human Development and Family Studies from the University of Connecticut and a master's degree in Early Childhood Regular and Special Education at the Bank Street College of Education in New York City (To read more about Veronica, click here).

As a FairfieldCountyChild.com reader, you're entitled to $100 off your child's tuition for the Fall program, so please contact Veronica for more information and tell her I sent you. She's in the process of organizing a Friday group and its general location will be based on where she finds the most interest. So if you have an existing playgroup with a couple members, why not add some structure and learning to it through this great program?

Organized Playgroups, LLC

vponce@organizedplaygroups.com

www.organizedplaygroups.com

* This is a sponsored recommendation from Organized Playgroups, LLC. For more information on Sponsored Recommendations, click here. Photo above courtesy of Organized Playgroups.

Reminder... FREE Kid's Concert With the Hall Family Tonight at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport!

Click here for more information about this and other shows at the Levitt.

A Night Out Without the Kids OR Your Credit Card? I'll Drink to That!

Learn how simply referring a friend to FairfieldCountyChild.com can earn you a well-deserved dinner for two at Napa & Co. Click for details.

Firefly After Hours Pediatrics in Stamford Now Accepting Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Connecticare and HealthNet

A few months ago I posted an announcement about Firefly After Hours Pediatrics in Stamford (click here to read). Since then, I've had the opportunity to try out Firefly and it lived up to the glowing write-up I had written earlier (whew!). My daughter came down with a nasty flu in March and after a few Exorcist-style vomitting sesssions,  my husband and I decided to take her to Firefly. 

She was treated by Dr. Silverstien who was very patient, even at 10:45 at night. He helped settle her stomach and our minds (I admit we are typical, nervous first-time parents who must have been a little annoying at that hour, so thanks Dr. S!). So that's my personal endorsement, but I also wanted to announce that Firefly now accepts most insurances, including Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross, Connecticare, HealthNet and as of July 20, 2008, Cigna will also be accepted.

To read more about Firefly, please click here or visit www.fireflypediatrics.com.

Get the Scoop About the Upcoming Darien Sidewalk Sale from AllAboutDarien.com

Psst.. if you live in or near Darien, do yourself a favor and check out this great new site, AllAboutDarien.com. The name says it all, people. No one can tell you about a town better than someone who has lived there for years and who is a true insider. That's why when I considered posting an announcement about the upcoming Darien Sidewalk Sale on July 11th and 12th, I decided against it.  I'm leaving you in the trusty hands of Nicole Lyons, the AllAboutDarien.com founder, for information about this and many future kid-friendly events in Darien. 

You can read Nicole's piece about the Darien Sidewalk Sale below or just click here to be redirected to AllAboutDarien.com.

In case the prospect of UP TO 70% OFF items in over FIFTY-FIVE Darien stores isn’t enough to make you cancel your ferry rezzie for the weekend of July 11th, perhaps the prospect of a 2-day carnival throughout Darien will be …?! To follow is a more specific breakdown of times and locations for fabulous family fun (face painting, big bounces, and more) over the Sidewalk Sales weekend ….

It’s A Bounce Bonanza (”Bounces” are those enormous, blow-up, multi-child enclosed balloon/trampolines)

10am-3pm on Friday July 11th and Saturday July 12th

Locations: Fairbanks Photo, Noroton Heights Shopping Center, Dey St between Uncle’s Deli and The Sugar Bowl

Super Slides

10am-3pm on Friday July 11th and Saturday July 12th

Locations: Grove Street, Darien Sport Shop, and Goodwives Shopping Center

Face Painting and Caricature Drawings: TBA

…. and of course, don’t forget the LIVE family concert with The Bossy Frog Band

Saturday July 12th at 11:30am

in the lot behind 1020 Boston Post Road

(which is the new building where Lucy and Gofer Ice Cream are located)

See you there, and happy Shopping!

Refer a Friend to FairfieldCountyChild.com and You Can Win a Dinner for Two at Napa & Co. in Stamford! Deadline Extended to Tuesday, July 1st! 2008.

It's time for the next FairfieldCountyChild.com Subscriber Special! This time - with a twist. Thanks to the generosity of Mary Schaffer, the co-owner of Napa & Co. in Stamford, I have in my possession a gift certificate for dinner for two (a $200 value) to her fabulous restaurant. Napa & Co. is one of my favorite Fairfield County grown-up restaurants (more on why later). To be entered in a drawing to win this gift certificate, all you have to do is refer one friend to become a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber. Here are the guidelines:

If you're already a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber:

• Just send this link to a fellow Fairfield County parent  and ask them to become a subscriber as well: http://tinyurl.com/59aprw
  
• Be sure to remind them to put your full name in the box that says "How did you hear about us?" in the registration form.
• All registrations must be received by midnight on Tuesday, July 1st (this is the extended deadline).

If you're not yet a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber:

• Click here to subscribe http://tinyurl.com/59aprw and then pass the link along to a fellow parent in Fairfield County who might appreciate the perks of being a FairfieldCountyChild.com subscriber, including giveaways like this one and receiving exclusive discounts and private sale announcements, news about upcoming events for kids and the inside scoop on the hottest new shopping and dining for kids in the area.
• Be sure to remind your friend to put your full name in the box that says "How did you hear about us?" in the registration form. 
• All registrations must be received by midnight on Tuesday, July 1st (this is the extended deadline).

On Wednesday July 2nd, I'll pick the winner from the list of referrers and new subscribers and announce that person here. It's my way of saying THANK YOU to those of you who are spreading the word about FairfieldCountyChild.com!

Good luck! To read more about Napa & Co., visit www.napaandcompany.com and be sure to check out their wine classes, great menu full of local and fresh ingredients, and just a reminder that every day between 3pm and 6pm it's Happy Hour at Napa & Co. with reduced priced wines. Needless to say, this is not the kind of place to bring the kids, but for a fun night out with your other half or a group of friends, Napa & Co. is your place.

Napa & Company 

75 Broad Street, Stamford

203.353.3319

Thanks again to Napa & Co. for this generous donation!

Enter the Best Lemonade Stand in America Contest! Deadline is September 3, 2008.

I am a HUGE fan of INC. magazine for a few reasons. A) My sister used to work there so I've met a lot of the writers and they are amazing talented people that inspire me and my entrepreneurial efforts with each issue they publish. For anyone out there who owns a business, I highly recommend you get yourself a subscription. B) They do cool stuff like The Best Lemonade Stand in America Contest . 

If your kid is between 5 and 12 years old, they're eligible to win a $1000 savings bond and $200 worth of school supplies. Plus they'll be featured with photos on www.INC.com. To win, they'll need a kick ass lemonade stand a mom or dad to fill out the online contest form (that's YOU!).  For rules and more details, click here. The deadline is September 3, 2008. Good luck!! 

What's Up for the Weekend?

Sorry I have a bum shoulder at the moment, so can't type much today.. here are a few weekend reminders. Enjoy the official start of summer!

Jazz Concert tonight at 6pm at Tilley Park (Darien) - FREE!

Summer Solstice Concert Tomorrow (Sat June 21) in Weston

Bats, Man! Event at the New Canaan Nature Center (Sat June 21)

Russian American Kids Circus at the Levitt Pavillion in Westport (Sun June 22) - FREE!

Kindermusik's Summer Program Kicks Off this Monday, June 23rd!

A few months ago I wrote about my friend Melissa Smith of Kindermusik in North Stamford (click here to read) and on Monday my daughter and I start her Peekaboo I Love You class. There are still a few spots left, so if you're looking for a great weekly music class for your child (up to 18 months), please join us! For more information and other class schedules at Mrs. Smith's Studio for kids up to age 7, click here. Hope to see you in class!

www.smithstudiostamford.kindermusik.net

Maclaren's FREE Kids' Activity Series Continues In SoNo This Thursday June 19th! Plus FairfieldCountyChild.com Readers Receive a Special Discount!

Come to the Maclaren Showroom in South Norwalk this Thursday, June 19th to receive your special FairfieldCountyChild.com discount and for another free kids' concert - this time with CJ Wood of Music Together. CJ plays guitar, drums, and a little piano. Suggested ages are 6 months – 5 years (or anyone young at heart). It's a great time to buy a new stroller for yourself or to give as a gift and to have some fun with the kids at the same time.

You can also enter to win a raffle with a great prize for Mom and baby. It's a travel bag full of products for both that includes six all natural bath and beauty products infused with essential oils.

This concert is all part of Maclaren's new kids' activity series so stay tuned for more details about upcoming events at the Maclaren Showroom. For any questions, please call 203.354.4437.

The concert begins at 10:30am at 10 Marshall Street in South Norwalk, right near the Aquarium.

www.maclarenbaby.com

*This is a sponsored recommendation from Maclaren. For more information on sponsored recommendations, click here. Image above courtesy of Maclaren from 5/15/08 concert with Ellen Watermelon. Discount applies to in-stock items only. Just mention this announcement to receive your discount. Certain exclusions apply.

Kids' Art Classes Start June 30 in Darien

I first came across artist Kelly Demarco of Darien when I read about her current show at Darien Sport Shop. Her beautiful watercolors will be on display there on the mezzanine level through the Summer. You can also view her work at www.paintstudioandgallery.com, but check back again soon because she's updating her Web site this week. 

Not only does Kelly teach painting classes for adults, but for kids too and her Summer program is about to begin. See the schedule and class descriptions below. Classes are for all ages because Kelly teaches to each individual's level. 

Mural Painting

Week of June 30th , July 14th, July 28th, Aug 11th

Week long camp running Monday thru Friday from 9am to 12pm or 12pm to 3pm. Students will work as a group to research, plan and paint a mural. Each child will leave with their own 24x24 canvas piece of the mural that will be displayed as a whole somewhere in Darien. Please bring lunch and a cold drink and ice pops will be provided. Painting attire is required. Materials provided.

Studio Session

Week of August 18th 

Week long camp running Monday thru Friday 9am to 12pm or 12pm to 3pm. Students will work in the studio from a photograph to develop painting skills.  Students will need to bring canvas, brushes and paints in their desired medium. Please bring a lunch and a cold drink. Ice pops provided. Painting attire is strongly recommended!

Mural Painting held at the studio. Plain Air held on location…you'll receive a call the day before to let you know where to meet.  Space is limited! For more information call 203.803.5273 or email kdemarco@optonline.net.

www.paintstudioandgallery.com

Free Jazz Concert at Tilley Park in Darien Friday June 20th

I love Tilley Park in the heart of Darien. It's a great little place to bring the kids for a stroll around the pond or a picnic. This Friday, come to Tilley Pond for a FREE concert from 6pm-8pm. 

It's part of the Darien Revitalization Initiative's Jazz Fridays program. Kids and adults are invited to attend, but for the latter, there will be a wine tasting with Wine Port of Darien (nice little bonus, right?). For more information and directions, visit www.darienmainstreet.org or click here. 

(image above courtesy of Google images)

Be a Guest Star on FairfieldCountyChild.com

Recently I've been proud to feature several new "guest bloggers" here on FairfieldCountyChild.com - Manager Mom and Always Home and Uncool. You know you love 'em... they're funny, refreshing and not afraid to say it like it is.  Their reflections on parenthood in Fairfield County are silly and sometimes not so PC, but it's fun to lighten things up around here sometimes, right? I approached them about guest blogging because I am totally impressed by their witty ways, but now it's time to hear from more of you. If you're a parent with something to say or if  you have a business, blog or Web site that might be of interest to FairfieldCountyChild.com readers and you'd like to share it with this audience through a guest post here, please drop me a line at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com with the following information:

• Name and contact information
• What is your area of expertise (ie. Are you a super-savvy mom who has a knack for uncovering new stores, restaurants or activities for kids in Fairfield County? Or do you have a business that parents in Fairfield County should know about? In other words, why would FairfieldCountyChild.com readers want to hear from you?)
• Please provide writing samples if possible

This is a fun way to promote yourself or your business and a way to broaden the reach of FairfieldCountyChild.com. The more contributors on FairfieldCountyChild.com, the more valuable a resource it becomes for parents. I look forward to hearing from you! Contact me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com

Happy Father's Day!

Here's to all the Fairfield County dads! If you're still looking for something special to do this weekend for dad, please refer to this guest post from local dad, Always Home and Uncool. 

Bust Out Your Birkenstocks... Summer Solstice Concert & Drum Circle Saturday June 21 in Weston

If you're looking for a fun, simple way to celebrate the arrival of Summer with your kids, I recommend you check out the Summer Solstice Concert with Music for the Planet next Saturday at the Norfield Grange in Weston.   Click here to read about a concert I attended there in the past so you'll have an idea of what to expect. 

It's a mix of world music  and a drum circle and the audience is encouraged to participate. They even hand out a limited number of drums and other percussion instruments to the audience, so the kids get really into it because there is no "wrong" way to drum. The chaos of everyone drumming together somehow ends up sounding pretty beautiful (at least to me, but I'm no musician). Plus the Norfield Grange is just a cool place to visit. It's a great rustic building set deep in the woods where you can really get away from it all (think Blair Witch Project with great music and a lot less scary).

Summer Solstice Concert

Saturday, June 21 at 7pm

www.mfplanet.com

(image above courtesy of Google images)

Registration Open for Sensory Kids Summer Programs (Starting Next Week!)...FairfieldCountyChild.com Readers Receive Their First Class Free!*

Sensory Kids, LLC in Greenwich is a private occupational therapy (OT) practice that offers unique sensory-integration techniques combined with cutting-edge auditory programs to provide the most comprehensive multi-sensory therapeutic treatment and programming available. Regardless of the severity or type of diagnosis, Sensory Kids can help your child achieve their fullest potential. For example, Sensory Kids has helped kids increase reading scores, improve athletic abilities, reach developmental milestones, improve speech and language, and develop techniques that allow them to handle transitions with ease and confidence. Sensory Kids is a great local resource that offers the following services:

· Sensory integration occupational-therapy treatment sessions

· Listening programs

· Handwriting services

· Consultations and Sensory

· Diets

· Comprehensive occupational and auditory evaluations

· Classes and camps for children of all abilities (see below... the next session starts June 17th!)

Sensory Kids was founded in 2002 by owner Melissa Kahn, MS, an Occupational Therapist and mother of two. She received a MS from Columbia University in Occupational Therapy. Melissa brings a variety of sensory techniques into her individualized sessions and groups. For example, she has extensive training and experience in the Tomatis method, using Dynamic Listening System and Advanced Brain Technologies (ABT). As a faculty member of ABT, she trains—and consults to—other occupational therapists on a national level. Melissa also has completed many advanced sensory-integration courses and has been educated in Oral Motor Therapy, Cranial Sacral Therapy, Brain Gym and Neurodevelopmental techniques.

Her staff includes 4 occupational therapists and a speech pathologist, who is actually a friend of mine. You can read all about them by clicking here.

Melissa is very excited about her new space of two floors in Greenwich. It's spacious and uniquely designed with rock climbing walls, lofts, ball pits, swings and other custom designed equipment. Sensory Kids prides themselves on their individual family attention and having the most comprehensive evaluations in the tri-state area. In addition, the owner has been custom designing home gyms in the area for the past three years and is available for home, school and business consulation. Home gym consultations can help you design a customized sensory space that will help maximize your child's home program. 

Be sure to visit the Sensory Kids Web site at www.sensory-kids.com. It offers so many resources and tools for parents who are interested in learning more about their child's development and a very comprehensive list of suggested readings and online resources.

Sensory Kids is introducing new groups this summer by popular request. They will be continuing throughout the year. For more information, click on each below: 

Say and Play: June 17 – August 12, 2008

A weekly social skills camp for kids ages 3-5 that offers

• Team multi-sensory obstacle course
• Facilitation of social skills
• Cooperative art projects
• Music and Respiration games

Summer Camp: June 23 - July 3, 2008  or August 4 -  August 15, 2008

Teen/Preteen Yoga: June 25 – August 13, 2008

Back to School Boost: August 2 - 14, 2008

For more information about Sensory Kids and how you can receive your child's first class free, contact Melissa Kahn at:

Sensory Kids, LLC

406 East Putnam Ave., 2nd Floor

Cos Cob, CT 06807

203.422.2193

sensorykids@gmail.com

www.sensory-kids.com

*This is a sponsored recommendation from Sensory Kids, LLC. For more information on sponsored recommendations, click here. 

Sweet Retreat Sampling at Whole Foods Farmers Market in Greenwich This Thursday, June 12th

I recently met Alison Carriere, cofounder of Sweet Retreat, through a friend. Based in Norwalk, Sweet Retreat has developed a delicious granola that makes a great snack for kids. It's all natural and made with healthy ingredients like oats, honey, nuts and fruits. Before I tasted it I thought, just another granola... then I tasted it and I realized that all the time and effort that Allison and her husband (her co-founder) put into this granola has really paid off. It's super fresh and not dry like other granolas. It's slightly sweet without being too sugary. My daughter loves it plain or sprinkled over yogurt.

Sweet Retreat comes in two fun flavors:

“Simplicity” is their signature blend. It's made with heart-healthy nuts, organic rolled oats, and a hint of toasted coconut.

“Harmony” blends succulent dried cranberries and plump raisins with the Simplicity base. 

To sample these delicious flavors, visit Whole Foods in Greenwich this Thursday, June 12th. Sweet Retreat will be there along with Kessman Farms, City Girl Country Girl Cookies and Preserve our Preserve for a farmers market in the parking lot from 8am - 1pm and if their granola is well-received, Whole Foods might carry Sweet Retreat products which would be H-U-G-E and if anyone deserves such a thing, Allison does. She's been busting her butt round the clock to build this business and make the best damn granola around. 

Sweet Retreat is also sold at Villarina's in Southbury and Newtown.

Whole Foods Market

90 E. Putnam Ave

Greenwich, CT 06830

For more details on the Whole Foods farmers market, click here. 

www.sweet-retreat.com

Special Savings on a Last Minute Father's Day Gift!

If you're anything like me you still haven't figured out what to get Dad for Father's Day yet (I need to get on that)! If you know a dad who deserves some pampering, check out the Father's Day menu at Aetheria Relaxation Spa in New Canaan. They're offering Deep Tissue/Sports Massages, The Gentleman's Ritual (90 minute facial and massage combo), and Duet Massages (you can join him for a couple's massage with a therapist for each of you). The spa will be open on Father's Day and all available appointments (except for duet massages) are reserved for the guys. For more details, click here.

And don't forget, FairfieldCountyChild.com readers receive 10% all services at Aetheria. For more details on this offer, click here

FREE Performances For Kids All Summer at the Levitt Pavilion in Westport! Opening Night is June 22nd.

Check out this schedule of FREE shows for kids at the Levitt Pavillion in Westport. I've never been but my friends tell me that it's a great place. They just bring some chairs and a picnic and make a night of it. Not only is it free, but these are some quality performances, not just some local yocals putting on a show.  The Steve Songs performance on July 9th is the one I'm definitely planning to attend with my daughter. I've heard great things about Steve, a Connecticut resident who has a show on PBS Morning Block. You can listen to his music by clicking here.   For more details about this and other kids' shows at the Levitt, visit www.levittpavilion.com

Sunday, June 22, 7pm 

Opening Night: Russian American Kids Circus (see image above)

This blend of circus arts, theater, dance, music and comedy gives birth to an entirely new genre of entertainment experience. S 

Sponsor: Melissa & Doug®

Wednesday, June 25, 7pm*

The Hall Family

Everyone's favorite musical group returns for the 17th year. S 

*Pre-show festivities begin at 6:30. 

Sponsor: Stew Leonard III Water Safety Foundation

Wednesday, July 2, 7pm

Magic of Lyn

Lyn reappears to dazzle us with incredible eye-popping, jaw-dropping

magical tricks. S 

Sponsor: Westport Young Woman’s League

Wednesday, July 9, 7pm

SteveSongs

Parents’ Choice Gold Award Winner! The LA Times applauds Steve’s “gentle humor and creative songs.” S

Sponsor: Westport Young Woman’s League

Wednesday, July 16, 7pm

Bounce, Ooo La La & Daniel

A smorgasbord of juggling, unicycling, music, mime and silly tricks. S

Sponsor: Westport Young Woman’s League

Wednesday, July 23, 7pm

Jon Gailmor

The award-winning folk-singer is “Better than Bob Dylan, because I can understand what he is saying” – Silas, Age 5, Newtown, CT. S

Sponsor: Westport Young Woman’s League

Wednesday, July 30, 7pm

Hot Peas ‘N Butter

Featured on Nickelodeon and Sirius Satellite Radio’s “Kids Stuff,” this unique musical group is simply irresistible! S

Sponsor: Melissa & Doug®

Wednesday, August 6, 7pm

Milkshake

Great rock music for kids (and parents); influenced by Lennon-McCartney to the White Stripes. S 

Sponsor: Melissa & Doug®

Wednesday, August 13, 7pm 

Papillion

An engaging and energetic celebration of Cajun, Zydeco and Mardi Gras music. Some pirate songs for good measure! S

Sponsor: Melissa & Doug® 

Wednesday, August 20, 7pm

Dirty Sock Funtime Band

Voted Best Kids Band 2008 by Time Out NY Kids! S

Sponsor: Melissa & Doug®

*Rain Location & General Information

Rain Location codes: “S” for Saugatuck School, 170 Riverside Avenue, “T” for Toquet Hall, 58 Post Road East, or “X” for No Rain Location.

What's Up for the Weekend?

There are so many cool things happening this weekend in Fairfield County for kids. Summer is in full swing (well almost) and there's plenty to do. Here are a few reminders! Click COMMENT below and share your weekend plans! Or email me at fairfieldcountychild@gmail.com and I'll post them here. 

Abby's All Stars Family Day and Tag Sale June 7th & 8th in Trumbull

Southern Yankee trunk show at Kaleidoscope in Stamford June 7th

Think Green! booksigning and reading in Darien Sport Shop's Children's Departent June 7th

Norwalk Main/Wall Street Festival June 7th

Stepping Stones Museum Celebrate Summer Event June 7th

IMAX Sea Monsters Movie at the Maritime Aquarium in Norwalk June 7th and 8th

Georgetown Day Fair Sunday June 8th 

(image above courtesy of Google images)

Norwalk Main/Wall Street Festival This Saturday, June 7th

I love visiting SoNo and the Wall Street area of Norwalk. Not only are there amazing restaurants (Fat Cat Pie, Chocopologie, Match... just to name  a few), but it's definitely a little grittier (in a good way) than most of Fairfield County and I love how every time I go there, I find something new to love. Visiting this revitalized area is exciting and it always makes me feel there's a piece of the big city life still within my reach. Go hang out in SoNo on a Saturday night and you'll see what I mean - there's some serious nightlife going on. 

But there's plenty for the kiddies too...as you can see from this press release that I am sharing below, about the Norwalk Main/Wall Street Festival this Saturday, June 7th. It's a FREE event sponsored by the local business community.  I can't make it but if you can attend, I'd love to hear from you next week about how it all turned out.

WHO: Over 80 Norwalk area merchants, businesses and non-profits will be exhibiting their goods and services during a day long festival celebrating the past, present and future of the historic downtown Wall Street community. 

WHAT: A fun filled day with music, food and family-friendly activities. A stilt walker, a magician, balloon twister, a puppet show, face painting, tattoos for kids, ballet children’s fashion show and plant potting are just a few activities to keep the kids busy! Shakespeare on the Sound will be performing excerpts of its classic productions; The Norwalk Symphony will be offering an instrument “petting zoo; fashion shows throughout the day; and the Norwalk River Rowing Club will be offering 30-minute rows to the public. Other area businesses will offer demonstrations including ballroom dancing, karate, floral arranging and dog training. Food vendors will include award winning Chocopologie and local favorites B.J. Ryan’s, Bella Luna and La Paella. 

Live music performance schedule as follows:

3-4 pm - Silver Streaks

4-5 pm - Jim Clark

5-6 pm - Cookie Thomas

6-7 pm - Chris Perone

7-8 pm - PJ Pacifico

8-9 pm - Smakin Abner 

WHERE: Main & Wall Streets in Norwalk’s historic downtown. For Parking, please use Yankee Doodle Garage or the Issacs or Leonard Street Lots. The Mechanics Street Lot will be closed. 

WHEN: Saturday, June 7, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm

Rain date is Sunday, June 8, 2008 

CONTACT: POKO Partners at 914.937.5152