August 6 At Fairfield Hills—

Tercentennial Planners Unveil

Party Plans For The Big 3–0–0

By Nancy K. Crevier

You could go away to the beach August 6; that would be nice. You could go sailing on the Sound; yes, that would be nice. It would be nice to hike the Appalachian Trail that day, too, or head to the cool, Green Mountains of Vermont, wouldn’t it? But where could it be even nicer?

How about Newtown? There will be more than enough reasons to believe it’s Nicer in Newtown for those who stay home to join in the Tercentennial Birthday Celebration scheduled for August 6.

The hardworking Tercentennial Committee is pounding out the final details for a day of fun and festivities at Fairfield Hills, starting with a 9:30 am vintage baseball game and ending after dusk with an extravaganza of fireworks. In between, leave plenty of time to enjoy the other activities, visit with friends, and lunch leisurely on the grounds or under a food tent.

From 10 am to 3 pm, visitors are welcome to the 5th Connecticut Regiment encampment located by the water tower on the hill. There, “soldiers” and their families will be happy to give a tour of their re-created Revolutionary Army camp, and answer questions you might have about early American army life.

The 5th Connecticut Regiment was formed originally in May of 1775, with a second regiment mustered in early 1777 as New England’s fight for independence from Great Britain intensified. Disbanded after the war in 1783, a charter from Governor Ella Grasso in 1975 allowed the reformation of the 5th Connecticut as an honorary reenactment unit of the American Revolutionary War. Here’s a chance to step back in history to the days when Newtown was truly a “new” town.

A children’s activity tent, open from 10 am to 5 pm, will keep youngsters busy while the grownups visit an antique car show in front of Shelton House. The old buggies will be on view from 10 am to 1 pm, and offer another opportunity to connect with the way we were.

For those who like horses and the military, and if you like skilled horsemanship, you want to be around when The Second Company Governor’s Horse Guard is on hand to perform maneuvers between 4 and 5 pm.

The all-volunteer state militia unit exists to serve the governor in times of war and peace, and to preserve the historic Calvary in Connecticut. Housed just across the street from Fairfield Hills, the three dozen or so horses and riders are a familiar sight to Newtowners and parade viewers across the state, but here is a chance to get a close-up look at their flair for performance.

All of that bouncing on the inflatables, walking, talking, and gawking is a sure way to work up a big appetite. Luckily, our fire companies will be on top of that. Where’s the beef? Sandy Hook Fire Department, that’s where. Juicy roast beef sandwiches will be the specialty of that department. Need something a little zestier? Put your money on the pepper and sausage rolls offered by the Botsford Department. Hawleyville and Hook and Ladder will be there with delicious chicken, and ice cream to cool you off.

Quench your thirst with drinks at the Lions Club booth, and if you are hankering for a snack, visit the Knights of Columbus for their famous fried dough.

In the likely event of sun and summer heat, the Tercentennial Committee hopes to have a misting tent on the grounds. This provides an excellent reprieve from the heat — without getting soaking wet. That might be something the Dodgingtown Fire Department wants to keep in mind. Dodgingtown volunteers will be perched on a Dunking Tank platform from 10 am to 5 pm, ready to take a dive for anyone with a good aim and a good throwing arm.

Politics has always been a big part of Newtown over its 300 years of existence. The men and women of the Republican and Democratic parties in town will face off at the birthday bash, but this time the agenda will be a little different than party-line votes. A Republicans vs Democrats softball game will be played from 5 to 6 pm. Come and cheer on your favorite political team!

What would a festival be without music? The stage tent will feature music by Harmony on the Sound from 1 to 2 in the afternoon, followed until 8:30 pm by music from various local bands, including The Bad Boys Blues Band and the Gutterboogies. From blues to rock and roll, the Tercentennial Committee has tried to track down tunes to please every ear.

As evening falls on the biggest birthday party in the area, throw down a blanket at one of the designated viewing sites and relax while the sky lights up with a stupendous fireworks display — the final salute of the day to Newtown’s 300th birthday.

Absolutely, August 6 will be Nicer in Newtown!

All August 6 events take place on the Fairfield Hills grounds. Volunteers are still needed to staff many positions at the Tercentennial Birthday Party. Contact Barbara Kasbarian at Newtown Parks & Recreation, 270-4340, to volunteer.