Explore Sandy Hook Center, Saturday

The business and property owners of Sandy Hook Center, through their involvement with Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP), are planning a new event for Columbus Day weekend that invites everyone in the community to enjoy what the business district near the Church Hill Road-Washington Avenue-Riverside Road-Glen Road intersection has to offer: the beauty of Sandy Hook, unique shopping and dining options, and community spirit.

The inaugural Passport To Sandy Hook will take place Saturday, October 8, from 11 am to 4 pm, rain or shine.

The public is invited to pick up a Sandy Hook Passport at any participating business in Sandy Hook that day, and then visit each shop and eatery listed. Each location will be stamping passports, and those who have their passports fully stamped will then be entered into a drawing for a prize package of gift certificates and items valued at more than $1,300.

While visiting the different locations there will be plenty of samples, free refreshments, and Halloween treats to be enjoyed. Many locations will also be offering discount coupons for their goods and services.

Live music will be performed during the run of the event by John Voket, Crystal Pyramid, and The Screw-Ups, all of whom are donating their time.

Many specials will also be offered by the selection of eateries within Sandy Hook, from ice cream and pizza to sandwiches and burgers. Whether looking for a quick bite or a full sit-down lunch or dinner, the options are there. Food specials will include gelato samples at demitasse café, pizza samples (and activities) at Figs Wood Fired Bistro, refreshments (and discount coupons) at Genesis Salon, specials at Ice Cream Heaven, kids’ specials and a raffle at The Iron Bridge at 100 Church Hill, dip samples (and discount coupons) at Katherine’s Kitchen, Halloween treats (and samples) at PJ’s Laundromat, wine tastings (plus popcorn and face painting) at Sandy Hook Wine & Liquor, specials at Stone River Grille and The Villa Restaurant when kids join their parents for dining, and The Wishing Well will offer food samples and face painting.

In addition, Colbert Gallery will be open for visits, Fun Kuts & Fun Kids Consignments will have face painting and discount coupons, The Graceful Planet will have mini demonstrations and presentations, Life’s A Peach will have giveaways, students of Porco’s Karate Academy will also be doing demonstrations, Sabrina Style will have a sidewalk sale and discount coupons, Sandy Hook Hair Co. will be offering pink hair “Feathers For A Cure” and discount coupons, Smoky Topaz will be open, and Toy Tree will be running a “Tower of Games” raffle.

There will be additional raffles to enter, and a bounce house for the kids. Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue will send some of its members and one of its engines to the event, offering a Touch-A-Truck for kids of all ages and answering questions about the department. Company members will also be on hand for traffic control.

Parking will be encouraged behind the shops along Church Hill Road, at the park at 3-5 Glen Road, and at locations along Riverside Road, including the fire company’s main station at 18-20 Riverside.

All are invited to enjoy the event and while there is no participation fee, SHOP members are asking attendees to considering bringing donations for FAITH Food Pantry.

Sponsors include Newtown Savings Bank.