Community Corner
Collectible Cars, Busy Bees, Muppets and More
And that's just the start. From autos to arts fests, and pirates to puppets, there's tons of family fun in store this week.
Aaaargh, Matey! It's International Talk Like A Pirate Day, started in 1995 and celebrated by people in 40 countries — who knew? And the is celebrating with . There will be a pirate-themed scavenger hunt, pirate toy-boat-making, crafts and other activities such as a pirate dunk tank. A special program, Shark Shenanigans, will be at 11:30 a.m. for ages 1-4 and a musical performance of traditional sea songs for kids ("A Pirate's Life for Me" — remember?) will be offered by Julie & Brownie at 1 p.m. And scallywags, don't forget to wear your pirate garb! 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sept. 18
Hey, Honey, join the beekeepers at the to learn all about the world of honey bees and their connection to humans at the Honey Bee Open House. Kids will learn about and use equipment and even get a peek inside the hive to see how the bees are preparing for winter. The program is rain or shine, but the outdoor hives will not be opened in the event of rain. 10:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. on Sept. 17
For more of the bee's knees, head over to Ambler Farm's Honey Bee Jamboree in Wilton. Presented by the Backyard Beekeepers Association, the place will be buzzing with lots of fun stuff to do, including hive observation, honey tasting, honey extracting, candle rolling, honey ice cream making, face painting, children's activities, and bee products. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. on Sept. 17
How about a puppet extravaganza this weekend? Dr. Phineas' Magical Emporium presents The Dragon and the Pepper and the puppeteer is none other than Tim Clarke who has made puppets for the Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Dark Crystal and Fraggle Rock. 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sept. 17
Some kids just love cars. If that sounds all too familiar, head over to the 8th annual Fairfield County Concours d'Elegance at the Fairfield County Hunt Club in Westport. The event will showcase more than 200 of the world's most extraordinary automobiles and motorcycles, spanning the past 100 years, including exhibits such as the Chrysler Hemi-powered vehicles, CCCA Grand Classic 100 Point Winners, Porsche, Jaguar E-type, Woodies, Barn Finds, and Preservation Vehicles – plus auctions, kids' activities and much more. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 18
Introduce your child to the arts at the first annual It's a fun-filled day of artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities, flash concerts by New York City's acclaimed Asphalt Orchestra, an hilarious Punch and Judy, and a fabulous pottery sale of faculty and student works. While you're there, be sure to check out the wonderful new Sculpture Walk. 2 - 4 p.m. on Sept. 17
Speaking of art, your child will love the current exhibit at the Westport Arts Center, . These paintings were created by Malawian schoolchildren, ages 11-14, in Save the Children's Healing and Education through Arts Program. Enriching the experience, each work of art is accompanied by a short explanation of the painting in the artist's own words. The opening reception is on Friday from 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. Exhibit hours are Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. - 4 p.m. Sept. 16 - Nov. 4
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There's no such thing as too much art, so head over to Stamford's where over 75 craft and artisan boutiques will line Bedford Street, while the Imagination Station, presented by the Stamford Museum and Nature Center and the Bartlett Arboretum, will offer hands-on activities for kids, as well as farm animals and crafts. Then grab a bite at one of Bedford Street's sidewalk cafes. Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Sept. 17 and 18
If your child is a bit anxious about medical procedures, here's a friendly way to familiarize your young one with medical care. The Greenwich Hospital's Teddy Bear Clinic invites kids, ages 3-12, to bring their favorite stuffed animal or doll for evaluation and treatment by doctors and nurses from more than thirty departments. Depending on the diagnosis, X-rays, ultrasound, surgery, splints or stitches may be ordered. Who knows? You may end up with a doctor in the family. It's free and healthy snacks will be provided. 12 p.m. - 3 p.m. on Sept. 18
Be the first to scramble on the new nature-inspired play structures, including a rock climbing installation and eagle's nest, at the New Canaan Nature Center's Children's Play Garden Opening & Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. 5:30 on Sept. 16
