74th Annual Strawberry Festival
The North Canton Community United Methodist Church will hold its 74th Annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday, June 20, 11 a.m.–4 p.m. In addition to homemade strawberry shortcake, the festival offers a plant sale, silent auction, burger and hot dog booth, homemade baked goods and a tag sale. Early entry to the tag sale is at 9 a.m., with a $10 early entry fee.
The church is on Route 179, five miles north of Route 44.
East Granby Library’s Programs
The East Granby Library welcomes neighbors to its programs at 24 Center Street, next to the Senior/Community Center. Please register at egpl.org
Wednesday Afternoon at the Movies at 1 p.m.
June 3–The Choral, June 10–The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, June 17–Mamma Mia!, June 24–Eleanor the Great.
A Night with The Beatles
Join us for the monthly Night with The Beatles, hosted by Wayne Hayes, on Monday, June 15, 7–9 p.m. Hayes, a dedicated Beatles collector and enthusiast, will lead an evening of discussions, screenings, music sharing, and a look at collection treasures. Whether a lifelong fan or you just love a good nostalgic evening, this is the perfect night to celebrate the music that changed the world.
Celebrate America’s 250th!
On Saturday, June 20, 12–1 p.m., take a journey through Connecticut’s pivotal role in the American Revolution with Connecticut Tunes and Tales of Revolution. This hour-long musical program weaves together the state’s rich tapestry of history, folklore and legend from that tumultuous era. This performance blends engaging storytelling with beautifully crafted songs, each one a window into the lives of fascinating characters and significant historical events. From local heroes and forgotten figures to the dramatic moments that shaped the fight for freedom, you’ll discover the hidden stories behind familiar places and uncover the secrets that lie just beneath the surface of this revolutionary period. The evocative melodies are brought to life with the warm tones of acoustic guitar, the bright twang of the 5-string banjo and the delicate shimmer of the mandolin, creating a truly immersive and unforgettable experience. Join us for an afternoon of music and storytelling that celebrates the unique spirit of Connecticut during the American Revolution.
Air museum to hold WWII weekend
On Aug. 29 and 30, the World War II weekend will transform the New England Air Museum into a living history experience, bringing together authentic WWII reenactors, restored military vehicles, armor and historic aircraft. Visitors will step back in time to experience the sights, sounds and stories of the Greatest Generation through immersive displays and interactive demonstrations.
Held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on both days, event highlights include dozens of historically accurate WWII camps; presentations on weaponry, tactics and gear; maps and personal artifacts; authentic military vehicles, armor and aircraft.
There will also be a Hangar Dance on Saturday, Aug. 29 at 7 p.m. with Big Band hits from the Al Fenton Band.
This event is presented in partnership with the 169th Regiment, 43rd Infantry Division WWII Reenactment Group. Visit neam.org/pages/wwii for more information and to purchase tickets.
Porter-Phelps Huntington Museum News
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum, a historic house known as “Forty Acres” dating to 1752 in Hadley, Mass., offers guided tours Saturday through Wednesday, 1–4 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults and $1 for children.
On June 17 at 5 p.m., Tom Weiner, a Northampton-based writer, educator and anti-racist activist, and Dr. Amilcar Shabazz, professor and former president of the National Council for Black Studies, will discuss their new book, In Defiance: 20 Abolitionists You Were Never Taught in School, which uncovers the untold stories of individuals who risked their lives to fight enslavement, and serves as a compelling call for justice and the preservation of history. Books will be available for purchase.
The Museum presents the 45th season of Wednesday Folk Traditions, an outdoor concert series featuring global folk music. Concerts are held in the Sunken Garden at 6:30 p.m.; picnics are welcome starting at 5 p.m. The series kicks off on June 10 with The Wholesale Klezmer Band. Concerts continue weekly. Visit pphmuseum.org for the series’ performers.
The Porter-Phelps-Huntington Museum is the designated Way-Point Center for the National Connecticut River Scenic Byway. A trail system begins at the museum, traverses the farm fields along the river, and continues up the old buggy path to the top of Mount Warner, where the farm’s cattle grazed in the 18th century. Trails are improved and open year-round.
The museum is located at 130 River Drive, Hadley, Mass., on Route 47 just two miles north of the junction of Routes 9 and 47 North in Hadley.
Barn concert sessions
Johnson Brook Farm in Southwick—less than four miles from the Granby town line—recently hosted the first of three Barn Session community events. The farm is a multi-generational operation run by Devon and John Arnold, father and son. The event series is part of how the Arnolds are using the farm to serve the broader regional community.
Vicennial Brewing, an up-and-coming craft brewery, has partnered with Johnson Brook Farm to offer the community events. Although it rained all day for the May event, people came anyway and the barn became the bar and vendor space. The Dad Bods band brought their own pop-up tents for their fans.
The next two shows are June 17 and Oct. 24. The Johnson Brook Farm is located at 292 College Highway (Rtes. 10/202) in Southwick.
Submitted by Jon Jones
Concert for fans of CSNY
The Garde Arts Center in New London offers an unparalleled musical experience on Sunday, Aug. 16, 7 p.m. with Our House: The Music of CSNY. An extraordinary ensemble of musical friends performs the Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young repertoire. The lineup features:
Steve Postell (guitarist and musical director, David Crosby and The Immediate Family)
Jeff Pevar (lead guitar, David Crosby, Graham Nash, CSN, Phil Lesh)
Kipp Lennon (vocals and piano, The Rhythm Tramps)
Mike Vesceglai (bass, Suzanne Vega)
Clint De Ganon (drums, Stevie Wonder, Art Garfunkel)
And featuring images and words from legendary CSNY photographer Henry Diltz.
Audiences can anticipate an immersive journey through classic hits such as Déjà vu, Wooden Ships, Helpless and Carry On delivered with finesse.
For information and tickets, please visit gardearts.org