Maritime Marvels And Earthy Delights: CT's Weekend Extravaganzas

CONNECTICUT — Ships and sheep will mark the marquee events in Connecticut this weekend.

Earth Day was Monday, but Hartford residents are still celebrating with a doozy of a festival in Pope Park West set for Saturday from noon to 5 p.m.

The "On Earth" celebration is a "reward for all the amazing volunteer work happening in the region around Earth day, as well as volunteer opportunities that benefit our community all year long," according to the event's organizers. There will be vendors, food trucks, farmers, workshops, music, and more. Admission is free.

If your idea of a celebration is more likely to be found on the open seas, head to Essex this weekend for the 8th Connecticut Spring Boat Show.

Unlike most boat shows, this maritime market is in-water, and it's also the first boat show of the season in New England. Five Connecticut bands will provide the music for sailors to scope out a wide range of new and pre-owned power and sail models ranging from 20-foot to larger than 65-foot, from leading boat brands. The show is a must for exhibitors, which include yacht brokers, gear, artists, accessories, and service companies.

The show, docked at Safe Harbor Essex Island Marina, is unfurling sails all weekend long: Friday 1 p.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are available online here.

It's a whole different marina with an entirely different vibe in Old Saybrook on Sunday for Oysters at the Point. A bevy of bivalves sourced from Connecticut, Rhode Island, Long Island, and Block Island will take center stage at The Saybrook Point Resort and Marina. The menu of mollusks be joined by a wide selection of wines, champagnes, ales, cocktails, live music on the terrace and a display of work by local artisans.

A portion of the proceeds will benefit The Rockfall Foundation whose primary mission is to promote and support environmental education and conservation in the Lower Connecticut River Valley. The extravaganza runs from noon to 3 p.m., and tickets are available online here.

Here's a very different kind of event, albeit one in its 43rd year: Connecticut's Annual Storytelling Festival & Conference sprawls across two locations in downtown New London on April 26 and 27. Performances will be blended with workshops held at The Thames Club and All Souls Unitarian Universalist Congregation. The Friday session is 7:30-9 p.m., and will be a cabaret of personal narratives. Sessions on Saturday begin at 9 a.m. and run through 9 p.m. Registration is online here.

A little less cerebral, and vastly more warm and fuzzy, is the Connecticut Sheep, Wool, & Fiber Festival, Saturday at the North Haven Fairgrounds. Stock up on fleece, felt, pelts, spindles, yarn, needles, agora, alpaca, and everything else you need to churn out your Christmas quota of rugs, socks and sweaters. A can't-miss event for shepherds and fiber enthusiasts, the fest will also include demonstrations from the Society for Creative Anachronism, activities for the kids, food, and music. And plenty of sheep.

Finally, it's the last weeked of April, and there's nothing wrong with starting your Cinco de Mayo a little early. The Weston History & Culture Center will be hosting a Tequila and Mezcal Tasting Party on Saturday from 7-10 p.m. The tasting will be led by the publisher and editor of Modern Distillery Age, Gregg Glaser. Tickets are available online here.