Adjustments Made To Darien's First Weed Beach Fest: Update

DARIEN, CT — The town's Parks and Recreation Department, which is launching its first Weed Beach Fest on Saturday, June 17, has decided to make some adjustments to the event, including making it free for residents, according to department Director Pamela Gery.

"While we were in the midst of our planning, we opted to make some changes that we felt were necessary for our first year," wrote Gery in an email to Patch.

Besides no longer charging an entrance fee, the department has decided to drop the planned beer tasting tent.

Here is an updated list from Gery of the event's activities and facts:

• Saturday June 17th 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (paid premier parking at Weed Beach and free parking and shuttles at Hindley School will open at 2 p.m.)
• Premier parking at Weed Beach is $20 (approx. 130 spaces available – first come first served)
• Admission to the event is free for all ages
• Credit cards or cash will be accepted
• Three bands are scheduled to play: 3 p.m. “Wally” 4:30 p.m. “Gunsmoke” 6:30 p.m. “FreePlay”
• Contests and games will be scheduled throughout the event
• A Kids Cove with water slides and activities will be available for a nominal fee
• Grilled food will be available for purchase as well as entrée choices from available food trucks on site
• Numerous vendors will be on site selling everything from jewelry to summer wares
• Weed Beach Fest T-shirts will be available for sale at the event
• Plan to bring beach chairs, bathing suits and towels (water slides and possible water games)
• No coolers please/ No pets allowed
• Sponsors to date: Rings End, Uncles Deli, Opus, Halstead and Weston & Sampson
• A backpack drive sponsored by Opus and Halstead will take place at the event. Food tickets will be given per school backpacks that are donated at the event to support kids in need

The Parks and Rec Department is looking for volunteers for the event, which it plans to make an annual occurrence. Additional sponsorship opportunities also are available; contact Patrick Rossiter, Recreation Supervisor, Event Coordinator, Darien Parks & Recreation, for more information (prossiter@darienct.gov)

Below is the department's full press release announcing the event:

DARIEN, CT — Kick off the summer right with the Darien Parks and Recreation department's Weed Beach Fest brought to you by Ring’s End, a celebration that will bring the community together for music, food and fun in the sun - plus a good cause.

The festivities on June 17, 3:00-8:00p, include three great bands: the up and coming, young musicians of Wally, perennial local favorite, Gun Smoke and one of Connecticut’s greatest party bands, Freeplay.

For the kids, there will be three big inflatable slides, crafts, games and activities in the Kids Cove, along with other games and prizes on the beach. Look for kayak and paddleboard rentals from Downunder and the Darien Junior Sailing Team will offer sailboat rides.

Thanks to the generosity of Presenting Sponsor Ring’s End, this event will be free to attend. Thanks to our Experience Sponsor, Uncle’s Deli of Darien and Stamford will provide a picnic barbecue on the beach. There also will be food trucks available.

The Weed Beach Fest is also pleased to help OPUS in collecting book bags for underprivileged kids in our surrounding community. Look for the OPUS table at the Weed Beach Fest and for each new book bag donated, Halstead Property will fill it with school supplies and as an added bonus you will receive a free meal from the picnic BBQ at the festival.

Entry is free for all! Premier parking is available at Weed Beach for $20 and free parking with free shuttles is available at Hindley School.

“We are really looking forward to creating an awesome event for families to start off the summer. We have terrific bands lined up, great activities for kids and some surprises for the adults as well. I think this is a great opportunity for Darien to build on its terrific community spirit and we at the Parks & Recreation Department are proud to be working to make that happen,” said Patrick Rossiter, Recreation Supervisor, Event Coordinator, Darien Parks & Recreation.

About Opus: For 20 years, Opus has supported the Norwalk- and Darien-based agency Person-to- Person through “great works” — the goal that inspired our name. We raise needed funds and enhance public awareness to help Person-to- Person reach out to 25,000 individuals in need with food and clothing donations; scholarship and camp programs to help children fulfill their promise; layettes for babies; a holiday toy store to help wishes come true; and emergency financial assistance when rent and utility checks can’t be written. As we celebrate our platinum anniversary, we are proud of the lives we’ve changed by coming together with a common purpose. For more information on this growing group of more than 260 women, and to learn how to get involved, visit www.opus4p2p.org.