Madison Bauer Park Committee Plans Harvest Festival, Advances Disc Golf Outreach

MADISON, CT — Madison's Bauer Park Advisory Committee discussed Harvest Festival planning, outreach for a proposed disc golf course and possible memorial tree plantings during a special meeting July 30 at Bauer Park.

Disc Golf Outreach

Chair Ted Rahmann asked committee member Chuck Imbergamo to staff the Bauer Park tent at the Harvest Festival to share information about the proposed disc golf course. Imbergamo accepted the assignment and said he will begin preparing a poster or other educational materials for the planned course.

Imbergamo also suggested adding a disc golf-themed activity or game for festival attendees. The committee approved the idea.

Memorial Tree Requests

Rahmann said the committee may receive two requests for memorial tree plantings, one from the Masonic Lodge and another from an individual.

He identified potential planting locations along the west side of Copse Road and behind the lectern on the east side of Copse Road. Rahmann said the site behind the lectern could accommodate a larger tree because a large oak once stood there.

The committee plans to offer those locations if the requests are submitted.

Harvest Festival Updates

Committee members provided several updates on planning for the Harvest Festival.

Imbergamo said festival sponsor handouts have been updated. Committee member Maureen Burke said the materials are being distributed to past and prospective sponsors and that sponsorships are beginning to come in.

Burke said Ranger Russ from Meig's Point Nature Center has confirmed his participation.

The committee reported that activities including scarecrow making, face painting and pumpkin painting are planned, with commitments from community groups to help staff them.

Committee member Holly Johnson said she is contacting the Madison Historical Society and the Deacon John Grave House to determine whether they would like to participate with displays.

Committee member Jim Henneberry said blacksmith Tony Kowalski has committed to attending.

Burke said the operator of Swords to Plowshares will be unable to attend this year's festival.

Burke also said "Cyral the Sorcerer" is confirmed to perform. She said he will mingle with attendees to gather audiences before his shows and will perform in the lean-to behind the barn. The committee said approximately 30 to 40 chairs will be needed for the performances.

Committee members discussed ways to improve communication of the festival schedule, including using sandwich-board signs and giving the schedule more prominent placement in the festival program.

Henneberry said the festival will need at least two additional cases of apples and more hay, and that he is working to secure both.