As people across the country commemorate America's 250th anniversary, the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary is inviting the community to celebrate the nation's agricultural heritage with a little "Red, White & Blueberry" spirit.
On Saturday, July 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., families are invited to visit the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary at 8 Commerce Road in Newtown to pick a complimentary pint of fresh blueberries from the sanctuary's blueberry patch, available on a first-come, first-served basis, while the harvest lasts. Inspired by the early American tradition of neighbors sharing the fruits of their harvest, the event is a simple gift to the community celebrating America's 250th anniversary and the timeless values of kindness, generosity and neighborly spirit that continue to bring people together today.
"One of the greatest traditions in our country's history is neighbors caring for neighbors,” said Jennifer Hubbard, President of the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary. “As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, we wanted to honor that tradition in a simple way by sharing. We hope every family leaves with blueberries, memories and perhaps a new recipe to enjoy around the table."
To help families bring a taste of history home, visitors will receive a keepsake recipe card featuring a traditional colonial-era Blueberry Grunt, a simple New England dessert enjoyed for generations. Families are invited to make the recipe their own or create a favorite blueberry dish and share photos of their culinary creations after the event. Whether it's a pie, muffins, pancakes, jam or simply enjoying a handful of fresh berries, participants are encouraged to tag the Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary on social media and help spread a little more "Red, White & Blueberry" spirit throughout the community.
The blueberry patch is part of the sanctuary's organic garden, which is managed by Real Food CT. Throughout the growing season, the garden connects visitors with sustainable agriculture while providing fresh produce that is shared with local food pantries. Guests are encouraged to explore the sanctuary grounds while visiting and learn more about its mission of keeping animals safe in homes and native habitats.
Whether visitors come for the blueberries, the history or simply an afternoon outdoors, the sanctuary hopes visitors leave with a reminder that kindness, like a shared harvest, is best when passed from one neighbor to another.