A Town for All Seasons: Simsbury Launches New Tourism Initiative!

This summer, the town of Simsbury became one of New England’s hottest tourist destinations with its Public Art Trail outdoor exhibit. Visitors travelled far and wide to view 32 life-like sculptures, hand painted by internationally-renowned artist Seward Johnson, and displayed within the many picturesque gardens and public spaces throughout the town. Joseph Buda, President of The Simsbury Historical Society, has witnessed a huge influx of new visitors to view the five bronze art pieces on his grounds. This inspired Buda to unite all of Simsbury’s organizations to promote tourism year-round.

“Most people have come to know and love this town for the events offered throughout the summer, including the Public Art Trail and the widely-popular concerts hosted by the Simsbury Performing Arts Center,” said Buda. “This is an opportunity to raise awareness for all of the cultural, entertainment and educational programs, activities and events emanating from our town all year long.”

The organizations included in the new tourism initiative launching this fall include the Simsbury Historical Society, Simsbury Public Library, Simsbury Free Library, Simsbury Performing Arts Center, Simsbury Parks and Recreation, Downtown Simsbury, Simsbury Main Street and Simsbury Grange.

These organizations will be releasing a combined monthly calendar that offers one convenient listing of all the most exciting and in-demand events in Simsbury.

“Even for the casual observer, spending an hour or two in Simsbury will reveal countless adventures, mysteries, and knowledge waiting to be discovered,” adds Buda. “The town center is filled with local mom and pop shops, fine eateries, and fascinating museums.”

Due to the overwhelming popularity of the Simsbury Public Art Trail, the exhibit will remain in town through Saturday, October 27th. Every sculpture will then be transported to the Simsbury Performing Arts Center for the Simsbury Chamber of Commerce’s 4th Annual Spooktacular Chili Challenge, a cookoff featuring some of the best food vendors and live entertainment in the Northeast region.

“I can’t begin to tell you how many families I have seen smiling, laughing and taking pictures with the sculptures as I drive down Hopmeadow Street every day,” exclaimed Buda. “Our goal is to continue to propel Simsbury to the prominent status that it deserves as a top attraction for tourists.”

Events running in the month of September includes:

Friday, September 7th – Sunday September 9th: Septemberfest – Simsbury Performing Arts Center (Friday 5:00p-10:00p, Saturday 11:00a-10:00p, Sunday 11:00a-5:00p)

· Come celebrate a three day festival of family fun, food and entertainment! Friday night will feature a fireworks display at the end of the evening. There will be children’s activities, live musical entertainment, great food selection, Business Expo of retailers, services and organizations from greater Hartford area. Moonlight Pub will also offer a large selection of beer from regional craft brewers, imported favorites, white and red wines

Saturday, September 15th: Simsbury Grange Fair – Simsbury Grange #197, West Simsbury (10:00a-3:00p)

· Celebrate the plentiful agriculture offerings in the town of Simsbury and surrounding area. Learn more about your local farmers and showcase your own tastiest baked goods and healthiest veggies, fruit, and flowers in our adult contests. Kids can enter one of our many creative contests including original Lego creations and photography! Entry to the Grange Fair is free, and all proceeds go to the Simsbury Grange.

Saturday, September 15th: Concert on the Green – Simsbury Historical Society (5:30p-7:30p)

· Join Simsbury Grange #197 for a free concert on the Historical Society lawn, featuring the Roberto Morbioli Band, plus Jesse Williams and Liviu Pop!

Saturday, September 15th and Sunday September 16th: 49th Annual Simsbury Women’s Club Arts and Crafts Festival – Iron Horse Boulevard (Saturday and Sunday 10:00a-4:00p, rain or shine)

· Over 100 artists and craftspeople will gather rain or shine to exhibit their art. Admission and parking are free. Demonstrations, food and a bake sale are included. Proceeds enable the Club to grant scholarships and contribute to a number of area non-profit organizations. The Club is a member of the General Federation of Women's Clubs, Connecticut.

Saturday, September 15th: Back to School at Hogwarts Storytellers Cottage- 750 Hopmeadow Street (10:00a-2:30p for elementary and middle school kids as well as teens).

• Spend the day taking classes at Hogwarts, including Potions, Charms, Divination, History of Magic, Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology and more! Bring your lunch and wand (if you have one), and wear your robes or house colors. We'll have class in all of our different themed spaces, including our Magical Common Room, secret hidden Castle Room, Great Hall, and more.

Saturday, September 22nd; Scarecrow Day- Simsbury Historical Society- 800 Hopmeadow Street (10:00a-3:00p – Rain Date Sept. 23rd)

• Build your own scarecrow at the Simsbury Historical Society. Costs are $15 for the first scarecrow/$10 for each additional one. You bring the creativity and the SHS will provide hay for stuffing, clothes and accessories, as well as frames and “heads” for each scarecrow. Volunteers will be onsite to assist throughout the day.

Saturday, September 22nd and Sunday, September 23rd: Giant Used Book Sale – Simsbury High School (Saturday 9:00a-5:00p, Sunday 10:00a-4:00p)

• Shop for an assortment of hardcover and paperback books, complete games and puzzles, DVD’s, books and music on CD, recent software, all in good clean condition! This hugely popular used book sale is known for its great selection and exceptional organization! Donations are currently being accepted at the Simsbury Public Library ahead of the event.

Sunday, September 23rd: Walk MS – Simsbury Performing Arts Center (site opens at 9:00a, walk begins at 10:00a)

· Team up with friends, loved ones and co-workers to change the world for everyone affected by MS. Together, we become a powerful force. And with every step we take, every dollar we raise, we're that much closer. Together, we will end MS forever.

Sunday, September 23rd: Simsbury Fly-In, Car Show, & Food Truck Festival – Simsbury Airport (8:00a-5:00p, rain date is September 30th)

· This year’s annual Fly-In and Car Show will feature 750+ great planes and cars of virtually every type and vintage. For the first time, this year over 20 food vendors will be showcased at the event. Additionally, visit over 150 exhibitors, sponsors and advertisers, and fun activities for the entire family! No entry fee required, but donations are appreciated. Local parking is available for $10, with proceeds to benefit the Boy Scouts.

Sunday, September 23rd: MAX CHEF TO FARM BAND FEST – Rosedale Farms & Vineyards (2:00p-6:00p)

· Join the group of MAX restaurants at the Chef to Farm Festival for an opportunity to enjoy the freshest foods and produce in the sublime beauty of our state’s farms. Headlining musical performer is Booyah!, food provided by Savoy Pizza Trailer and other MAX bites. Cost for adults is $59 (all-inclusive except for Eventbrite fee), cost for kids is $19.

Sunday, September 30th: Raise a Paw Against Leukemia – Simsbury Performing Arts Center (10:00a-2:00p)

· Experience a vendor fair, dog walk and optional “challenge course” for the dogs and their owners to help fight leukemia and other blood cancers. There will be dog crowdfunding, an opportunity for dogs to get pledges and raise funds to help families fighting blood cancer and be named the event’s Top Dog! Not only is this a great event for people, their dogs, and businesses; it’s also a fundraising event for The Rob Branham Foundation, a CT charity that provides financial assistance to CT families fighting leukemia and other blood cancers.

For more information on each program and activity, please visit the Simsbury Tourism Facebook page.

The Simsbury Historical Society is a non-profit educational corporation founded in 1911 through a bequest of Abbie Sexton Barber to begin a "Historical Room" in Simsbury. Its first and current permanent home was acquired in 1962, through the gift of the Phelps family homestead. Collections include more than one dozen structures, significant regional artifacts and important period and thematic anthologies. Today, the Simsbury Historical Society continues its stewardship of period and modern buildings, artifact and manuscript collections and special events and workshops, which afford the general and professional public the opportunity to research and enjoy Simsbury’s past and present.