Waterford Public Library

On August 3, the Waterford Historical Society will present “We, the Haymakers,” a talk and slide show on haymaking with Waterford farmers Tim Conderino and Rich Morgan. To take place in the&nbsp; Waterford Public Library downstairs meeting room, the talk is free and open to the public. Light refreshments and social time begin at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation at 7 p.m.
Conderino, retired state employee, excavation company owner and most important, farmer, will be joined by third-generation farmer Rich Morgan of the longest-running, fifth-generation Morgan Farm on Douglas Lane. They will speak about methods of haymaking over the century and its uses.&nbsp; Conderino has been haying the first-cut at the Old Barrett Farm near Crossroads since mid-May, to be followed by a second cut in mid-summer. He hopes for a third cut, if the weather will allow for it.&nbsp;
The majority of the hay harvested is for livestock feed, and a portion for landscape/soil and erosion control in construction areas.
Conderino and Morgan are trying to keep Waterford’s farmland open, though “It’s definitely not on the agenda” for the Town. Originally known as the West Farms section of New London until its incorporation in 1801, the Town of Waterford once had more than 100 dairy farms. That land is now occupied by chain and big box stores, housing developments, industrial complexes, and apartments, with plans for more development on the drawing board.&nbsp;
“We, the Haymakers” is the third in a series of five “We, the People” programs offered this season by the Waterford Historical Society, inviting town residents to speak of the Town’s agricultural and marine past as it celebrates the 225th anniversary of its founding and the United States of America's 250th birthday. Two more programs, “We, the Fishermen” on September 14, and “We, the Kitchen Gardeners” on October 5 will take place at the same time and location

Local Event: Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Haymakers" Aug. 3

New London County

Waterford

Connecticut

Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the...

On August 3, the Waterford Historical Society will present “We, the Haymakers,” a talk and slide show on haymaking with...

Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Haymakers" Aug. 3

Calling all renters!Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut hosts a series of monthly Homeowner Readiness Workshops with area professionals who educate first time homebuyers. The workshops are free and open to the public. Individuals and families who are interested in the Habitat homeownership program are encouraged to attend as well as those who are curious about increasing their knowledge on the home buying process.&nbsp; Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut is located at 1 Bailey Circle, New London.&nbsp; Contact Director of Homeownership and Programs DeWayne Wynn, Jr. for further information on the series at mission@habitatect.org or call (860)442-7890 ext. 201.

Local Event: Homeowner Readiness Workshops, Free and Open to the Public

Homeowner Readiness Workshops, Free and Open to...

Calling all renters!Habitat for Humanity of Eastern Connecticut hosts a series of monthly Homeowner Readiness Workshops with...

Homeowner Readiness Workshops, Free and Open to the Public

Rope Ferry Road

Waterford Day 2026 Parade Promises a Historic Celebration of Community, Family, and Fun!
WATERFORD, CT – Get ready, Waterford! One of the town’s most anticipated traditions is back, and this year it’s bigger than ever!
The Town of Waterford proudly invites residents and visitors to the 2026 Waterford Day Parade on Saturday, August 8, 2026, rain or shine!
This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as Waterford celebrates its 225th Birthday while our nation commemorates America’s 250th Anniversary. It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to celebrate our rich history, our vibrant community, and the people who make Waterford such a special place to call home.
The Waterford Day Parade kicks off at 11:00 a.m., beginning at Waterford High School and traveling down Rope Ferry Road before concluding at First Baptist Church.
Thanks to the generous support of our presenting sponsors, Mohegan Sun and Eversource, spectators can look forward to an unforgettable parade featuring well over 100 participating groups from throughout Connecticut and beyond!
This year’s parade will showcase:
<ul><li>Spectacular marching bands and musical performances</li><li>High-energy dance teams</li><li>Colorful community floats</li><li>Antique vehicles and classic cars</li><li>Race cars</li><li>Horses</li><li>Community organizations</li><li>Local businesses</li><li>Fire and public safety vehicles</li><li>Several beauty pageant titleholders, including:</li><li>&nbsp;<ul><li>Miss Connecticut 2026</li><li>Miss Connecticut Teen 2026</li><li>Miss Connecticut Teen USA 2026</li><li>Miss Waterford 2026</li></ul></li><li>And plenty of surprises along the route!</li></ul>
Leading this year’s celebration will be 2026 Grand Marshal Smitty Beals, recognized for his remarkable 40 years of dedicated service to Goshen Fire Company #3 and the Waterford Fire Department as Fire Police Leader, alongside 2026 Public Service Award recipient Sandy Kenniston, whose more than three decades of outstanding service with the Town’s Department of Public Works have made Waterford a better place for generations. Be sure to give them a big Waterford welcome as they proudly wave to the crowd!
The Fun Starts Before the Parade!
The excitement begins long before the first float rolls down Rope Ferry Road!
From 8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., families are invited to enjoy FREE activities at Jordan Park Green and the Waterford Public Library, including:
<ul><li>A one-hour family magic spectacular featuring music, sound effects and audience participation</li><li>Interactive games for children of all ages</li><li>Dunk Tank</li><li>Face Painting</li><li>Temporary Face Tattoos</li><li>Balloon Twisters</li><li>Hug-a-Coke</li><li>Sign a Promise</li><li>And many more family-friendly activities!</li></ul>
The Waterford Regional Lions Club will also be distributing 500 miniature American flags to parade-goers before the festivities begin—helping everyone show their patriotic spirit as we celebrate both Waterford’s 225th Birthday and America’s 250th Anniversary.
Hungry? No problem! A variety of food vendors will be serving delicious favorites before, during, and after the parade, making Waterford Day the perfect way to spend the entire day with family and friends.
Best of all…every activity and the parade are FREE to attend!
First Selectman Rob Brule encourages everyone to come out and celebrate:
“Waterford Day is more than a parade—it’s a celebration of everything that makes our community so special. It’s neighbors coming together, families making memories, volunteers giving back, and thousands of people proudly celebrating our hometown. As Waterford marks 225 years of history while America celebrates 250 years, there has never been a better time to come together and celebrate our incredible community. We look forward to seeing everyone on August 8!”
Bring your lawn chairs, wave your American flags, and join thousands of friends and neighbors for one of southeastern Connecticut’s largest and most exciting community celebrations.
Celebrate Waterford. Celebrate America. Celebrate Together.
Saturday, August 8, 2026
Pre-Parade Family Activities: 8:00 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.
Waterford Day Parade: 11:00 a.m.
Location:&nbsp;
Starts at Waterford High School, 20 Rope Ferry Road&nbsp;
Ends at the First Baptist Church, 105 Rope Ferry Road
Admission: FREE
Parking available at:
Library, Community Center, Town Hall, Police Department &amp; Gazebo
*WHS parking is for participants only
Stay up-to-date by following us online: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Waterford-Day/61575388185824/?rdid=imOS76Tevlg9qOxf&amp;share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F12KxMFiQfVg%2F" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">Waterford Day | Waterford CT | Facebook</a>
Please reach out to Shannon Withey,&nbsp;<a href="mailto:swithey@waterfordct.org">swithey@waterfordct.org</a>, 860-444-5834, if you have any questions.&nbsp;
<h3>Admission</h3>
FREE

Local Event: Waterford Day Parade

Waterford Day Parade

Waterford Day 2026 Parade Promises a Historic Celebration of Community, Family, and Fun!
WATERFORD, CT – Get ready, Waterford!...

Samuel Smith Farmstead

On Saturday, August 15th
from 10 am to 3 pm, Samuel Smith Farmstead will host their “History Day”. This event for Adults and Children is free, and will be held at the Farmstead located at 82 Plants Dam Road in East Lyme, Connecticut.
The Dirty Blue Shirts group will present two Living Historical programs on “Clothing &amp; Fabric in the 18th Century” and “The Farmstead during the American Revolution”. The Dirty Blue Shirts is an experiential history collective of living historians, scholars, and artists from Eastern Connecticut and their passion is bringing American history to life. 
Jessica Hoadley will demonstrate the art of spinning mohair, silk and alpaca fiber into yarn using an Antique Canadian Wheel commonly used by “mill girls” during the Industrial Revolution.She will also give instruction to local “spinners” on using their spinning wheel to achieve the best results and spinners should bring their wheel on History Day for this assistance.
Courtney Cushing will be preparing Corn Chowder in the fireplace of the circa 1748 house on the Farmstead property.
Tours of the Historic John Johnson House will also be available during History Day. 
This event is free and open to the Public.Donations are greatly appreciated with all proceeds going to fund needed repairs to the historic House and Barn at Samuel Smith Farmstead. For more information, see: <a href="https://www.samuelsmithfarmstead.org" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">www.samuelsmithfarmstead.org</a>
or Contact Lu Huntington at (860) 961 9296.

Local Event: History Day at Samuel Smith Farmstead

The Lymes

History Day at Samuel Smith Farmstead

On Saturday, August 15th
from 10 am to 3 pm, Samuel Smith Farmstead will host their “History Day”.  This event for Adults and...

The Waterford Historical Society presents “We, the Fisherman,” when local fishermen will relate how fishing boats have evolved over the centuries and which fish are harvested in Long Island Sound. Bob Wadsworth of Mago Point Marina will lead the discussion which begins at 7 p.m. in the Library's downstairs meeting room. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 before the program, which is free and open to the public. 
“We, the Fishermen” is the fourth in a series of five “We, the People” programs offered this season by the Waterford Historical Society, inviting town residents to speak of the Town’s agricultural and marine past as it celebrates the 225th anniversary of its founding and the United States of America's 250th birthday. The final program, “We, the Kitchen Gardeners” will take place at the same time and location on October 5. 
Donations to the non-profit Waterford Historical Society, Inc. are always welcome and appreciated. "Boats"&nbsp;a painting by Alexi Rashan.

Local Event: Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Fishermen" Sept. 14

The Waterford Historical Society presents “We, the Fisherman,” when local fishermen will relate how fishing boats have evolved...

Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Fishermen" Sept. 14

When people once kept “kitchen gardens” near their houses, women could tend and harvest fruits, herbs, and vegetables regularly, as well as preserve fruits and vegetables for the winter months by drying (dehydrating), placing prepared food in Ball jars, and/or placing food in ice cellars. Learn more about methods of preserving foods as Sheila Elliott, Phyllis Cushing, and other members of the Thames River Garden Club present "We, the Kitchen Gardeners"&nbsp;on Monday, Oct. 5, at the Waterford Public Library downstairs meeting room. Social time and light refreshments begin at 6:30 p.m. The program follows at 7 p.m.“We, the Kitchen Gardeners” is the fifth in a series of five “We, the People” programs offered this season by the Waterford Historical Society, inviting town residents to speak of the Town’s agricultural and marine past as it celebrates the 225th anniversary of its founding and the United States of America's 250th birthday.

Local Event: Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Kitchen Gardeners" Oct. 5

When people once kept “kitchen gardens” near their houses, women could tend and harvest fruits, herbs, and vegetables...

Waterford Historical Society presents "We, the Kitchen Gardeners" Oct. 5

Chris Rhatigan 

Hartford Metropolitan Area

New London

Groton

Montville

Ledyard

Stonington-Mystic

Norwich

Middlesex County

Essex-Chester-Deep River

Washington County

Westerly

Rhode Island

The Haddams-Killingworth

Historic Granite House 

A historic rental property located in Jordan Village. 

Werrlein Companies

The Werrlein Companies is your go-to provider for premium Home Services and Construction in the Southeastern CT and Rhode Island area. Our comprehensive range of services includes routine maintenance, repairs, new installations, remodeling, and full-service design &amp; build. Our goal is to provide our customers with the best possible service at a fair price, and we stand behind our work with a satisfaction guarantee. If you’re looking for a reliable and trustworthy home service, look no further than The Werrlein Companies. Serving Mystic-Stonington and the Southern Rhode Island areas.

The Werrlein Companies is your go-to provider for premium Home Services and Construction in the Southeastern CT and Rhode Island area. Our...

Custom Storage Solutions for the Whole Home

California Closets

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in the art of home organization. California Closets is distinguished by a legacy of innovation, organizational expertise, quality craftsmanship, and design authority. Our teams of professional design consultants and installers are dedicated to providing an exceptional experience throughout the entire process of creating and installing organizational systems for the whole home. Serving Fairfield, New Haven, Middlesex and New London counties. We are excited to share that our Greenwich showroom is now open. This vibrant space merges creativity and innovation, showcasing a carefully curated environment that emphasizes our latest products and offers an immersive experience for our customers.

Fairfield County

Hayleigh Evans

Monroe

From walk-in closets and Murphy beds to kitchen pantries, entertainment centers, and home offices, our professional closet designers are experts in...

Rustic-chic private farm venue in scenic Stonington, CT 

Deans Mill Farm 

Built in the mid-1700s as a functioning livestock farm, Deans Mill Farm has gone through an evolution in recent decades. A full renovation of the historic buildings and rejuvenation of the surrounding 70+ acres has made the property into the incredible venue it is today. Deans Mill Farm now operates primarily as a private event space and five-room bed and breakfast tucked down a private road in Stonington, Connecticut. It shares its property with Dragonfly Equestrian Center and is home to dozens of horses. On the property lies meadows, hiking trails, beautiful fields and Dragonfly Disc Golf. The property can be rented for weddings, birthday parties and other special events. Additionally, the bed and breakfast can be rented by the room or reserved in its entirety for complete privacy. The Farm has the ability to host small private indoor events for up to 50 guests in the Farmhouse. Outdoor tented events are our specialty, with numerous locations on-site that are picturesque for your celebration. Outdoor tented celebrations can accommodate up to 250 guests.

Built in the mid-1700s as a functioning livestock farm, Deans Mill Farm has gone through an evolution in recent decades. A full renovation of the...

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Events and Things to Do in Waterford, CT

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Please confirm event details with the organizers before attending

Monday, August 3

Wednesday, August 5

Saturday, August 8

Saturday, August 15

Monday, September 14

Monday, October 5

Historic Granite House

Werrlein Companies

California Closets

Deans Mill Farm