'Celebrate West Hartford,' What You Need To Know

WEST HARTFORD, CT — For most of the year, West Hartford Town Hall at 50 S. Main St. is the centerpiece for government operations in the local community.

But for one weekend in June, it goes beyond that with the award-winning Celebrate West Hartford festival, the town's largest annual event that is expected to draw 40,000 people.

It will take place Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 11, from noon to 6 p.m. The festival itself is free to attend.

Founded in 1987, Celebrate West Hartford transforms the grounds of town hall into a street fair, food court and general hotspot of community and civic engagement.

And it's pretty darn fun too.

There's lots of food, music, games and amusement rides for the family, with proceeds aiding two worthy causes.

Benefitting is the Town of West Hartford's "Town that Cares" fund through the town's department of social services.

This fund "assists residents experiencing a crisis situation, hindering their ability to pay for food, utility bills, shelter costs, medical expenses and other critical needs."

Also benefitting is the Town of West Hartford's Leisure Services Scholarship Program, which provides discounts to qualifying families for town receation programs and services, such as summer camp.

Local commerce also plays a role in Celebrate West Hartford, with more than 160 vendors selling their wares and about 120 business and nonprofit exhibits.

Throughout it all, there is live music from several diverse, local acts, including local school jazz bands.

There's even a 5K and kids fun run on Sunday morning.

Parking

Town officials said there will be free parking at Isham Garage Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday, June 11, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Parking is also available at the West Hartford Town Center Garage, 29 S. Main St. A $5 event parking fee applies.

There will be no parking at the following locations:

• No Parking on South Main Street, west side, from 29 S. Main St. to 55 S. Main St. (Dunkin' Donuts to Key Bank)

• Burr Street will be closed. (Available only to local traffic and authorized vehicles)

• No Parking along the 5K Race route on Sunday, June 11. Road closures include Raymond Road, both sides, from the Boulevard to Isham Road; Isham Road, both sides, from Raymond Road to Memorial Road; Memorial Road, both sides, from South Main Rd to Raymond Road.

For all of the information about Celebrate West Hartford, including parking, event and vendor information, click on this link.

For the Celebrate West Hartford Facebook page, click on this link.