Last year was a Very Special Durham Fair for me.  Last year was the first time I got to take my first grandchild, the gorgeous Elizabeth for her very first Fair. Elizabeth was only 11 weeks old at that time, but she loves animals and could not take her eyes off of the many animal and all the people at the Fair. This year My wife and I got to spend time with Elizabeth at the 2015 Durham Fair again, and this year was even more fun.As you can see from the picture in the upper right and the one just to the left, Elizabeth is growing up way to fast, and it is not easy for grandpa to keep up with here anymore.  I have posted several more pictures below of Elisabeth having fun with all the animals.  She has no fear and the only thing that startled her a little was when she was standing by a ... 10/10/2015

 Tomorrow Sunday, October 4, 2015 has been set for the 1st Annual 5K Fun Kid Run In Durham, CT.  The MAC Pact is an organization formed to help families with children affected by Pradr-Willi Syndrome.The MAC Pact was started by the family of a very special Connecticut little girl by the name of MacKenzie.  MacKenzie and her twin sister Cameron were born 8 weeks early, and very soon after their birth it was very apparent to their parents both girls were progressing very differently.  This started the journey to finding out what was wrong with MacKenzie, and how to give her the treatment she needed.  You can read MacKenzie's story on the MAC PACT website.The 1st Annual 5K Fun Kid Run In Durham, CT will be held in the Durham, CT Fairgrounds, and is a way for area families to help MacKenzie... 10/03/2015

 Last year was a Very Special Durham Fair for me.  Last year was the first time I got to take my first grandchild, the gorgeous Elizabeth for her very first Fair. Elizabeth was only 11 weeks old at that time, but she loves animals and could not take her eyes off of the many animal and all the people at the Fair.  The Durham Fair weekends are notorious for being rainy.  But I am hoping the weather holds up so I get to see the look on her face as we visit all of the animals again at the 2015 Durham Fair On September 24th - 27th.  She is so active now it will be hard to keep her from trying to chase after some of the smaller animalsThe Durham Fair was very  crowded last year as it always is, and there seemed to be more attractions to see than previous years.  One of the new attractions I ... 09/21/2015

 I don't know of anyone who is not for saving money, doing things more efficiently, and conserving our natural resources.  Resident within driving distance of Durham, CT will have an opportunity to learn how they can do that during the 2015 National Drive Electric Event In Durham, CT September 19th. at the Durham, CT Public Library on 7 Maple Avenue starting at Noon.The 2015 National Drive Electric Event In Durham, CT September 19th. is a part of the National Drive Electric Week being celebrated from September 12th. to 20th.  The National Drive Electric Week is a national effort which began in 2011 to bring more awareness to "availability of plug-in vehicles and highlight the benefits of all-electric and plug-in hybrid-electric cars, trucks, motorcycles, and more."  These vehicles are n... 09/15/2015

 Summertime is here and that mean the 2015 Sunflower Maze At Lyman Orchards is ready for our enjoyment.  Lyman Orchards in Middlefield, CT does a fantastic job with the Sunflower Maze in the Summer, and the Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch in the Fall.  Both of these events provide great fun for the whole family.  Lyman Orchards is located at the intersection of RT 146 and Rt 157 in Middlefield, Connecticut which makes Lyman Orchards very easy to get to from any where in the State.  Lyman Orchards was first established in 1741, and is the twelfth oldest family owned business in the United States.  Lyman Orchards consists of 1,100 acres on which they grow their own apples, peaches, pears, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and pumpkins.  At Lyman Orchards you can either pick your own fru... 08/29/2015

 Yesterday morning my wife and I went to the 2015 Peach Fest At Lyman Orchard in Middlefield, Connecticut This is a great family activity, especially for families with younger kids.There was lots of excellent activities such as: Picking your own peaches Food Tastings Pie Eating ContestsPony RidesFace Painting(see full list to the right) There was also great music by the Monthei Brothers Band who are members of the Connecticut Country Music Association Hall of Fame. But before joining in on all the fun listed above, my wife and I treated our selves to a fantastic breakfast out on the deck at Lyman Orchard.  She had the croissant with bacon & cheese, and I had the three egg omelet with bacon & cheese and a side of home fries.  Take a look at the menu below to see everything available:  It... 08/16/2015

 This coming Saturday, August 15 the Durham Fair Foundation will hosting the 11th Annual Durham Fair Grounds Tractor Cruise-In.  I have not been to the Durham Fair Grounds Tractor Cruise-In but I am hoping to make it to this one. The 11th Annual Durham Fair Grounds Tractor Cruise-In will have lots of fun activities and contest starting with: 9:30 a.m. Antique Tractor Pull 10:30 a.m. Back Seat Driver Contest 11:30 a.m. Kids Pedal Tractor Pull 12:00 Tractor Parade 1:00 p.m. Finest Tractor Tuned Engine Contest 1:00 p.m. Oxymoronic "Slow Race" Out of all the above activities my favorite is the Back Seat Driver Contest where couples will maneuver through an obstacle course on a garden tractor with the male driver blindfolded and the female providing direction.  There will also be all day hay... 08/12/2015

Boy Scouts Troop 270 Baked Bean Supper Fundraiser In Durham, CT is this Friday, July 31st, at 6 p.m.  I have written a number of blogs in the past about the Boy Scouts, because they are an organization that is important to me.  Both of my sons are Eagle Scouts, and they obtained many skills during the years that they participated with our local Troop in Middletown, CT., which have helped them to grow into the men they are today. This is the third year Boy Scouts Troop 270 has been holding their Baked Bean Supper Fundraiser In Durham, CT.  The Baked Bean Supper Fundraiser was very well received last two years, so Boy Scouts Troop 270 is continuing it again this year. If you happen to be in the Durham, CT. area, this Friday, July 31st, at 6 p.m at the corner of Main St and Rt 68, stop in... 07/29/2015

   The 2015 Durham, CT 4-H Fair is going to be held at the Durham Fair Grounds this coming weekend, Friday through Sunday.  This is a great opportunity for the whole family to do something together. I don't know if you have ever been to a 4-H Fair, but there is something of interest for everyone in the family. I don't think people associate Connecticut with agriculture, but truth be know Connecticut has a number of working farms throughout the state, and Middlesex County has many more than people may be aware of.  I live in an area of Middletown known as South Farms, and within walking distance of my house there are at least four working farms. Some of the events and things to do at the 2015 Durham, CT 4-H Fair this year include: Several Farm Animal Shows Dog Show Robotics Demonstratio... 07/25/2015

  The American Red Cross Is In Need Of Blood Donations once again, and the Notre Dame Church Blood Drive On Friday, July 24th., is an excellent opportunity to help alleviate the present shortage.  The Notre Dame Church is also giving the Blood Drive a little different twist, everyone who attends will get a free ticket to the Six Flags Amusement Park.  If you are not near the Notre Dame Church in Durham, CT on Friday, July 24th., and want to help by donating blood, you can follow this link on the American Red Cross website to find a location near you. According to the American Red Cross O-Positive blood is always the most in demand, because 45% of the people in the United States have either O-Positive or O-Negative blood.  Donors with type "O" blood are universal donors, their blood can... 07/14/2015

If you love strawberries and Strawberry Shortcake, so the Strawberry Festival & Car Show At The Notre Dame Church In Durham, Ct is where I will be this Saturday, June 20th.  Connecticut has excellent locally grown strawberries, and Lyman Orchards right around the corner from the Notre Dame Church has excellent strawberries right now.  I can never get enough fresh strawberries, so I plan on having my fill at the Notre Dame Strawberry Festival & Car Show. This Saturday, June 20th at the Notre Dame Strawberry Festival & Car Show I will not only be eating my fill of delicious fresh strawberries & short cake, but also getting to see some fantastic antique cars.  It does not get any sweeter than this!! Delicious fresh strawberries & short cake, and fantastic antique cars, are not the only th... 06/17/2015

The 2015 Relay For Life Of Durham, Saturday, June 20, 2015 will take place at the Durham Fairgrounds located on 24 Town House Rd, Durham, CT.  This is the second opportunity to participate in a local Relay For Life event in the area. The Durham, CT Fairgrounds is an excellent location for a Relay For Life Event.  The Durham, CT Fairgrounds has plenty of parking, as well as a very large area for this event. The American Cancer Society Relay For Life is the world's largest fundraising event to end cancer.  This event brings communities around the world together to recognize those who have battled cancer, and remember those who have lost their life to cancer. The 2015 Relay For Life Of Durham, Saturday, June 20, 2015 is a excellent way to be a part of the effort to end cancer, contribute ... 06/16/2015

  The 2015 Durham Farmers Market are underway and will be held again this year on  every Thursday in May - September in front of the Durham Town Hall, and across from the Durham Post Office on Main Street in Durham, CT.  It is held right on the Durham Green, and there is ample parking. One of my favorite things about Summer is all of the Farmers Markets in the area, and the Durham Farmers Market is one of the better ones in my area.  The Durham Farmers Market offers up a variety of local grown fruits and vegetables, as well as home made baked goods. It is impossible to go to the Durham Farmers Market and not purchase more than originally planned, because everything their just looks so good. I would encourage all those in the area to stop by the 2015 Durham Farmers Market, and to bring ... 06/07/2015

 Durham-Middlefield 2015 Youth Football & Cheerleading Registration.  It may seem early but registration for most Fall Sports are going on right now, and Durham-Middlefield Youth Football & Cheerleading is no exception.  The Durham-Middlefield Youth Football & Cheerleading is a very popular program for the youth in Durham and Middlefield.  So that means if have a child who is between the ages of 7-14 who is not enrolled in High School yet, you need to get him or her registered now in order for them to have a place on a team.If you live in Durham or Middlefield in order to register you need to go on the Durham-Middlefield Youth Football & Cheerleading website www.dmfalcons.com,  then click the "Registration Tab on the left.  Once you are on the new page just click the Begin Registration ... 06/03/2015

 The Go Far Go Fast is a program in the Durham-Middlefield (RDS 13) School District Elementary Schools and Middle School.  However, the Go Far Go Fast In Durham-Middlefield, CT on Saturday, May 30th will be expanded to include boys and girls in preschool through 12th grade.  This is a real fun event which will give all boys and girls in preschool through 12th grade the opportunity to dress up as their favorite Super Hero, and see how far and how fast they can go.  The Go Far Go Fast In Durham-Middlefield, CT is an excellent opportunity for boys and girls in preschool through 12th grade "to celebreate the fitness goals of and achievements of" the Durham-Middlefield School District children. The kids in Durham-Middlefield (RDS 13) School District not only get to participate in the Go Far ... 05/28/2015

 The Cromwell, CT 2015 Memorial Day Car Show will be followed by another must go-to car show, the Vinal Tech PFO's Anything Goes Motor Show.  This is the first Vinal Tech PFO's Anything Goes Motor Show and it promises to be a special one.For starters there will a a 1977 Ford Thunderbird raffled off at the Vinal Tech PFO's Anything Goes Motor Show.  How special is that!!!  But that is not all, those in attendance will not only get to see some gorgeous classic cars, they will also get to vote for their favorites.  The Vinal Tech PFO's Anything Goes Motor Show will also have:A Garden Tractor PullFun FoodSpecial Fundraising Booths So this coming weekend should be a special weekend for car lovers with both the Cromwell, CT 2015 Memorial Day Car Show and Vinal Tech PFO's Anything Goes Motor S... 05/27/2015

 The Exchange Club of Durham, CT will be hosting the 2015 Exchange Club Durham/Middlefield, CT Washington Trail 10K/4K Memorial Day Road Race May 25th.   All funds raised will go to combat child abuse, and other Exchange Club Programs. If you are a runner and have not signed up for a Memorial Day Road Race yet, here is you opportunity to do so and help raise money for a worth organization and cause.  The mission of the Durham/Middlefield Exchange Club is to use their  "member resources of networking and volunteerism to provide financial support to programs that: Prevent child abuse Promote youth development Respond to community needs"   2015 Exchange Club Durham/Midddlefield, CT Washington Trail 10K/4k Road Races Memorial Day, Monday, May 25, 2015 at 11am (Race day registration & sign-i... 05/21/2015

 If you like shopping locally for great products made right here in Connecticut, you’re in for a treat this weekend. From elk burgers to goat soap, and hot sauce to honey, there will be plenty of homemade items to go around at Connecticut’s first ever Made in Connecticut Expo!When: Saturday and Sunday, April 18th and 19th 2015Hours: 11:00AM to 6:00PM both daysWhere: Durham Fairgrounds, Durham, CTWho’s Invited: Everyone!Admission: $3.00 (includes parking); ages 17 and under are FREEMore Info: https://www.facebook.com/madeinctexpo Come shop and meet over 100 Connecticut entrepreneurs and artists. Handmade items, food and drink, consumer goods, artists and artisans and so much more. Here’s just a partial list of some of the vendors taking part: Old Quarry Olive Oil Sam & Oliver Upcycle The... 04/13/2015

  Boy Scout Troop 270 is doing their 2014 Christmass Tree Pick-Up In Durham, Middlefield, & Rockfall, Ct to raise money for their Troop.  This is a great opportunity to dispose of your Christmas Tree after the Holidays, and help a very worthy organization. Boy Scout Troop 270 has three different dates they will be doing the Christmas Tree Pick-Up In Durham, Middlefield, & Rockfall, Connecticut   December 27, or January 3, and 10.  All anyone in Durham, Middlefield, and Rockfall, Connecticut needs to do to have Boy Scout Troop 270 pick-up their Christmas Tree is to e-mail the Troop at troop270durhamct@aol.com. or call (860) 349-2370. Boy Scout Troop 270 does not have a set fee for their 2014 Christmas Tree Pick-Up In Durham, Middlefield, & Rockfall, Ct, but a monetary donation would be ... 12/23/2014

  This Saturday December 6th is the United Churches Of Durham Country Christmas Bazaar.  The Christmas Bazaar will be held in the Fellowship Hall, at 228 Main St, Durham, Ct  from 9:00 a.m to 1:00 p.m. The main raffle item this year will be a quilt created out of reproduced 1930 fabric.  There will also be other raffle items as well as: Gift Baskets Baked Goods Many Hand Made Crafts The United Churches Of Durham Country Christmas Bazaar will be one of the last Holiday Fairs in the area.  So this is one last chance to stop by a Holiday Fair if you have not had an opportunity to stop by one this year.   United Churches of Durham Country Christmas Bazaar   Saturday, December 6th. 9:00 a.m. To 1:00 p.m   228 Main StreetDurham, CT860-349-3683     ********************************************... 12/03/2014