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07/07/2020 12:00 AMWhile the world has looked different since mid-March and the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayor Joseph Carfora and the Town of East Haven are looking to bring some summer normalcy to town with a limited run of its summer concert series. The concerts will be held on Sundays from July 12 to Aug. 16 at 6 p.m. on the East Haven Town Green.
“Our whole process dealing with COVID is not to jump to anything but to work hand in hand with East Shore [District] Health [Department, ESDHD],” said Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration and management. “We wanted to see how the opening of the beach went because it’s a very similar setting and regulations, and everything has gone very smoothly.”
As with the beach setting, the summer concert series will have a slightly different look as there are a number of regulations in place that have been reviewed with ESDHD. Those attending should bring their own lawn chairs and blankets, which must be 15 feet away from those not a part of your group.
“East Shore Health was supportive and encouraged a safe venue for residents to come out and enjoy,” said Benivegna. “The goal is to have a safe venue for families to come out and enjoy a summer evening and get a sense of normalcy in the world that has come to a halt during this COVID pandemic.”
When walking around to your space or around the green, masks must be worn and a minimum of six-foot social distancing must be followed. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted. There will be COVID-compliant porta-potties with hand-washing stations and trash barrels throughout the green. There is also a plan to have food trucks on site.
The summer line-up includes the CT Transit Authority (Chicago Tribute Band) on July 12, Echo’s of Sinatra & Dino on July 19, Simply Diamond (Neil Diamond Tribute Band) on July 26, One Way Ticket on Aug. 2, Timmy Maia Experience on Aug. 9, and Locomotion on Aug. 16.
The town has increased the size of the stage in order to meet regulations so that performers will not need to wear masks. Additional speakers have also been installed to ensure that social distancing can take place with sounds quality throughout the green.
Carfora and those at Town Hall have been working on other programs to bring the community together in a socially distant and COVID-compliant way. In addition to the concerts, the farmers market will be starting on Wednesdays and Sundays (see East Haven Farmer’s Market on Facebook for details) and there are two movie nights planned.
On Saturday, July 18, there will be a beach movie night featuring The Sandlot. WPLR’s Chaz and AJ will host the event. On Saturday, Aug. 22, East Haven High School will be home to a drive-in movie experience, showing Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark. Both events are free, though donations for the East Haven Food Pantry will be collected in July and donations for the East Haven Animal Shelter will be collected in August.
“These are purely town-sponsored events so residents can get out there and do some safe family events,” said Benivegna. “We are really trying her to keep a balance of safe COVID-compliant events while trying to have our regular activities that people look forward to in the summer.”
For information, contact Michelle Benivegna, assistant director of administration and management at 203-468-3212. Residents can visit the town website to sign up for the newly instated Everbridge notification system.