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09/07/2021 12:00 AMIn 2020, the East Haven Fall Festival Committee held out hope for as long as possible that they would be able to host the festival. But by the end of July, the event was canceled. This year, Noreen Clough, president of the committee, and the board are on track to bring the festival back without restrictions.
“Last year, we waited thinking we might be able to put on a small festival, but with COVID and East Shore [District] Health [Department] guidelines, we thought it wasn’t in good conscience to do it—it was a very difficult and disappointing decision,” said Clough. “This year we are in contact with East Shore Health so right now we have no restrictions. We want to be conscious of everyone’s feelings and what’s going on and we are monitoring as we go along, but right now we are hoping everything will go on as planned.”
Clough, who has served as president for the past two years, is excited to oversee her first actual festival and is hoping for it to be as normal as possible, despite the ongoing pandemic. There are 20 people on the planning committee for the Fall Festival and new volunteers are always welcome. The Fall Festival is a joint effort between the East Haven Fall Festival Committee, the Town of East Haven, and the East Haven Chamber of Commerce and Clough notes it would not be possible without the many sponsors.
“Our regular sponsors came back and we got a few new ones, which is always good,” said Clough. “I love this town because everyone is willing to chip in and help out.”
“Being able to hold our annual Fall Festival this year is exciting and what our community needs right now—events that bring the community together safely outdoors while celebrating the wonderful town of East Haven,” said Mayor Joe Carfora. “I would like to thank the many businesses that sponsored this event. Without them, it would not be possible. I look forward to seeing everyone at the festival.”
As in past years, the festival will be held for a full weekend with free admission. Festival hours are Friday, Sept 10 from 6 to 10:30 p.m.; Saturday, Sept 11 from 11:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.; and Sunday Sept 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Throughout the weekend there will be food and craft vendors as well as a full lineup of musical entertainment (see sidebar for schedule). There will be small amusement rides for the younger children.
The Teen Corner, which is sponsored by the East Haven Youth Service Commission, is open on Friday and Saturday from 6 to 10:30 p.m. There will be free green-screen photos. Teens can also purchase tickets to use the 30x30 foot foam and bubble pit, play 3-on-3 inflatable bomber balls, and create artwork Frisbees.
“We try to keep the teens engaged, too, and try to mix it up with games and activities that the kids like to do,” said Clough. “There are rides for the small kids and entertainment, food, and vendors all weekend. We try to encompass every age group.”
On Saturday, the day will begin at 8:30 a.m. with a somber ceremony to reflect on the 20th anniversary of Sept. 11, 2001. Registration for the East Haven Road Race begins at 8 a.m. with the Fun Run at 9 a.m. and the 5K race at 9:30 a.m. the East Haven Chamber of Commerce’s Business Expo on Saturday from noon to 4 p.m. Local civic groups and non-profit organizations will also have tables to share information with community members. The Classic Car Show is on Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
“We are trying to put on as regular of a festival as we can,” said Clough. “We’re really looking forward to it. We’re really excited to put this on this year. This brings us back to as normal as we can be. People are really excited we’re doing it.”
For updates, like the East Haven Fall Festival on Facebook.
Musical Entertainment
Friday, Sept 10
6 p.m. Avenue Groove
8:30 p.m. What a Fool Believes (Doobie Brothers Tribute)
Saturday, Sept 11
12:15 p.m. Vocalist Kenny Araujo
1 p.m. Songs by vocal productions students
2 p.m. Concert performed b the students of Wagner-Iovanna Vocal Studio
3p.m. New Haven Academy of the Performing Arts
4:30 p.m. Prime Time
6:15 p.m. Timmy Maia Experience
8:30 p.m. The Stylistics
Sunday, Sept 12
10:30 a.m. Tom Callinan, Connecticut’s first official State Troubador
12 p.m. Low Maintenance
1:30 p.m. Mick Lewis & The Hellhouse Bank
2:30 p.m. One Way Ticket
4:30 p.m. The Pop Rocks
Schedule is subject to change.