Biggest Weekend of the Year Upcoming: Branford Festival

BRANFORD, CT - The 35th annual Branford Festival is this coming weekend. The fun kicks off on Friday and runs all the way through Fathers' Day - Sunday.

The fun kicks off on Friday at 5 p.m. where there will be an opening celebration on the Branford Town Hall stage, which will be highlighted by the raising of the festival flag and featuring the Governor's Foot Guard. The entertainment that night will be highlighted by a Tom Petty tribute band - Damn the Torpedoes - which will take the Town Green stage at 8:45 p.m.

On Saturday there is a full slate of activities for kids of all ages, Father of the Year contest, crafts, food, etc.

On Saturday night, the Lords of 52nd Street: Legends of the Billy Joel Band will be the featured entertainers, taking the stage at the Green at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the morning as always will be highlighted by the Branford Road Race. This year is the 40th running of the race, which will get underway at 10:15 a.m.

Traditionally, thousands of runners and walkers, friends, family and supporters take place in the roadrace.

Following the road race, the Festival will continue with more food, fun, crafts, music taking over the Green area.

There are some rules to follow:

-- no parking on Bradley Avenue, north side to dead end; Hillside north of Rose Street (both sides); Main Street from Montowese to Harrison Avenue (both sides); Park Place post office to municipal lot (west side); Rose Street from Main Street to Laurel Street (south side); South Main Street from Montowese to Main Street; Town Hall Drive from Main Street to Montowese Street; Silver Street from Rose Street to dead end (both sides).

There will be shuttle bus services from the Branford High School and the Cherry Hill commuter lot but no service on Sunday.

There are also no dogs allowed on the Branford Green during the festival.