🌱 The 25th Annual Renaissance Faire + Get Your COVID-19 Tests

Hey, neighbors! It's Friday in Essex-Chester-Deep River and I'm back in your inbox to get you caught up on all the most important things happening in the community, including updates on:

• You can get new COVID-19 tests.
• Things to do in Connecticut in October.
• Go to the Renaissance Faire.

But first, today's weather: Breezy with occasional rain. High: 65 Low: 56.

Here are the top stories in Essex-Chester-Deep River today:

1. Heads up, residents! The Federal Government is relaunching its free household COVID-19 Test program. According to information from the Town of Essex newsletter, "Each household can order four free rapid COVID tests from www.Covid.gov/tests. Also, before you throw out “expired” test kits you already have at home, check the FDA website to see if your COVID-19 test kit expiration date has been extended. (Town of Essex)
2. October is literally right around the corner and there is a plethora of things to do in the Nutmeg state. To find when and where the best events are happening, click here to see the list compiled by the CT Insider. (CT Insider)
3. Return to the past this weekend at the 25th annual Connecticut Renaissance Faire. Immerse yourself in yesteryear as you walk amongst knights and princesses, creating unforgettable memories. The Faire is taking place this weekend through Oct. 15 at the Lebanon Country Fairgrounds, 122 Mack Road, Lebanon, Connecticut. Admission is $16, youth ages seven-15 are $10 and children six and under are free. There will be jousting matches, armored combat exhibitions and majestic flight of live birds of prey as well as a bustling marketplace, delicious food and drink and captivating performances by talented entertainers on multiple stages throughout the fairgrounds. (Facebook events)

Our local sponsor has some great stuff to offer:

Need health insurance? Don’t wait, open enrollment is coming soon! Tony Ferrandino of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency can help you find the best plan for your needs — and it might save you a few bucks. Tony specializes in individual and family health care — including health, life, dental, disability, and hospitalization insurance to self-employed and unemployed individuals, along with Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare supplemental plans. Visit Tony here to learn more, email him here at or call 860-712-0374.

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Today in Essex-Chester-Deep River:

Friday, Sept. 29

• Open Mic Night (9 a.m.)
• Story Time A - Z (10 a.m.)
• Storytimes at Deep River Library Begin! (10:30 a.m.)

From my notebook:

• Chester Public Library: "Join Shell & Bee at the Chester Public Library next Tuesday, Oct. 3 at 4 p.m. to create your own Tim Burton - inspired claymation video! Space is limited — please call 860-526-0018 or email chesterkidlib@gmail.com to register!" (Chester Public Library via Facebook)
• Ivoryton Library Association: "Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month. Read a book." (Ivoryton Library Association via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "Tri-Town Talks: A Podcast is here! Want to learn about what we've been talking about? Click the link to read all about it! Needless to say, we are super excited about this initiative!" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured events:

• Join Us For An Evening of Faith, Hope and Love! (October 14)
• Add your event

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. I'll see you around!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com