🌱 First Friday Celebration In Chester + Art Festval On Essex Green

Hi all. I'm back in your inbox this morning with your fresh copy of the Essex-Chester-Deep River Patch newsletter, fresh off the presses. Here are all the most important things to know about what's happening in town. In this issue, you'll find:

• First Friday celebration in Chester.
• Shad Bake in Essex.
• Art Festival.

But first, today's weather: Clouds giving way to some sun. High: 79 Low: 56.

From our sponsor:

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

1. Gather your friends and families and join the merchants of Chester for the First Friday celebration, this Friday, June 2, in downtown Chester from 5 to 8 p.m. There will be a wide array of activities, sales and specials going on through town, including the grand opening of Amber and Lowell Boutique at 1 North Main St., special ice cream flavors at Honeycone Craft Ice Cream, open galleries and special pours at Little House Brewing Company. (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
2. The forecast is calling for great weekend for the annual Rotary Club of Essex Shad Bake. The event is set to take place on June 3 from 1 to 6:30 p.m. at Brewer Esse Island Marina. This important culinary tradition was started in 1958 and is a classic spring ritual of the Connecticut Shoreline. For more information click here. (Essexct.com)
3. It's time for the Summer Art Festival on the Essex Town Green! See the latest work from artists from all over New England. A wide array of art genres will be featured including pottery, ceramic, wood, and glass. The event is taking place June 17, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and June 18, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information click here. (HK-Now.com)

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From my notebook:

• Visit Chester CT: "Repost from @dinnersatthefarm • We’re so excited to be back on the farm this summer celebrating the fresh way we like to eat while supporting our local farmers and fishermen! Join us this July at Hunts Brook Farm for cocktails, live music. We’re so excited to be back on the farm this summer celebrating the fresh way we like to eat while supporting our local farmers and fishermen! Join us this July at Hunts Brook Farm for cocktails, live music, great friends, inspired dishes all in a beautiful setting! Tickets & Information, DinnersAtTheFarm.com" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Deep River Public Library: "Adults, teens and families are loving our Zoom cooking classes! We made this tasty strawberry galette and we'll be trying black bean tacos on June 14! Registration is required: https://www.eventkeeper.com/code/ekform.cfm?" (Deep River Public Library via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Repost from @thevillagebistroct • Round 2. We are hosting our 2nd DJ night less than a week away! Grab a friend and eat, drink and dance the night away. Kitchen hours extended until 10 p.m.!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Visit Chester CT: "Repost from @chestergallery • We are excited to announce our Upcoming Exhibition opening on Friday, June 2, hope to see you!" (Visit Chester CT via Facebook)
• Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau: "On this final day of Mental Health Month, we want to hear from you! As most of our 6th grade 4 Wellness students can tell you, Miss Faith lifts weights and art journals for her go-to self-care. So, what is yours?" (Tri-Town Youth Services Bureau via Facebook)

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Featured events:

• Rubber Pollution Mystery at Meigs Point (June 2)
• T-Mobile Tuesdays: Get Delighted Every Week (June 6)
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You're officially in the loop for today! I'll catch up with you bright and early tomorrow with a new update.

— 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