Midsummer Fun in Old Lyme

got off to a swinging start last night with gallery open-houses at Lyme Art Association, Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts, and the Florence Griswold Museum and smokin' hot cajun zydeco music by River City Slim and the Zydeco Hogs. 

If you missed it last night, the galleries are open again today and there are a whole host of events to keep the whole family entertained all day long. Here are a few of the highlights culled from the program but you'll find the full list online at www.oldlymemidsummerfestival.com

9am - 3pm: Market En Plein Air

The Lyme Farmers' Market is moving from Ashlawn Farm in Lyme to Old Lyme today to be part of an open-air French-style market featuring Connecticut-grown flowers, fruits, vegetables, breads, fine cheeses, herbs and specialty foods.  

9am - 11:30am: Parading Paws Dog Show at the Florence Griswold Museum

Registration from 9- 10am.  Judging begins at 10:30am. Special categories include Best Trick and Best Costume. Special Guest Judge, Jill Abramson, executive editor of The New York Times, who will stick around after the judging to sign her new book The Puppy Diaries: Raising a Dog Named Scout, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

10am - 2pm: Artists and Animals!

Oxen and donkeys and llamas will pose for artists and animal lovers of all ages. Lyme Art Association members will give drawing and painting demonstrations throughout the day. Bring your own art supplies and join the fun!

10am - 5pm: Lyme Street Merchants Sidewalk Sale, 10-60 Lyme Street

Follow the yellow balloons down Lyme Street to the heart of the village where ten unique shops and galleries will offer an array of beautiful treasures.

11am - 3pm: Midsummer Festival Youth Music Stage

Midsummer Festival Youth Music Stage on the lawn of the Lyme Academy. Sponsored by Lymes' Youth Service Bureau and Bring Our Music Back, Inc.   

12pm: BEAT Shoreline Chef Competition

The shoreline's number one food competition. Four local en plein air market baskets, four chefs, four judges, one winner. Presented by the Bee & Thistle Inn.

1:30pm - 2:30pm: Author Talk and Book Signing by Regina Barreca, Chauncey Stillman Gallery

Nationally known author, humorist and University of Connecticut Professor of English, Barreca will read from and talk about her two recent works, It's Not That I'm Bitter and Make Mine a Double, followed by Q&A.  

9am - 5pm: Open Studio, Galleries, and Sculpture Park at Studio 80 + Sculpture Grounds

View 50 contemporary art sculptural works by Gilbert Boro and visiting artists, hear jazz "poolside" by Russ Becker and Steve Roane from 11-2, meet Sculptor Gilbert Boro, see works by featured artist Bryan Gorneau and demonstrations in the studio.

11am - dark: Light Bites and Live Music

The Old Lyme Inn front lawn will feature a delicious spread of light bites prepared by Chef Dennis Young and live music played by renowned Jazz musicians.