The Daily Five: Athletic Complex and Boardwalk Update, And Vote Early, Vote Often For Niantic

1. It's going to be a sunny day with a high of 61 degrees and an overnight low of 39 degrees, according to weather.com. There will be a few clouds this evening but there's just a 10 percent chance for rain. The weekend forecast looks delightful, with sunny skies and temperatures in the 60s. Enjoy!

2. In case you haven't noticed, the State of Connecticut's Office of Tourism is running a Facebook campaign to find out which town is the "fan favorite." The winner will be decided by popular vote and so far—drum roll please—Niantic is number 1! It's ahead of Mystic and, rather funnily, it's also ahead of East Lyme, which is coming in at around 30 on the list. (If we combined the two results, I'm sure Niantic would be unbeatable!) 

Anyhow, the vote continues until May 15, so this is far from a done deal. Vote early, vote often, and Niantic could win bragging rights for the rest of the year, and a whole lot of promotional perks from the state. There's something in it for voters too. Cast your vote and you are entered to win prizes that include: 

2 nights at Griswold Inn in Essex
2 nights at Bee and Thistle Inn in Old Lyme
Dinner for two at Griswold Inn in Essex
$50 Gift Certificate for lunch and drinks at Pattaconk Bar & Grille in Chester
Free entry for two at Florence Griswold Museum in Old Lyme  
Free entry for two to Gillette Castle in East Haddam

It's probably worth noting here that Gillette Castle is actually located in Lyme—but if people don't know that Niantic is technically part of East Lyme, that may also be a hopeless case!

3. The East Lyme Athletic Complex is very close to being completed. School Superintendent James Lombardo said the track should be ready by the end of next week and the fields are nearly ready for game time. There will be a ribbon cutting when it's all done. 

4. If you're wondering when the much heralded Niantic Bay Boardwalk and the new beach at Cini Park are likely to open, First Selectman Paul Formica said that the Amtrak Boardwalk should be open by mid June, at which point the town will begin redoing the parking lot at Cini Park.

The town has, wisely I think, decided to wait until the biggest events of the summer are over before beginning construction on the town's side of the boardwalk. Although many people are eager to finally walk the length the beach again, rebuilding the path from Hole in the Wall Beach to connect to the Boardwalk will necessitate closing Hole in the Wall. 

5. Sports teams often strive to come up with names that strike terror in the hearts of their opponents. East Lyme High School athletes are Vikings, Lyme-Old Lyme High School is the home of the Wildcats, but recently I learned of another team that, I think, has the scariest name of all—The Ticks! I'd say Connecticut River Lacrosse Club scored a bullseye with that moniker!