It's Time to 'Celebrate West Hartford' This Weekend

If you have passed through West Hartford Center this week, you know that preparations are underway for the town's signature event.

Rising from a large portion of the Town Hall parking lot are empty ferris wheel cars swaying in the breeze and spinning/tilting rides that may upset the balance of the kettle corn in your belly. All will soon be filled with smiling faces of kids as well as adults when Celebrate West Hartford kicks off at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 8.

The two-day event, now in its 27th year, includes music from West Hartford's award-winning bands and choral groups as well as "top notch professionals," and a huge food court that includes traditional carnival food as well as offerings from West Hartford and other area restaurants.

There are rides and games, booths with information and give-aways from local non-profits and other companies, and one of the area's premier juried arts and crafts shows featuring the work of 175 artisans.

"What's special about Celebrate West Hartford is that it gives you the chance to reconnect with friends from all across town, meet new businesses, learn about non-profits, and you get to have fun!" said Human and Leisure Services Director Helen Rubino-Turco, who also serves as the event organizer.

Rubino-Turco said that the selection of arts and crafts vendors is better than ever, including a "very cool" sculptor whose large metal pieces will be on display on the steps of Town Hall.

Back again is the "fan favorite" mini-golf, Rubino-Turco said, which is only $1 per game and is staffed by Conard High School's Kids Helping Kids Club. Entertainment by a stilt-walker is new this year, she said.

"I always look forward to the food court, and the great line-up of menu-items," Rubino-Turco said.

The weather is "always an unknown challenge," Rubino-Turco said, and although Saturday's forecast looks a bit iffy, people seem to enjoy the rain or shine event no matter what mother nature offers. Sunday's forecast looks great.

For a map and full list of vendors in the craft show, click here.

Sunday morning will kick off with the 26th annual Celebrate West Hartford USTAF-certified 5K at 9:30 a.m. (Kids K begins at 8:30 a.m.) beginning in front of Whole Foods on Raymond Rd. For race information, including a map, click here.

Other Celebrate West Hartford activities begin at noon on Sunday. The event ends at 6 p.m. each day, and will be held rain or shine.

"It may sound like a cliche, but there is really something for everyone," said Rubino-Turco.

The award-winning Celebrate West Hartford festival, voted "Best Annual Event" for many years in a row in Hartford Magazine's "Best Of" contest, annually attracts 30,000 visitors from throughout the area.

For further information, visit www.celebratewesthartford.com.