Government

Price for Pass to July 4th Fireworks Up $5 to $40

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Town officials last week approved a modest increase to the price of a family pass to the New Canaan Fireworks set for Saturday, July 4. The new price, $40, is for those purchasing their passes early (up from $35) and it will cost $50 to buy a pass on the day of the picnic and fireworks show at Waveny. “This entrance pass has been in place for—I’ve gone back through the records that Tom [Stadler] has provided me for 10 years and our costs have gone up and I think it’s time that we at least increase the price from $35 to $40,” New Canaan Fireworks Committee Chair David Shea told members of the Board of Selectmen during their March 17 meeting, held at Town Hall and via videoconference. “On the day of, it will go up to $50. So buy your passes early.”

First Selectman Dionna Carlson and Selectmen Steve Karl and Amy Murphy Carroll voted 3-0 in favor of the increase. 

The passes generally are used on a per-vehicle basis for those driving into Waveny for the fireworks, or on a per-group basis for those walking in, officials said.

Around Town

Fourth of July Fireworks and Picnic at Waveny [Q&A]

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One of New Canaan’s most cherished community events—the Fourth of July fireworks and picnic—will be held July 4 at Waveny. Ahead of the widely anticipated event, we put some questions to its chair, David Shea. Here’s our exchange. ***

New Canaanite: This year’s Fourth of July fireworks and picnic at Waveny are happening on July 4 itself. Talk a little about this history of this New Canaan tradition.

Around Town

New Canaan Exchange Club’s Annual Christmas Tree Sale Opens Nov. 29 [Q&A]

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One of New Canaan’s most active service organizations, the Exchange Club (background here), is preparing to launch its hugely popular Annual Tree Sale at Kiwanis Park. The sale, whose proceeds go toward the club’s grant-giving program, benefitting local charities, will open Nov. 29 in the Old Norwalk Road park. 

We put some questions to New Canaan’s David Shea, a Board member at Exchange, ahead of the sale, which runs through Dec. 22. Here’s our back-and-forth.

Around Town

PHOTOS: May Fair 2023

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Thousands of residents and families made their way to the St. Mark’s Episcopalian Church midway on Friday night and Saturday to enjoy May Fair. One of New Canaan’s favorite community traditions, the annual fair features dozens of rides, delicious food from the church’s Holy Smokers, White Elephant tag sale shopping and other fun—with all net proceeds supporting St. Mark’s outreach ministries and grants to other nonprofits serving those in need. (For a full list of recipients, visit the May Fair Website.)

“May Fair is a great demonstration of what the community can do when it comes together and the Good Lord provides the weather,” Co-Chair David Shea told NewCanaanite.com.

Around Town

Q&A: May Fair Set for May 12-13

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One of New Canaan’s best-loved community events, May Fair, is scheduled for Friday, May 12 and Saturday, May 13. We put some questions to event Co-Chair David Shea, and our exchange follows. (Note: The New Canaan High School Service League of Boys or “SLOBs” are volunteering prior to the event in collecting donations and will partner during May Fair with Planet New Canaan to ensure that proper receptacles are being used for recycling and composting.)

How would you describe May Fair to someone who’s never been to it? 

David Shea: May Fair is a much anticipated two-day event that’s now in its 74th year and established New Canaan tradition. May Fair kicks off on Friday, May 12th (5 to 9 p.m.) with Friday Night Lights. We will have all 20 amusement rides open as well as the food court serving a delicious range of options from favorites like Holy Smokers barbecue, corn on the cob, our signature Strawberry Shortcake and pizza.