Bakers, Artisans, Scarfs And Gingerbread

Gingerbread Festival For Children, Saturday, Dec. 3, 1 to 3 p.m. at the Windham Textile and History Museum in Willimantic. Make and decorate a gingerbread house, decorate gingerbread cookies, make gingerbread man tree ornaments, and much more. All supplies and refreshments included for $10 per child. Adults, free. For reservations call (860) 456-2178.

The Hebron Holiday Farmer's Market is set for Saturday, Dec. 3, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., in the parish hall of the Church of Hope (formerly the First Congregational Church) at the junction of Routes 66 and 85. The bounty and beauty from area farms include products made by bakers and artisans - giftables such as soaps, jewelry, and handcrafts. Holiday items too. Vendors and information at www.hebronfarmersmarket.com.

This Weekend: Connecticut & Summer Fun

Yearning for ocean breezes? Get plenty of maritime fun on Saturday, July 25 at Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails at Waterfront Park, New London, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The family event offers up a nautical theme that features famous children's authors, interactive performances, boats, children's crafts and activities. Meet New London's very own working tugboats, John Paul and Patricia Anne, kicking off the festival with their arrival at 11 a.m.
Activities will be featured on board the Windjammer Tall Ship Mystic Whaler and Project Oceanology's research vessel, the Envirolab, will offer up a sea-critter touch tank. Or take a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard ship. That's just a few of the things to see and do.

Free. For information call (860) 444-2489.

Artists and art lovers know about the beauty of light in the Old Lyme area. Now visitors can see for themselves at the Midsummer Festival in Old Lyme. The two-day event begins Friday, July 24, with a live concert, art exhibits and more. The festivities continue on Saturday, July 25, when the town becomes a market En Plein Air offering fresh Connecticut-grown flowers, vegetables, fruits and breads. Plenty of family fun and hands-on activities too.

Vintage Game At Fort Trumbull, Market Downtown

Saturday April 25, is opening day for Vintage Baseball at Fort Trumbull, 90 Walbach St., when the Thames Base Ball Club will battle the Blues of Bristol, Rhode Island, in a two-game match that begins at 11 a.m. Rules of 1861 apply. Free.

The old-timey games are a program of the New London County Historical Society (NLCHS); for more information call (860) 443-1209 or visit: www.newlondonhistory.org. Image of a game at Fort Trumbull (above) courtesy of NLCHS.

It's not time yet for Coventry Regional Farmers' Market, but in New London, visit Fiddleheads Natural Foods Co-op at 13 Broad St. to sample the wares at a Farmer's Market, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Friday, April 24 or Saturday, April 25.

On Sunday, April 26, stop in the Bean & Leaf at 12 Washington St. for some open mic poetry, 2:30 to 3:30 p.m., free.

The Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., features Connecticut Lyric Opera La Traviata with the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra. Adrian Sylveen Mackiewicz will conduct on Sunday, April 26, 7 p.m.

La Traviata is directed by Yefim Maizel. Tickets range from $50 to $29. Visit www.gardearts.org for more information.

And it is truly the opening of the season when the Trolley Information Center at Golden St. and Eugene O’Neill Drive opens on Monday, April 27, 10 a.m., in preparation for the 15th summer of welcoming visitors to New London.

Volunteers are invited to assist in clean up that day or to register as seasonal greeters.

For information contact Ralph Merrill (860) 442-9178 or Tita Williams (860) 443-9694.