CONNECTICUT

Riverfest 2011 in Hartford and East Hartford, CT

July 9, 2011
Hartford and East Hartford celebrate Independence Day on July 9 at Riverfest. Riverfest features free entertainment including live bands, musicians, clowns and other walk-a-bout entertainers, kids activities and more. A dazzling fireworks show over the river highlights this traditional Hartford festival. Riverfest 2011 will be held in three locations along the Connecticut River. All three locations are in walking distance from each other. They are the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza at 300 Columbus Boulevard in Hartford; and at Founders Plaza and Great River Park, both at 301 East River Drive in East Hartford. Food, drinks and merchandise will be sold at all sites. Rain date for fireworks only is July 10. Time: 4-9:30 p.m. Information: www.riverfront.org/events/festivals/#Riverfest.

Three Days of Fun on the Town Green in Enfield, CT

July 8-10, 2011
The town of Enfield offers up a classic Independence Day festival on the weekend following the Fourth. This old-fashioned celebration will include a juried crafts fair, Taste of Enfield, parade, concerts, children activities, 5K road race, fireworks on Sunday. Live music includes, on Friday, Shaboo All Stars at 7 p.m. and The Fab Four at 9:30 p.m.; on Saturday, the Marshall Tucker Band at 7 p.m. and Dickie Betts and Great Southern at 9:30 p.m.; on Sunday, the Hartford Symphony Orchestra at 7:30 p.m. and a fireworks display at 9:465 p.m. Location: Town Green on Route 5. Time: Friday, 5 p.m.-midnight; Saturday, 10 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 10 a.m.-11 p.m. Admission: Free. Information: 860-749-1820 or visit www.enfieldcelebration.org.

3-D Fireworks at Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT

July 4, 2011
Quassy Amusement Park in Middlebury, CT wants you to be able to reach out and touch the fireworks without getting burned this 4th of July--or at least feel like you are. The park will celebrate America’s Independence Day in 2011 with a special 3-D fireworks show over beautiful Lake Quassapaug. Guests can purchase viewing glasses for a dollar, and proceeds go to charity. The park will be open all weekend long and offers rides, games, live entertainment, and water amusements on the beach. For more information, visit www.quassy.com.

Turn of the Century Fest and Pet Parade in Litchfield, CT

July 4, 2011
The annual July 4th celebration in Litchfield welcomes all creatures great and small to march through the streets in celebration of America’s independence. Participants are encouraged to bring their furry and/or feathered friends (provided they are caged or leashed) to the end of the parade route, at which point the town celebrates with a “turn of the century” themed party featuring old-timey games like sack races, tug-of-war contests, seed-spitting competitions, and an ice cream social. For more information visit www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.