3 Days to Discover a Hidden Gem

The inaugural Weekend in Norfolk festival will fill the town with activities and events that feature art, music and nature from Friday to Sunday, Aug. 5 to 7.

The three-day extravaganza is the brainchild of three residents: Sue Frisch, Holly Gill and Ruth Melville. 

“Our town is a hidden gem,” Melville said. “We wanted to give residents a chance to celebrate their town and to encourage others to stop and discover our many cultural, natural and historical treasures.”

Frisch said they brought the idea to various town organizations — the Norfolk Library, Great Mountain Forest, the Yale School of Music, Infinity Hall, the Artisans Guild, the Farmers Market, the Land Trust, Boy and Girl Scouts, the Lions Club and local churches, just to name a few — and they all “jumped on board with great enthusiasm. The whole town felt it was the right time for Norfolk to show off.”

There will be a seemingly endless amount of activities to enjoy throughout the weekend. Frisch is excited about the quilt exhibit at Church of Christ Congregational, the canoe-building demonstrations by Norfolk Boatworks, the Norfolk Artists & Friends exhibition and the Norfolk Land Trust’s hiking challenge (take a selfie at the top of all six trails to win a T-shirt).

Melville highlighted some of the musical options, including the Emerson String Quartet at the Music Shed on Saturday at 8 p.m. and Seldom Scene at Infinity Hall on Sunday at 7:30 p.m.

To add some romance to the weekend, attendees can get married or renew their vows on Friday from 3 to 5 p.m. Reservations are required. First Selectman Susan Dyer will officiate the ceremony. 

“I think it is an absolutely terrific idea,” she said about Weekend in Norfolk. “It will be something new and exciting to experience.” 

Melville emphasized that there will be something for everyone during the three-day event.

“We’ve got tons of things for kids and families to do — face painting, scavenger hunts, leaf printing, watercolor painting and outdoor games,” Melville said.

Frisch agreed. “Every day will have something new and exciting!”

Attendees may head to the Village Green for a welcome tent, maps and lists of events. For more information and a full schedule, go to www.weekendinnorfolk.org.