Community celebrates at Weekend in Norfolk

Ruthann Olsson, founder of Norfolk Artists and Friends, and fellow Norfolk artist Tom Hlas celebrating another successful art exhibition in the Yale Art Barn Gallery.

Jennifer Almquist

Community celebrates at Weekend in Norfolk

NORFOLK — Norfolk celebrated its ninth annual “Weekend in Norfolk” over the first weekend in August with four days of family-friendly activities that promoting Norfolk’s arts, culture, and natural beauty.

The weekend began on Thursday with the opening of events like “Walking Historical Norfolk,” in which attendees are welcome to tour the town’s most historic houses and sites. Also featured were the town’s three beautiful churches, the Battell Chapel, the Church of the Transfiguration, and the Immaculate Conception Church.

For those more inclined to the great outdoors, the Norfolk Land Trust sponsored the “Hike the Peaks Challenge,” in which hikers could send in five sites they visited, including Norfolk’s renowned Dennis Hill Gazebo and Haystack Mountain, for the opportunity to win a free t-shirt.

For connoisseurs of the arts, there were plenty of opportunities to witness local creative talent. The Norfolk Library featured its own art show, “Celebrating 50 Years of Art at the Norfolk Library.” “The collection features 28 Norfolk artists, and we feel very fortunate to showcase their work,” shared Norfolk Library circulation services specialist Chris Keyes. The exhibition incorporates paintings, etchings, collages, photography, sculpture, and ceramics by various popular Norfolk artists, including Christopher Little, Turi Rostad, and Rosemary Gill.

Painter Adam Heller describing his process with Elizabeth Goizueta of Colebrook.Jennifer Almquist

Nearby, on Robertson Plaza, the National Iron Bank sponsored free concerts by the Decerbo Family Band, Michael Cobb, and the Grantville Dawgs, among others. On Saturday night, emcee Andy Styles even hosted an open mic opportunity. Beyond the Robertson Plaza, there were plenty of other opportunities to listen to musical talent, with free concerts all weekend on the town green, at the Music Shed, and at Infinity Hall.

For those wanting to treat themselves to a shopping spree, Bella Erder hosted her pop-up shop, Aija, in the Royal Arcanium Building. The shop featured an assortment of accessories and gifts inspired by Erder’s travels to Asia.

Next door, the Berkshire Woodworkers Guild organized a pop-up of their own, promoting their finely crafted goods such as chairs, cutting boards, and other decorative objects.

Across the street, at the Norfolk Hub, the Norfolk Knitters presented a Yarn Sale highlighting knits, kits, and, of course, plenty of yarn.

Latest News

From research to recognition: Student project honors pioneering Black landowner

Cornwall Consolidated School seventh graders Skylar Brown, Izabella Coppola, Halley Villa, Willow Berry, Claire Barbosa, Willa Lesch, Vivianne DiRocco and Franco Aburto presented a group research project on the life of Naomi Freeman Wednesday, April 23. In attendance were U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., John Mills, president of Alex Breanne Corporation, Cornwall First Selectman Gordon Ridgway, Cornwall Selectman Jennifer Markow and CCS social studies teacher Will Vincent.

Photo by Riley Klein

CORNWALL — “In Cornwall you have made the decision that everyone here matters and everyone’s story is important,” said U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes, D-Conn., to the seventh grade class at Cornwall Consolidated School April 23.

Hayes was in attendance to celebrate history on Wednesday as the CCS students presented their group research project on the life of Naomi Cain Freeman, the first Black female landowner in Cornwall.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - April 24, 2025

Town of Salisbury

Board of Finance

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - April 24, 2025

Help Wanted

Experienced horse equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-67-0499.

Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-671-0499.

Keep ReadingShow less