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Be Dazzled, Pet a Pony, Shop Local

Be Dazzled, Pet a Pony, Shop Local

An Annual Putnam Tradition, Santa Sightings, Small Business Saturday

Tyler DiGiovanni
November 27, 2024

Good morning, Quiet Corner! Today is Wednesday 11/27, and that means it’s National Tie One On Day. While in this instance, it’s a reference to tying your apron strings and getting ready to prep everything for tomorrow, we’re not opposed to celebrating it the other way too. Just try to wait until you’re done handling any knives before tying that second one on.

In Today’s Quiet Corner Buzz:

Putnam Light Parade
Santa on the Farm
Thompson Christmas Market

Let’s dive in!

-Tyler DiGiovanni

BRIEF BITES

Day of Giving: ECSU will host its 18th annual Day of Giving on Wednesday, November 27, at Hurley Hall in Willimantic, CT. A free Thanksgiving meal will be served to local residents in two waves, from 11am -12pm and 12-1pm The event, supported by donations and volunteers, continues a cherished tradition of gratitude and community service.
Family Ice Skating Pomfret - Tis the season to fall on your butt with your family. Pomfret Rec Dept is starting their annual family skating program on Sundays at the Jahn Ice Rink starting 12/1 and ending on 2/23/25. Skating times are usually 4:15-6:15pm, except for one odd day. There is a fee and it does bump up a little bit for non-residents. You can find out all the information and forms you need here.
Opening Day Barberry Farm - Looking for someone to do the work of finding a tree, wrapping it, and having it ready to load onto your car? Barberry Farm at 529 Hartford Rd (Route 6) in Brooklyn has pre-cut trees and wreathes for sale starting 11/29. Stop by daily between 9am-6pm to pick out your perfect fir.
Scotland Zip Code Consolidation - Good news Scotland residents, your mail woes might finally be coming to an end. Legislation was approved in the House to work on having one unifying zip code instead of the absurd 6 (yes, 6) that are in use now. Next stop is the Senate.

Dazzling Putnam

Image Courtesy of Norwich Bulletin

The holiday season will be kicking into high gear in Putnam, starting with a visit from Santa on 11/29. Jolly old St. Nick will be trading in his sleigh for a firetruck as he greets youngsters in the community on his way to lighting up Putnam’s Holiday Lights. Putnam Parks and Rec are asking people to start lining up in front of Jewett City Savings Bank, and the procession will start at 4pm.

Consider that the appetizer. For the main course, the 23rd annual North East Connecticut Holiday Dazzle Light Parade will be taking place at 5pm on Sunday 12/1 (with a rain date of 12/8). The 1.5 mile parade will start at the Grove St Monument and end at the Putnam Municipal Complex.

Come down and show your love to all the participants, listen to some music, and enjoy some time in the community. It looks like it’s going to be chilly, so dress warm! And make sure to have a DD if you decide to have a little cocoa with a little extra to keep you toasty.

Santa on the Farm

On Sunday 12/1, Santa and Mrs. Claus are going to be stopping by B-Z-B Farm (97 Barstow Rd) in Canterbury for a little meet and greet from 1-4pm. Have your little ones tell the big man what they want for Christmas (you can tell him too, we don’t judge) and snap a picture so you can savor the memories of your child looking horrified that you’re making them take a picture with a stranger.

In case your little ones are a little hesitant, the farmer’s wife will have some ponies, calves, and donkeys for petting that are sure to bring out a smile (and if you want to pet them too, that’s ok. Again, we don’t judge). Free coffee, hot chocolate, and Christmas cookies are going to be available, which is a nice little perk. Their farm stand will be open if you’re inclined to buy something, and they will also be taking preorders for holiday prime rib roasts.

3rd Annual Thompson Christmas Market

Thompson doesn’t get enough love, and that’s why we wanted to make sure to highlight the Christmas market (231 Sunset Hill Road) happening this weekend 11/30 and 12/1 from 12-4pm both days. This is an outdoor event, so make sure to dress warm! There will be sellers from around the Quiet Corner, local food vendors, a chance for a photo-op with Santa, and you can even pick up a Christmas tree while you’re there.

If you stop by on Saturday (11/30) WINY will be doing a live broadcast from the market, so if you’re a fan, there’s a decent reason to pop by in itself. While parking is free, there is an admission fee of $5 for people ages 14 and up. Kids under 14 get in for free, and there will be a story time at 1pm and 3pm for the little ones both days. There’s also a rumor that a photographer might be there taking on people for mini-Christmas photoshoots, so no one would hold it against you if you decide to wear matching outfits with your family.

BEE LINE EVENTS

11/30

Eat, Sip, Shop, and Get Ugly | Dayville: Stop into 4G’s Restaurant (305 Hartford Pike) from 11am-4pm to shop from local crafters, enjoy some s’mores, participate in an ugly sweater contest, sing some carols outside, karaoke inside, as well as check out all the raffles. The best part? You’d be helping out a local charity.

Bumble Ceramics Pop-Up | Central Village: If you’re into ceramics, boy do we have the event for you. To celebrate Small Business Saturday, Bumble Ceramics (16 Main St) is opening their doors from 9am-3pm. Handmade goodies galore, as well as someone selling wreaths and greens outside. There also may or may not be a hot chocolate station set-up (there is).

JA Soap & Candle | Moosup: Another Small Business Saturday participant, JA Soaps (5 Legacy Drive) provides cold-processed soaps and candles, all with Reiki performed on each product. Look, even if you don’t believe in it, the candles and soaps still smell amazing. So, why wouldn’t you want a little good mojo coming your way? Pop in and check them out from 10am-3pm.

12/1

Reindeer Dash 5K | Chaplin: The Reindeer Dash 5K is taking place on Sunday 12/1 starting at Parish Hill High School (304 Parish Hill Rd) at 10am. All proceeds go to supporting the Parish Hill Booster Club. You can register up until race day, by clicking here.

Tree Lighting | Windham Center: Join the Windham Center community at 18 Windham Center Rd at 6-7:30pm for their annual holiday fir tree illumination (aren’t words fun?). Enjoy some caroling, cookies, and Santa for a nice festive way to end the weekend.

Live Music

Thursday 11/28

⬢ The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Straight Up Jazz Series | 5:30-7:30pm
⬢ The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Stattic | 8-11pm

Friday 11/29

⬢ The Stomping Ground - Putnam | Tyler James Kelly | 8-11pm

Saturday 11/30

Sunday 12/1

THE HIVE’S PICKS

Calling all blues fans! The Bread Box theater and the Lester E. and Phyllis M. Foster Foundation are presenting a screening of Bonnie Blue: James Cotton’s Life in the Blues at the Capitol Theater (896 Main St., Willimantic) at 4pm on Sunday 12/1. James Cotton was a renowned blues harmonica player and singer throughout the world.

Before the screening, there will be a performance by blues harmonica player James Montgomery, the “Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman (a quick google search will explain the nickname), and local legend Bruce John. All of the proceeds from the event will go to the Covenant Soup Kitchen in Willimantic.

So, if you want to enjoy an evening of blues music, all while helping those in need stay fed. You can purchase tickets here.

ECSU SPORTS

11/30 - Women’s Basketball vs. Salve Regina University | 1pm

If you got something out of today’s newsletter, please share it with someone who likes sweet potato pie better than pumpkin pie. See you next week, Happy Thanksgiving!

Tyler

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