Come and enjoy a magic show!

We will be out on our front lawn, weather permitting.

No need to register. For all ages.

Wednesday, July 30, 2025

6:00 PM

FOOD & DRINK

In our cook tent, we are serving your carnival favorites as well as some new items such as Fried Oreos, Half-Pound Burgers with Swiss Cheese, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Sauce or BBQ Sauce, and Corn on the Cob (Roasted in its Husks on our wood-fired cooker).

Our Ladies Auxiliary will serve their famous Strawberry Shortcakes!

We are also selling refreshing Pepsi products!

We will have a new and improved food payment and ordering system for a fast and convenient service.

There will be live entertainment in the Beer Garden on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You must show ID (21 Years of age) to enter the Beer Garden.

MIDWAY & RIDES

Carnival games and rides are provided by Tufano Amusements.

All-night wristbands are only $35 per rider!

RAFFLE PRIZES

1st Prize is a $5,000.00 Visa Gift Card

2nd Prize is a $3,000.00 Visa Gift Card

3rd Prize is a $1,000.00 Visa Gift Card

Tickets are $5.00 each. Cash or Credit Cards can be used to purchase Raffle Tickets.

The Drawing will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 9:30 PM

The fireworks display, on Friday, August 1, at 9:00 PM, will be our largest ever in honor of the Town of Thomaston’s 150th Anniversary!

Thank you to Thomaston Savings Bank for making a generous donation to the fire department’s fireworks display this year!

Anyone wishing to donate to our Fireworks display can send a check to the Thomaston Fire Department 245 South Main Street Thomaston CT. 06787 Please write Fireworks in the memo section on your check.

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

Thursdays at 1:30 PM, July 17, 24 & 31

For Grades K - 5

Registration is Required at our website.

Do you love drawing? Each week we will discuss a different author/illustrator and create a project in their signature style.

7/17 Bob Shea – Author/illustrator of the Dinosaur vs. books and the Ballet Cat series, Bob Shea uses stamped shapes as the basis for his iconic characters.

7/24 Dav Pilkey–Creator of Captain Underpants and Dog Man, Dav Pilkey is known for his bold, vivid illustrations and cartoonish, exaggerated style

7/31 Jeff Kinney–Jeff Kinney uses black and white sketches to great comedic effect in his famous Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

The Cricut is July’s Maker Machine of the Month! Learn about this fantastic machine and create an iron-on decal to personalize a t-shirt in this beginner-friendly workshop. Participants will learn how to use Cricut Design Space software to select a design for cutting, work with iron-on vinyl, and apply their design to a shirt using a heat press. Please bring a t-shirt to customize.

Grades 4-5.

Registration Required: https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/kids-workshop-custom-t-shirts-with-cricut/

Thursday, July 31, 2025

6:00 PM - Live Entertainment by Jen and Jerry's Acoustic

FOOD & DRINK

In our cook tent, we are serving your carnival favorites as well as some new items such as Fried Oreos, Half-Pound Burgers with Swiss Cheese, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Sauce or BBQ Sauce, and Corn on the Cob (Roasted in its Husks on our wood-fired cooker).

Our Ladies Auxiliary will serve their famous Strawberry Shortcakes!

We are also selling refreshing Pepsi products!

We will have a new and improved food payment and ordering system for a fast and convenient service.

There will be live entertainment in the Beer Garden on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You must show ID (21 Years of age) to enter the Beer Garden.

MIDWAY & RIDES

Carnival games and rides are provided by Tufano Amusements.

All-night wristbands are only $35 per rider!

RAFFLE PRIZES

1st Prize is a $5,000.00 Visa Gift Card

2nd Prize is a $3,000.00 Visa Gift Card

3rd Prize is a $1,000.00 Visa Gift Card

Tickets are $5.00 each. Cash or Credit Cards can be used to purchase Raffle Tickets.

The Drawing will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 9:30 PM

The fireworks display, on Friday, August 1, at 9:00 PM, will be our largest ever in honor of the Town of Thomaston’s 150th Anniversary!

Thank you to Thomaston Savings Bank for making a generous donation to the fire department’s fireworks display this year!

Anyone wishing to donate to our Fireworks display can send a check to the Thomaston Fire Department 245 South Main Street Thomaston CT. 06787 Please write Fireworks in the memo section on your check.

Friday, August 2, 2025

6:00 PM - Live entertainment by Days Off

9:00 PM - Fireworks

FIREWORKS

In honor of Thomaston's 150th Anniversary, this year's fireworks display will be our largest ever!!!

Thank you to Thomaston Savings Bank for making a generous donation to the fire department’s fireworks display this year!

FOOD & DRINK

In our cook tent, we are serving your carnival favorites as well as some new items such as Fried Oreos, Half-Pound Burgers with Swiss Cheese, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Sauce or BBQ Sauce, and Corn on the Cob (Roasted in its Husks on our wood-fired cooker).

**FRIDAY ONLY** ROAST BEEF SANDWICHES! Slow-cooked all afternoon and seasoned to perfection! We will have TO GO orders!!

Our Ladies Auxiliary will serve their famous Strawberry Shortcakes!

We are also selling refreshing Pepsi products!

We will have a new and improved food payment and ordering system for a fast and convenient service.

There will be live entertainment in the Beer Garden on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You must show ID (21 Years of age) to enter the Beer Garden.

MIDWAY & RIDES

Carnival games and rides are provided by Tufano Amusements.

All-night wristbands are only $35 per rider!

RAFFLE PRIZES

1st Prize is a $5,000.00 Visa Gift Card

2nd Prize is a $3,000.00 Visa Gift Card

3rd Prize is a $1,000.00 Visa Gift Card

Tickets are $5.00 each. Cash or Credit Cards can be used to purchase Raffle Tickets.

The Drawing will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 9:30 PM

Anyone wishing to donate to our Fireworks display can send a check to the Thomaston Fire Department 245 South Main Street Thomaston CT. 06787 Please write Fireworks in the memo section on your check.

Storytime and Stay to Play at OWL

Saturdays: August 2 & 9

Perfect for 3 - 5 year olds, but fun for everyone!

Join Mrs. Tricia for a classic library storytime--books, songs, bubbles, and more! Come for early literacy skills, social connections, and fun! We will meet outside each week, weather permitting. 

Saturday, August 2, 2025

5:00 PM - Parade

6:00 PM - Live entertainment by The Thunder Road Band

9:30 PM - Raffle Drawing

FOOD & DRINK

In our cook tent, we are serving your carnival favorites as well as some new items such as Fried Oreos, Half-Pound Burgers with Swiss Cheese, sautéed onions, and mushrooms. Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Sauce or BBQ Sauce, and Corn on the Cob (Roasted in its Husks on our wood-fired cooker).

Our Ladies Auxiliary will serve their famous Strawberry Shortcakes!

We are also selling refreshing Pepsi products!

We will have a new and improved food payment and ordering system for a fast and convenient service.

There will be live entertainment in the Beer Garden on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. You must show ID (21 Years of age) to enter the Beer Garden.

MIDWAY & RIDES

Carnival games and rides are provided by Tufano Amusements.

All-night wristbands are only $35 per rider!

RAFFLE PRIZES

1st Prize is a $5,000.00 Visa Gift Card

2nd Prize is a $3,000.00 Visa Gift Card

3rd Prize is a $1,000.00 Visa Gift Card

Tickets are $5.00 each. Cash or Credit Cards can be used to purchase Raffle Tickets.

The Drawing will be held on Saturday, August 2nd at 9:30 PM

The fireworks display, on Friday, August 1, at 9:00 PM, will be our largest ever in honor of the Town of Thomaston’s 150th Anniversary!

Thank you to Thomaston Savings Bank for making a generous donation to the fire department’s fireworks display this year!

Anyone wishing to donate to our Fireworks display can send a check to the Thomaston Fire Department 245 South Main Street Thomaston CT. 06787 Please write Fireworks in the memo section on your check

The Tour of the Litchfield Hills is a non-competitive cycling event for all ages and abilities. We offer 12, 30, 55, 75 or 100 mile bike ride routes through the scenic Litchfield Hills of Connecticut. Walkers can also join us for a 2.4, 4.2 or 6 mile walking route through downtown Torrington. The event begins and ends at Coe Park and includes food, music and free t-shirts for all participants. There is also a trophy for the team that raises the most money. All proceeds from this event benefit the Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills.

We worship every Sunday at 10 a.m. All are welcome!

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary Hosts Book Launch to Raise Awareness for Donkey Slaughter Crisis and Expand Humane Education Programs

LITCHFIELD, CT — Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary invites the public to a heartfelt book launch and vegan fundraiser on Sunday, August 3, 2025, at The Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, celebrating the release of Rico’s Road Home, a children’s book forages 7+, based on the true rescue story of Rico, a rare donkey-zebra hybrid (zonkey) who survived unimaginable abuse.

Light refreshments will be served including vegan cheeses, wine from local vineyards and non-alcoholic beverages. There will be a silent auction, book signing and more!

The event will raise critical funds for the sanctuary’s expansion and launch of The Stewardship Project: Compassion, Conservation, and Community, a long-term initiative that combines animal rescue, humane education, environmental stewardship, and animal-assisted therapy programs for children and families in Connecticut.

“This event is more than a celebration of a book—it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Miskella, founder of Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary and cancer survivor. “We want to raise awareness about the suffering of donkeys around the world and the critical need for sanctuary space, education, and healing—both for the animals and for the people who connect with them.”

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary to Host Children’s Book Launch and Fundraiser on August 3rd in Litchfield, CT

Event celebrates true rescue story of Rico the zonkey and raises funds for a new sanctuary site and educational programming.

LITCHFIELD, CT — On Sunday, August 3, 2025, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary will host a heartfelt book launch and fundraising event at the charming Lost Fox Inn in Litchfield, celebrating the release of Rico’s Road Home, a children’s book based on the powerful true story of a rescued zonkey.

The event will raise critical funds for the sanctuary’s relocation and expansion through The Stewardship Project: Compassion, Conservation, and Community, an initiative to integrate animal rescue, environmental education, and therapeutic programming for children and families across Connecticut.

Founded in 2018 by Lisa Miskella, Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary was born from a deeply personal journey. After being diagnosed with cancer in 2012, Lisa sought meaning and healing through connection with animals. Her research led her to the shocking truth that farm animals are among the most abused and neglected beings on the planet. Fueled by compassion and a desire to make a lasting difference, Lisa founded the sanctuary to provide a forever home to animals no one else would save.

Since then, over 100 animals have been rescued from cruelty, abandonment, and slaughter pipelines.

One such animal is Rico, a donkey with zebra stripes—later confirmed to be a rare zonkey—who was rescued from a kill pen after enduring horrific abuse, starvation, and trauma. Though blind in one eye and severely dehydrated, Rico made a long journey across the country to the sanctuary, where he now lives in peace. Rico’s Road Home tells his story of survival, healing, and learning to trust again—offering young readers an inspiring message about kindness and hope.

📚 Event Details:

• What: Book Launch & Fundraiser for Rico’s Road Home
• When: Sunday, August 3, 2025
• Where: The Lost Fox Inn, 571 Torrington Road Litchfield, CT
• Time: 2:00 - 4:00 pm
• Highlights: Signed copies of Rico’s Road Home, Wine and light refreshments, including vegan cheeses, as well as non-alcoholic beverages, silent auction with amazing items up for bid, and information on The Stewardship Project

All proceeds from the event and book sales will benefit Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary’s capital campaign to relocate and build a new sanctuary facility with dedicated space for:

• Humane education programs for children and teens
• Animal-assisted therapy for individuals with emotional and physical needs
• Environmental initiatives like pollinator gardens, rainwater systems, and composting
• Community involvement through seasonal events, volunteer opportunities, and off-site programming

“This event is more than a celebration of a book—it’s a call to action,” said Lisa Miskella. “Through The Stewardship Project, we’re creating a place where people can learn to care more deeply—not just for animals, but for one another and our planet.”

🐾 About Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary

Freedom Farm Animal Sanctuary is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit based in Connecticut, providing lifelong sanctuary to abused, neglected, and abandoned farm animals. With a mission rooted in compassion, conservation, and community, FFAS is expanding to educate and empower the next generation through hands-on humane education and environmental stewardship.

Summer Camp will be running for 9 weeks for the summer 2025 season!

• June 23, 2025- August 22, 2025
• 9:00a - 4:00p
• $200 per week or 10% for all 9 weeks ($1620)
• Ages 5-12
• Located at Pleasant View Park (Durand Street) & Elise Besse Pool

Get ready for an unforgettable summer of adventure, creativity, and exploration at our themed summer camp! Each week, campers dive into a new, exciting theme, engaging in activities that spark their imagination, build new skills, and encourage teamwork. Our dedicated staff create a supportive and inclusive environment where every camper feels welcome and motivated to try new things. Each week is packed with themed games, creative arts and crafts, outdoor activities, and memorable experiences that will have campers eagerly looking forward to each new day!

Weekly Themes:

• Circus: Step right up to the greatest show at camp! Learn juggling, create clown costumes, and try your hand at acrobatics as we explore the wonders of the circus world.
• Holiday: Celebrate holidays from around the world in a week of festive fun! From Halloween to New Year's, each day is a different celebration with themed crafts, games, and treats.
• Under the Sea: Dive deep into ocean adventures! Explore marine life, create ocean-themed art, and embark on underwater-themed challenges.
• Superheroes: Unleash your superpowers! Design your own superhero persona, participate in "hero training," and work together to solve camp "missions."
• Around the World: Take a journey across the globe as we explore different cultures, languages, and traditions through games, food, and creative projects.
• Sports: Get your game face on! Try out various sports, build team spirit, and compete in friendly matches while learning the value of teamwork and sportsmanship.
• Outer Space: Blast off into space for a week of cosmic exploration! Learn about planets, create space crafts, and go on an epic space-themed scavenger hunt.
• Flora and Fauna: Discover the beauty of nature! Learn about plants and animals, explore local ecosystems, and create nature-inspired art.
• Challengers: Push your limits and test your skills! Compete in exciting team challenges, obstacle courses, and problem-solving activities designed to build confidence and collaboration.

 Each week campers will have the opportunity to enjoy our Besse Pool on Mondays and Wednesdays, so don't forget your swimsuit!

Register HERE

7/14 Super Hero Day

7/21 Music and Movement, Interactive Hoop Dancing with special guest Judi Jones

7/28 Suprise Day

8/4 Circus Days with Matica Arts

Join your friends on the playground for a fun, filled morning. Free Play, Activity Stations, Group Activities and Story Time.

Remember to bring water, a hat, sunscreen and a snack.

This program is suitable for children from birth to kindergarten age.

Quinoco Energy Services proudly sponsors this program.

Join us for Story Time on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:30 for new books, free play, and fun crafts!

It’s a special Makerspace Open Hours session just for kids and families! Watch the 3D printer in action, build with Legos, play with robots, try one of our Monthly Makes kits, or bring your imaginative ideas to life using any of the supplies from the craft wall! On August 5, we’ll also be demonstrating the embroidery machine and creating customized fabric bookmarks.

Ages 5+ with a caregiver.

All participants must have a signed GML Makerspace waiver on file. Please arrive a few minutes early to complete this paperwork if this is your first Makerspace program.

Registration is required: https://www.gunnlibrary.org/calendar/kids-crafternoon-in-the-makerspace/