History, ice cream, art, antiques, flea market to collide this weekend

By Deborah Rose

ART

Arts will be the focus of the second annual New Milford Arts Festival June 29 on the Village Green.

In addition to nearly 50 fine art vendors, the event will feature live music, dance, and theater.

Th event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. A live concert will be held at the bandstand at 7 p.m. 

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/stories?story=Arts-festival-to-return-to-New-Milford-Green

FLEA MARKET

New Milford is home to the largest weekly flea market in New England – the Elephant’s Trunk.

The flea market is part of the New Milford Antiques Trail: https://www.newmilfordnow.org/antique-trail.

Elepant’s Trunk has been open since 1976 and drawn treasure hunters, antique collectors, farmers, foodies, upcyclers, deal seekers and entrepreneurs.

The market is open every Sunday from April through December, pending weather and field conditions.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/places/elephants-trunk-flea-market

TREASURES

An assortment of treasures can be found at the New Milford Historical Society & Museum.

And that’s not just because the nonprofit organization preserves and celebrates the town’s history.

The museum will hold its annual tag ale June 28-29 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. each day.

Furniture, antiques, jewelry, artwork, holiday items, books, household items, and more will be included in the sale.

This is the organization’s major fundraiser.

The museum is located at 6 Aspetuck Ave.

THEATER

New Milford’s award-winning, volunteer and non-equity theatre company, TheatreWorks, will present the last weekend of its “Oat Squares” production.

The comedy follows Mary and Ralph, a couple in their late 50s, whose adult daughter moves back home with her boyfriend.

When they all must quarantine together, issues arise.

The show will be performed June 27-29 at 8 p.m. and June 30 at 2 p.m.

For more information, visit https://theatreworks.us.

BALLROOM CELEBRATION

The community will celebrate the renovation of the historic Merwinsville Hotel’s ballroom with a tea party reception June 30 from 2 to 4 p.m.

In addition, the reception will open a special art exhibit featuring works by local artists’ work showcasing the building.

The third-floor ballroom has been under renovation for more than 50 years.

Tickets are available online in advance and at the door.

For more information, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/stories?story=Events-set-to-celebrate-restoration-of-historic-landmark.

FARMERS MARKET

The farmers market on the north end of the Village Green is a popular attraction every Saturday.

Nearly 20 vendors participate, offering a variety of fresh products, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, baked goods, pasta, and more.

The market is open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to noon.

ICE CREAM

The second annual New Milford Ice Cream Crawl will kick off July 1.

Eight businesses that specialize in cold treats will participate.

Individuals who would like to receive a 2024 Ice Cream Crawl shirt must visit 5 of the 8 businesses, purchase ice cream, and keep their receipts.

To get all the details on how the crawl works, visit https://www.newmilfordnow.org/stories?story=Here-s-the-scoop-on-New-Milford-s-Ice-Cream-Crawl.

The crawl will run through Aug. 25.