Three-day GOAT Days festival: ‘a great family event’

By Deborah Rose

A three-day event that has something for everyone will return to New Milford Friday, May 17, through Sunday, May 19.

The annual Greatest of All Towns Days (GOAT Days) will offer its traditional features but will have some expanded offerings that are sure to elicit excitement from the community.

More than 50 vendors, businesses, and nonprofits will participate in GOAT Days, which will be open May 17 from 4 to 8 p.m., May 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and May 10 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Young’s Field.

The festival is a celebration of the town’s agriculture and small business community, and is complemented by entertainment and activities for all ages.

The event also raises funds for non-profit organizations. Admission is free, but donations are welcome at the entrances.

Recipients for 2024 are the Ostomy Foundation, the New Milford High School Grad Party, and the League of Extraordinary Robotics.

“This year we felt it’s been a tough year for so many people, so we decided to gift to three” nonprofits instead of one, said Lisa Agee, whose family spearheads GOAT Days through the non-profit organization New Milford GOAT Days.

“We have some really great people in town doing really good things,” Agee said, noting some of the smaller nonprofits don’t get recognized.

Jayson Roberts, executive director of the nonprofit Village Center for the Arts in town, said he is happy to see New Milford GOAT Days focus on local businesses and supporting the nonprofit community.

"I really love the local aspect," Roberts said, noting it gives community organizations and businesses a chance to shine.

Demonstrations, entertainment, food, a carnival, bunnies and sheep, and the most popular offering of all, Goatboy Soaps’ goat pen where patrons can pet and take pictures with the goats, will round out the festival.

Thirteen baby goats will be on site.

Some expanded and new offerings are planned, too, 

More food trucks are carnival activities will be offered, and, new this year, live music will be added each day.

A Ferris Wheel will afford carnival-goers a chance to view the scenic Housatonic River and Young's Field from a unique perspective.

The School of Rock will perform May 18-19.

Among this year’s activities will be robotics, rides aboard the Lions Club train, pony rides from Quiet Rein Farm, and snake education with Chelsea Roman.

Gymnastic demonstrations and live wood carving demonstrations with Darrell Baldwin will be held.

Residents Kevin and Laurie Lane, founders of Create a Castle and who appeared on “Shark Tank,” will be on site, as will representatives from Sullivan Farm, the American Legion, the New Milford Police Department and Water Witch Hose Co. #2.

New Milford Girl Scouts representing New Milford’s designation as Connecticut’s First Bee City will meet with the public.

Emily Merritt, the new owner of Nordica, will bring a sampling of her store to the event, and Goatboy Soaps will sell its soaps at its booth.

In addition, Jazonni Reid, this year’s Teen New Milford who has competed in the Teen Miss Connecticut Pageant, will be a volunteer.

“When I think of GOAT Days, the first thing that comes to mind is joy, especially for children,” said resident and Town Councilman Chris Cosgrove. “Seeing the faces of kids who feel the softness of a bunny when they pet it. Joy when a baby goat nuzzles up next to them. Joy when they fly down a big slide. Joy when they can ride a horse for the first time.” “The atmosphere is special,” Cosgrove said. 

Cosgrove related he loves “the fact most vendors are local and nonprofits have a place to promote their great causes.”

“GOAT Days has become a model for other local festivals,” he said.

New Milford GOAT Days dates back six years when the Agee family hosted a farm day at their business based out of their home.

The event was so successful and outgrew their home, so they decided to move it to Young’s Field and invited vendors to participate.

“Lots of people showed up and got to see New Milford,” Agee said. 

GOAT Days was paused in 2020 due to COVID, but held again annually since 2021, each time raising money for a different local nonprofit: the Children’s Center of New Milford, the Village Center for the Arts, Wheels for Wheels.

“We simply have grown organically and keep putting one foot in front of the other,” Agee said.

An estimated 5,000 people attended last year’s GOAT Days.

“I think it’s so well attended because it’s such a great family event,” Cosgrove said. “Parents have a place to bring their kids, have an absolute blast without breaking the bank.” 

Deborah Rose/The 2023 New Milford GOAT Days introduced a carnival.

Deborah Rose/The Goatboy Soaps' goat pen draws hundreds of visitors each year.