Oysters, Truffle Mac, and a Lighthouse: What Are You Doing June 7th? Norwalk Seaport Association’s Docktails & Oysters

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 7, 2025, and get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate seaside celebration! The Norwalk Seaport Association, in partnership with the renowned fourth-generation oyster farmers at Norm Bloom and Sons, invites you to their signature event — Docktails and Oysters. From 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., you'll enjoy an unforgettable evening of fresh flavors, live music, and stunning waterfront views at the historic Norm Bloom and Sons dock. Even better? Every ticket purchased supports the educational mission and the restoration and maintenance of the iconic Sheffield Island Lighthouse, a beacon of Norwalk’s maritime heritage. 

This is no ordinary event; it's a celebration of Norwalk’s rich oyster-farming history, dating all the way back to Native American traditions. The oysters, nurtured under the dock at Norm Bloom and Sons and planted in the sandy Sound, are prized worldwide for their sweet, briny flavor. And if you’ve never tried oysters freshly plucked from the sea, this is your chance to treat yourself to one-of-a-kind indulgence. Don’t worry if oysters aren’t your thing — the event also features a mouthwatering array of appetizers like mini chicken biscuits, truffle mac and cheese tarts, grilled shrimp skewers, and much more, catered by Seaside Sliders. It’s a feast for all tastes! 

But the magic doesn’t stop at the food. Guests will have the unique opportunity to tour the Oyster Museum and discover the fascinating process of oyster farming, from seed to harvest. You'll even get to see how tiny oysters are before they mature — it’s a glimpse into an ancient craft that’s still thriving today. Add in the lively atmosphere of good company and live music, and this Sheffield Island-inspired party becomes the perfect mix of fun, flavor, and philanthropy. 

Tickets are just $100, and with only 200 spots available, this event sells out every year. Don’t miss your chance to enjoy an evening to remember while supporting a meaningful cause. Purchase your tickets online now, and get ready for an experience that’s as delightful as it is delicious! For questions, call 203-838-9444.

Shine a "Light" on Your Brand with the Norwalk Seaport Association - 2025 Sponsorships Now Open

Are you searching for a unique way to showcase your brand and connect with thousands of people? Look no further than the Norwalk Seaport Association! With a variety of highly visible and engaging events, we offer sponsorship opportunities that ensure your business is front and center. Whether you're aiming to support fun-filled family events or exclusive signature gatherings, we’ll tailor a sponsorship package that perfectly suits your needs. Plus, as a sponsor, you’ll gain valuable recognition across our website, newsletters, and social media platforms—all with direct links back to your business!

Want to sponsor an event that truly makes an impression? Look no further than Docktails and Oysters, one of the Seaport Association’s most sought-after, sell-out experiences every June. Set against the backdrop of the iconic Norm Bloom and Sons Oyster Dock in Norwalk, this event offers attendees a rare opportunity to visit an authentic oyster farm and savor oysters that are as fresh as they come—straight from the dock to their plates. This is your chance to align your business with a unique high quality event that people rave about, not just for its incredible scenery, but for the unforgettable experience it delivers.

One of our most exciting sponsorship opportunities is the iconic Norwalk Oyster Festival, now in its 47th year. This three-day event in September attracts over 50,000 attendees from the tri-state area, making it the perfect platform to connect with a massive audience. Imagine the benefits of sponsoring world-class musical performances, family entertainment, food, drinks, tents, security, or kid-friendly activities—there are endless ways to align your brand with this cherished community event, all at a variety of price points.

Prefer something a bit more playful? Consider sponsoring Pirates Weekend on Sheffield Island every July! This family favorite celebrates maritime heritage with fun, educational activities like boat rides, live entertainment, and storytelling. Your sponsorship here could make a child's day unforgettable while giving your business excellent exposure.

For businesses that value eco-tourism or environmental causes, our bird cruises in May and June are a perfect match. These guided tours of Long Island Sound, led by expert avian enthusiasts, offer a wonderful opportunity to connect your brand with nature and conservation efforts.

And don’t forget about year-round visibility! Sponsors of our seasonal newsletter will receive a custom write-up and interview feature, complete with imagery and links to your website. It’s a great way to connect with our loyal supporters and members.

Ready to align your brand with some of the most exciting and impactful events in the area? Give us a call at 203-838-9444 or email us at info@seaport.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities. 

Sip, Savor, Sustain: Craft Brews and Bites for Sheffield Island Lighthouse

The Norwalk Seaport Association invites you to an evening of exceptional craft beer, delicious food, and community engagement at SpaceCat Brewery, located at 57 Chestnut Street in Norwalk. Mark your calendar for Monday, April 7, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., and prepare to indulge in a night of small-batch brews, hard ciders, and chef-driven appetizers by Ripkas Beach Café. Each carefully crafted pairing is designed to enhance the experience and showcase the brewery’s creative touch. From robust IPAs to crisp lagers, SpaceCat Brewery’s dedication to using the finest, sustainable ingredients will delight even the most refined beer enthusiasts. 

This fundraiser supports the maintenance of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime treasure. At this relaxed yet engaging event, guests will hear about the Seaport Association’s exciting plans for 2025, including updates on cruise schedules, renovations to the Lighthouse, the Norwalk Oyster Festival, and new membership opportunities. It’s also a chance to learn about volunteering for an organization that has been preserving Norwalk’s maritime heritage since 1978. 

Tickets are $35 per person and include two drink vouchers (wine, beer and hard cider) and appetizers. With only 100 tickets available, advance registration is required. Don’t miss your chance to support this meaningful cause while enjoying a memorable evening. Purchase your tickets online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/norwalk-seaport-associations-spring-kickoff-event-for-2025-on-april-7th-tickets-1253619011209?aff=ebdssbdestsearch or call the Seaport Office at 203-838-9444. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy a fun, relaxed evening while supporting a worthy cause. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Seaport Association in Norwalk was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Sailing into the Future: Norwalk Seaport Association Supports Young Marine Scientists

The Norwalk Seaport Association (NSA) is making waves once again! At their recent Annual Meeting, the Association demonstrated their unwavering commitment to education and the environment by donating an impressive $10,000 to Norwalk's Brien McMahon Marine Science Academy. This generous contribution is destined to inspire young minds and bolster innovative learning experiences. 

A Unique Learning Opportunity for Students 

The Marine Science program, has gained recognition for its hands-on, interactive approach to marine education. Students leave the confines of their classrooms and head to Sheffield Island, a jewel of Norwalk Harbor. On the island, they engage in coastal ecology studies, bird-watching tours, and other unique activities that bring the wonders of marine science to life. 

 Rick McQuaid, President of the Norwalk Seaport Association, expressed the organization's pride in supporting this one-of-a-kind initiative: “We are honored to be an active partner in this program where students get the chance to learn outside the classroom on Sheffield Island. We can't wait to see how these future scientists and environmentalists grow.” 

A Partnership Built on Shared Goals 

The partnership between the NSA and the Marine Science Academy began in 2019, and it has since flourished into a collaborative force for good. Eva Bartush, Marine Science Academy Coordinator, praised the Association for its enduring support: “This very generous donation will continue to support our program and the innovative projects and experiences we provide for our students. The Seaport Association has been with us since the start, providing trips to Sheffield Island for our students, teacher training sessions, and more.” 

The Academy has already achieved some remarkable milestones. For example, in May 2022, students launched their first mini-boat as part of the Educational Passages Program. Equipped with GPS, solar panels, and temperature probes, the boat traveled across the Atlantic and was recovered in Norway in February 2023. Currently, two more student-built boats are at sea, capturing data and sparking curiosity. A portion of the Seaport’s donation will help defray the cost of the 2025 mini-boat. 

About the Seaport Association 

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 by a group of local citizens who had the vision to revitalize South Norwalk and preserve Norwalk’s maritime heritage. The Seaport Association offers a cultural, environmental, and historical journey to the Norwalk Islands. The Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper’s Cottage provide a unique historical and educational venue that strives to increase awareness, appreciation, and consideration for the environment and how the preservation of historic buildings contributes to our quality of life. The combination of the Lighthouse and the Stewart B. McKinney National Wildlife Refuge offers an unparalleled opportunity to educate children of all ages and adults about the importance of preserving Long Island Sound, our environment, and our maritime heritage.

Lighthouses Around the World - North America and South America

Few images are more evocative than a lighthouse on a craggy shoreline overlooking the relentless motion of the waves as they guide mariners and passengers through the currents, storms, and shifting shoals. Historically lighthouse keepers provided maintenance tasks like cleaning the lenses and windows, operating the fog signal, and maintaining the weather station. Because most lighthouses were located in remote areas lightkeepers and their families lived in them. Some of the more isolated lighthouses were operated solely by men. 

Sheffield Island Light, Norwalk, CT

Technological advances like electrification, GPS, batteries, and solar power, have made lighthouse keepers unnecessary. Today, the maintenance and preservation of working lighthouses are unique because most of them are unattended. Preventative maintenance includes scheduled inspections, tests, cleaning, adjustments, and lubrication. Most of the time these activities take place either quarterly or semi-annually. 

Working Lighthouses Around the World

North America

The United States has 779 lighthouses, with the state of Michigan claiming 130 lighthouses that are scattered along the many miles of the shoreline of the Great Lakes. At one time, Michigan had 250 staffed and active lighthouses!  Sandy Hook Lighthouse in Monmouth County New Jersey is America's oldest operating lighthouse whose light went on in 1764 and is still burning bright today. In the U.S., working lighthouses are maintained by the United States Coast Guard which was merged with the United States Lighthouse Service in 1939.  The last civilian keeper was Frank Schubert who passed away in 2003 and the last officially manned lighthouse was the Boston Light, manned by the Coast Guard until 1998. 

Boston Lighthouse  photo: MB Tafan

With the world's longest coastline and more lakes than the rest of the world combined, Canada has more than 750 lighthouses, of which more than 100 have been transferred to individuals, community groups, and municipalities. The first lighthouse built in Canada was the Louisbourg Lighthouse on Cape Breton Island in Nova Scotia in 1734.  The one seen today was built in 1923. The oldest surviving light in Canada was built in 1758 on Sambro Island. Today there are 51 staffed lighthouses manned by the Canadian Coast Guard. In 2022, the Canadian Coast Guard reported that there are 90 people employed as lighthouse keepers across the country and that 54 of them work out of British Columbia. There are also more than 100 designated heritage lighthouses that have met with the established historical, architectural, and community values as outlined by the Minister of Environment.

Louisbourg Lighthouse, Nova Scotia, Canada

South America

In Brazil, the first recorded lighthouse, the Barra, was constructed in 1697 in Santo Antonio, Bahia province. The first working lighthouse in the Americas' was Palacio das Torres located in Recife. It was built in 1639 by the Dutch and destroyed in 1787.  One of the most intriguing lighthouses is located on Snake Island populated with venomous golden lancehead pit vipers.  It was operated manually until 1909 when the island's residents made it too dangerous to maintain. Today, it is automated remotely. Brazil's 200 active lighthouses are overseen by the Navigational Aid Center and 33 are currently staffed by lightkeepers.

Barra Lighthouse photo: Paul Burley

Chile has 650 lighthouses as reported by the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency, of which 20 are staffed. Chile is home to one of the most remote lighthouses in the world on the northeast coast of the Isla Gonzalo, in the Diego Ramirez Islands. This particular lighthouse is staffed by the Chilean Navy which administers its meteorological station. The Cape Horn Lighthouse is part of Chile's Tierra del Fuego archipelago that overlooks the clipper route that connected New Zealand and Europe before the construction of the Panama Canal.  The area where the Cape Horn Lighthouse is located has claimed the record for the most ships lost at sea: over 800 and where more than 10,000 sailors drowned. In addition to this, the island is covered in unexploded ordinance from the 1978 Beagle conflict.

Cape Horn Lighthouse photo: W. Bulach

Peru has 56 lighthouses that span the country's 3,000 miles of coastline. In addition, six lighthouses offer navigational aid on Lake Titicaca, the largest lake in South America and the highest navigable lake in the world.  Peru also manages several lighthouses on the Amazon River. Lighthouses are owned by the Navy and managed by DHN. One of the most famous active lighthouses in the country is the La Marina Lighthouse set high above the Pacific Ocean in Lima. It was originally constructed in 1900 and moved to its current location in 1973. 

La Marina Lighthouse photo: Dan Gold

Argentina has more than 80 lighthouses along its long coastline. The Argentinian Navy is in charge of overseeing lighthouses. This country has the distinction of having built the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse which dates to 1884, making it the oldest lighthouse built on southern waters.  It is also known as "The Lighthouse at the End of the World" because of its location on the remote island of Isla De Los Estados.  It is sometimes confused with Les Eclaireurs built in 1920 in Ushuaia which is still in operation but not manned. Punta Delgada Lighthouse in Patagonia has not only been a trusted point of reference for mariners in the South Atlantic Ocean, but it also served as the headquarters of the Argentinean Post Office in Patagonia!

Punta Delgada Lighthouse photo: LBM

This is part one of a three-part series about Lighthouses around the world.  The next blog will feature Europe and will be followed by Asia and Oceania.

Celebrate A Three-Day Extravaganza of Fun, Food, and Music 46th Norwalk Seaport Association Oyster Festival Set for September 6, 7, 8

The 46^th Norwalk Oyster Festival presented by First County Bank on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7, and Sunday, September 8 at Veteran’s Park in Norwalk is all about bringing together world-class entertainers and having family fun, at the last great event of the summer. Two stages, the Main Stage sponsored by Optimum and the Entertainment Tent sponsored by Abbey Tent, food from around the world, craft beer and thirst quenching drinks, shopping, arts and crafts, and Kids Cove, an exciting children’s area is included with paid admission to the festival is what this three-day festival is all about.

“First County Bank is thrilled to continue our support of the 46^th Annual Norwalk Oyster Festival,” said Robert Granata, Chairman, and CEO of First County Bank. “We look forward to this weekend celebration every year, a popular event that always generates a large turnout of Fairfield County residents and beyond. “

This is a special year for the Seaport Association, as they are celebrating their 46^th year as an organization, and the 156^th anniversary of Sheffield Island Lighthouse, Connecticut’s maritime icon. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival, the Seaport Association’s largest fundraiser helps us in our mission of education, preservation, and restoration of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Come join us for three days of fun, music, arts and crafts, and food at Veterans Park, a beautiful venue on the water in Norwalk, Connecticut,” said Mike Reilly, Chairman of the Norwalk Oyster Festival and President of the Norwalk Seaport Association. “The Norwalk Oyster Festival’s volunteers, sponsors, members, and vendors are what keeps the Seaport Association viable and thriving year after year,” Reilly stated. 

For the Whole Family

There are so many family-friendly events offered at the Norwalk Oyster Festival that will keep parents and kids entertained for hours. There is always a spellbinding line-up of shows that deliver an incredible range of experiences. Best of all, these events are not only included with the price of the ticket, but they also take place throughout the day at various locations so attendees never miss a performance, or can see their favorite act as many times as they like! On Sunday, kids 12 and under get in free with a paid adult. A $35 unlimited ride wristband is being offered on Saturday and Sunday which is good from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

New This Year

XPOGO Show

See Pogo like never before! This classic toy has been turned into a high-tech big air machine jettisoning professional stuntmen high into the air! This year, the Xpogo Stunt Team, composed of Championship Pro Athletes will make its debut at the Norwalk Oyster Festival and are sure to amaze the crowd with their high-flying acrobatic performance. The Xpogo Stunt Team is the most talented and experienced extreme pogo performance team in the world. Be prepared to have your minds blown by their stunning tricks off of obstacles, crowd-pleasing flips, and the high jump where these athletes jump more than ten feet into thin air! Xpogo will leave you breathless until their final flip! Get a close-up view of this extreme sport that has taken the world by storm. They have performed in 25-plus countries and appeared on ABC, NBC, CNN, and America’s Got Talent. They also have the unique honor of holding 14 Guinness World Records.

Ready Go Dog Show

This year the whole family will enjoy the Ready Go Dog Show that packs plenty of oohs and aahhs with its combination of comedy, family fun, and amazing high-flying canine athletes. The show consists of rescued dogs and features champion Frisbee dogs, thrill-seeking diving dogs, and the highest box jump dog in the world! A highlight for the audience is the chance to meet and greet the four-legged stars of this thrilling show after their riveting performance. The Ready Go Dog Show is part of  ESPN’s Greatest Half-Time Acts and has been seen on the FOX game show, Game of Talents, the Today Show, Friends, and many others!

 

Entertainment Line-Up Optimum Main Stage

We couldn’t put this festival together without the support of our many sponsors including our Presenting Sponsor, First County Bank, and Optimum our Main Stage sponsor.

 

Friday, September 6

 

Funky Dawgs  - 7 p.m. - Funky Dawgz kicks off the evening on Friday, Sept. 6 at 7 p.m. on the Optimum Main Stage with an exuberant performance that combines a contagious upbeat mix of original music, hip-hop, funk, and today’s top hits played with a brass twist.

Southside Johnny and The Asbury Jukes – 8:30 p.m.  - Dubbed, “the Godfather of New Jersey Sound,” Southside Johnny has been bringing “the party” to stages around the world for close to 50 years. On Friday at 8:30 p.m., he is bringing his powerful sound, gritty vocals, charismatic personality, and quirky sense of humor to the Norwalk Oyster Festival. Fans are likely to hear some of the band’s best-known songs like “I Don’t Want to Go Home”, “Havin a Party”, and “The Fever,” along with some new music from the highly acclaimed Soultime album and Live from E Street.

 

Saturday, September 7

BADBOY – 1 p.m. - Saturday’s music on the Optimum Main Stage starts when BADBOY takes the stage at 1 p.m. They are rocking music from every decade and genre from 80s classics to top forty hits to country music and more. Their performance gets the afternoon off to an exciting start as attendees immerse themselves in the irresistible spirit of their sound.

JD Leonard @ 7 p.m. - A long-established “go-to” singer/songwriter, J.D. Leonard, who hails from Tennessee, is opening for Mike DelGuidice on Saturday at 7 p.m. He’s written singles for the likes of Bonnie Tyler (“Love is the Knife”) and placed a number of songs in over a dozen films. Tonight get ready to celebrate the music of JD Leonard, his “Just Drive Show” and much more. His performance highlights the best of modern country music that is timeless.

Mike DelGuidice @ 8:30 p.m. - “The Norwalk Oyster Festival is excited to be welcoming back renowned vocalist, singer /songwriter, and recording artist, Mike DelGuidice,” said Mike Reilly. “Currently DelGuidice tours the world with Billy Joel including performances every month at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York City and we are happy that he will be here at the Norwalk Oyster Festival on Saturday, September 7, 2024, at 8:30 p.m.,” Reilly continued. “This will be an unforgettable evening with Mike DelGuidice and his band, performing a show of astonishing renditions of some of the biggest names in Classic Rock and a few of Mike’s eclectic original songs, and much more,” Reilly concluded.

Sunday, September 8

 

Drew Angus – 2:00 p.m. - The fun continues on Sunday afternoon with the soulful voice and riveting performance of Connecticut’s own, Drew Angus, who has shared the stage with Stevie Nicks, Pat Benatar, Ann Wilson of Heart, Andrea Bocelli, and many others. Oyster Fest attendees are in for a musical treat, as this rising star performs a combination of his music and covers by other artists that is polished, free-spirited, upbeat, and irresistible.

photo credit Kari Meiers

Let’s Sing Taylor @ 4 p.m. - The final musical event of the festival is calling all Taylor Swift fans to head to the Optimum Main Stage at 4 p.m. for a riveting live band experience celebrating the music of Taylor Swift. This has been hailed as the ultimate tribute to the music of Taylor Swift that has taken the country by storm! This show exudes feel-good energy! So put on your Taylor Swift-inspired clothes and get ready to sing along with the band. It may not be the real thing, but it is packed with all the fun that comes with a Swift concert.

 

Entertainment Tent

Once again this year Abbey Tent is sponsoring our Entertainment Tent that will be jamming with some of the area's most entertaining local bands that will keep the party going all day and night. Enjoy music from nearly every genre of music performed from country to good old rock n' roll.

For the Foodies

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is a gastronomic extravaganza! Foodies rejoice at the fest’s unique offerings from Mexico, Columbia, Greece, Jamaica, and Italy. Not to be forgotten are the “gifts of the sea,” that New Englanders have celebrated for a good long time - lobsters, clam chowda, and oysters, of course! Whether you are craving a salty or savory meal, a sugary treat to satisfy your sweet tooth, or an afternoon or evening snack, you’ll find it here. And, if you work up a thirst there are plenty of choices from soft and exotic fruit drinks, to our popular craft beer tent offering more than forty beers.

 

Go On A Treasure Hunt

If you like to shop, head to the Arts and Crafts area where 80+ fine artists and crafters display whimsical as well as practical items that appeal to all tastes, budgets, and ages. Jewelry, paintings, pottery, sculpture, clothing, home décor, and wearable art are just some of the treasures to be found. At the Seaport Tent, learn about Norwalk’s oyster history, and Sheffield Island Lighthouse, and browse specialty items celebrating the island and lighthouse.

Where - The Norwalk Oyster Festival is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT.

 

Admission- Adults $15, Seniors  $10 (65+), Children 5 - 12 $8, (Free on Sunday with paid adult), and Children under 5 are free. To avoid the wait, tickets can be purchased online at http://www.seaport.orgCredit cards are accepted at the gate. Three ATMs on the festival grounds.

 Ride Wrist Bands- Ride wristbands are available Saturday and Sunday for $35 for unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 

Hours- Friday, Sept. 6, from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday, September 7, from 11 a.m. - 11 p.m., and Sunday, September 8 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. 

Parking & Shuttles

Free parking and shuttle buses are available at these locations:

9/6 – Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach 5:30– 11:30 p.m.

9/7 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

9/8 - Norwalk Community College and Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall – 10:30 a.m. – 11:30 p.m.

 

Fee Parking

Webster and Haviland Street parking lot, and the Maritime and Iron Works Garages. All are within walking distance of the festival.

About First County Bank

First County Bank, headquartered in Stamford, CT for over 170 years, is an independent mutual community bank with 13 branches in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, Fairfield, New Canaan, and Westport offering deposit products, mortgages, wealth management, business banking services, and a full array of digital banking products including mobile and online banking. First County Bank has more than 220 employees, assets in excess of $2 billion, and is a winner of the Hearst Connecticut Top WorkPlaces Award 2020-2023. For additional information, please visit www.firstcountybank.com, or follow us @Firstcountybank on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

 

About the Norwalk Seaport Association

The Norwalk Seaport Association was founded in 1978 as a non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation, education, and public awareness of Norwalk’s maritime environment and heritage. The Seaport Association and its volunteers are solely responsible for organizing and financing the Oyster Festival. In addition to the Oyster Festival, the Norwalk Seaport Association owns Sheffield Lighthouse; its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit http://www.seaport.org