Ho Ho Ho – The Joy of Gifting with the Seaport Association

With just two weeks to go until Christmas Day, the Seaport Association in Norwalk Connecticut has made sure there is no “Claus” for alarm come December 25 by offering a collection of extraordinary gifts. The Seaport Association has just opened an online store making shopping for friends and family super easy. All gift certificates are available by calling 203-838-9444 or online at https://www.seaport.org/store

There is no time like the present to shop the Seaport’s collection of wonderful gift certificates that are sure to please foodies and those that enjoy on the water cruises with the added bonus of songs, sunset, and a historic lighthouse.

A gift honoring the past with a special Seaport Legacy Brick is always appreciated. The Seaport’s Legacy Brick program allows families and friends to etch their name into the history of Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. Legacy bricks can be customized and commemorate a treasured individual, a milestone, or immortalize your family name by being part of the walkway entrance to the Lighthouse. Legacy Bricks come in two sizes 4x4 @ $100 and 8x8 @ $199.

For foodies there are certificates for clambakes that take place in the newly constructed timber pavilion during the months of July and August. This gift certificate includes a cruise to Sheffield Island, and an authentic New England clambake set against the backdrop of the historic Sheffield Island Lighthouse on our private island. Clambakes are $79 per person a $65 option is also available. The clambakes take every Thursday night, July –August.

If you have a music lover on your gift list, check out the Acoustic Cruise gift certificate and for those that enjoy sunset on the water the Friday and Saturday night sunset cruises are the ideal way to enjoy a summer weekend. There is also a family four-pack being offered that includes a cruise to Sheffield Island and tour of the Lighthouse and Light keepers’ cottage for two adults and two children for $70.

If you are looking for the truly extraordinary, book the entire island and ferry for your next soiree, corporate outing, or wedding. New this year the Seaport Association is offering a four-hour rental of Sheffield Island including transportation for 49 people at $2,500! If you want to do something truly remarkable, this is it! The Seaport’s staff is happy to assist you with all your catering needs. Why rent a room or banquet hall when you can rent your own private island and boat! https://www.seaport.org/store

Five Good Reasons to Become a Member of the Seaport Association

The Seaport Association in Norwalk Connecticut was founded in 1978 will be 42 years old in 2020 and is still going strong with a team of dedicated staff and a volunteer Board of Directors that continues to be innovative and to provide the public with a myriad of activities from cruising to the ionic Sheffield Island each summer to the highly anticipated Norwalk Oyster Festival that takes place each fall.  There are many good reasons to become a member of this highly respected organization, here are the top five.

1.  Help Preserve History and the Maritime Heritage of Long Island Sound.  Your membership helps with the restoration, preservation, and history through education of the Sheffield Island Lighthouse and the Light Keeper's Cottage; both are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

2. Bring maritime heritage to life for the visiting public.  The Sheffield Island Lighthouse turned 150 years old in 2018 and the maintenance of this icon of Connecticut's maritime heritage is one of the major missions of the Seaport Association.  Your membership brings life to this heritage and to the lives of others.

3. As a token of gratitude, the Seaport Association offers members at the Crew Level ($35 for one year)  a 20% savings on one adult ticket to selected events and on all merchandise.

4. The Captain's Level of Membership is vitally important to the continued success of the Seaport Association because it helps to ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy a beautifully maintained lighthouse and Sheffield Island.  At the Captain Level of Membership, patrons save 20% on unlimited adult tickets to selected events and on all merchandise.  An extra perk is the "Harbor Hat" with "Captain" embroidered on the side.

5. Attend exciting special events that include: Birdwatching Tours, Thursday Evening Clambakes on Sheffield Island, Acoustic and Sunset Cruises, Docktails and Cocktails, the Light Keepers Gala, Golf Tournament, Christmas in July, Haunted Lighthouse in August, and many other events.

As a member of the Seaport Association, we invite you to put your skill set to work as well as expand it. We invite you to help the Seaport Association in its mission of education and preservation, here is how https://seaport.org/Member-Application

The Clambake Classic Golf Tournament

It will be a day of putts, pars, and pitching and friendly competition at this year's Clambake Classic Golf Tournament on Monday, October 7, 2019, at the Oak Hills Park Golf Course.  This annual fundraiser hosted by the Norwalk Seaport Association benefits the ongoing work and upkeep of Sheffield Island Lighthouse. “Our shoreline themed tournament is unlike any other charity outing around and no other tournament offers greater value”.  What makes this tournament so unique is that golfers play their own ball but score as a foursome.  “We call our format “Captain & Crew” which is fun for all levels of golfers,” Sabol added.

The Clambake Classic Golf Tournament kicks off at 10:45 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. with registration and is followed by a Clambake Dinner at Oak Hills Park Golf Course from 11 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.  A highlight is the upscale clambake that includes New England clam chowder, shrimp cocktail, steamed clams, and a choice of 1.25 pound lobster, NY strip, grilled salmon or marinated grilled chicken that will be served with traditional red potatoes, corn on the cob, rolls, coleslaw and cookies.  “It’s such a great way to end the golf season.” The Tournament officially begins at 12:30 p.m. with a shotgun start where players come out swinging!  The fun continues with a hole in one, 50/50 hole, the longest drive,  and closest to the pin!  At this event everyone is is a winner because all participants get a gift package as well as the chance to try their luck at line prizes and the raffle.

The cost is $185 per golfer that also includes two raffle tickets for upscale prizes. The tournament is limited to just 32 foursomes. Twosomes and singles will be paired to make a foursome. Interested golfers and sponsors alike should call the Seaport office at 203-838-9444.  For additional tournament information, please visit https://www.seaport.org/golf

2019 September Acoustic Cruises on Wednesday Nights

September is a month of transition when kids go back to school; we harvest the last tomatoes and corn from the garden and start thinking about apple picking.  Even though summer is over, on paper, the Seaport Association has scheduled three Wednesday Night Acoustic Cruises on September 4, 11 and 18 that are not to be missed.  An added bonus on this relaxing cruise is that the nights remain warm and the sunsets are stunning on Long Island Sound; so don’t forget your camera. For your tickets click here.

On September 4, Joni and the Keepers are sure to lift your mid-week blues spirits with their entertaining set. Joni's sound was originally rooted in Country and Gospel, but over the years, her repertoire has expanded to include blues and rock as well any genre where great songs for great women singers can be found. Joni has fronted several bands in her career in the Midwest and on the East Coast, opened for Nashville acts in the New York area, and continues to evolve her music by surrounding herself with eclectic and outstanding musicians, like The Keepers.  This is a cruise not to be missed!

On September 11, singer and songwriter Vinnie Ferrone, who has compiled a repertoire in excess of 1200 songs, 200 of which are his original compositions, will entertain passengers.  Ferrone has an uncanny vocal ability to conjure up the spirit and sound of the singers whose songs he chooses to cover.  His passionate and honest performances have given him the reputation of a one-man band that will be performing just for you on the water!

The last cruise of the season features the magical Pierce Campbell on September 18. Campbell was appointed as the Connecticut State Troubadour for 2007-2008, and is well known as a storyteller and a fabulously talented guitar, piano, and acoustic bass player. Passengers will unwind to his well-crafted songs, his rich and powerful voice and dazzling guitar work, with a story or two thrown in to round out an excellent night of entertainment.

How to Book the Cruise

The Seaport Wednesday Acoustic Cruise is available in July, August, and September.  The vessel leaves the dock at 6:30 p.m. and returns at 8:30 p.m.  Passengers should arrive 30 minutes before departure, boarding begins at 6:15 p.m. Passengers are welcome to bring snacks and their favorite bottle of wine or beer aboard…don’t forget to bring plastic glasses!  The vessel leaves from the Sheffield Island Lighthouse Dock located at the corner of North Water Street and Washington Street in historic South Norwalk.  Parking is available adjacent to the dock and the Norwalk Maritime Garage.  Tickets for this Adult cruise are $30 per person.  For your tickets click here.

Ribbon Cutting and More @ 42nd Norwalk Oyster Festival!

​Once again this year the Norwalk Oyster Festival will take place on Friday, September 6, Saturday, September 7 and Sunday, September 8th.  This year marks the 42nd festival that has become an icon of the last big summer festival of the season

A formal ribbon-cutting took place at Veterans Park on September 4 to kick off this annual celebration.  "This festival is the biggest fundraiser the Seaport Association organizes to benefit Sheffield Island and Sheffield Island Lighthouse. It takes about one thousand volunteers each year to pull this festival off," said Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association.  "The Seaport Association is lucky and grateful to have the support of our main sponsor, First County Bank, our volunteers and city and state officials that all come together to make this event a success."  This is the first Oyster Festival for Robert Granata, the chairman, and chief executive officer of First County Bank, the main sponsor of the event. Granata said they’re “happy to be a part” of it and plan to continue to support events like it throughout the community."

The Norwalk Oyster Festival will kick off on Friday night at 6 p.m. Sacred Fire a Latin inspired band will take the Main Stage that is dedicated this year to Tim Currie, a local businessman that passed away suddenly at 8:30 p.m.  Festival hours on Saturday, September 7 are 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. and will include performances by Ripchord CT National Guard Band at 2 p.m., Alex Shillo at 7:30 p.m. and headliner Mike DelGuidice and Big Shot at 8:30 p.m. on the Main Stage. On Sunday, September 8 the festival opens at 11 a.m. and ends @ 8 p.m. Sunday's entertainment includes VMI Commanders Big Band at 1 p.m., Jimmy Kenny and the Pirate Beach Band will perform at 2 p.m. and former lead singer, of Bad Company, Brian Howe will entertain festival guests @ 5 p.m.  Sunday is also the day that kids under 12 get in free with a paying adult. 

A new highlight this year is the Seaport Circus Spectacular  with national acts as well as $25 unlimited ride bracelets on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. 

Tickets are available at the gate and online.  For online tickets click here​ and for additional information click here​.  Parking is free and free shuttle service is provided from Calf Pasture Beach, Norwalk Community College, and Norwalk City Hall.

Circus Spectacular @ Norwalk Oyster Festival September 6, 7, 8, 2019

Historically, when a three-ring circus-like Barnum and Bailey's "Greatest Show on Earth" rolled into town by train, crowds young and old were enthralled. Although the iconic Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey’s Circus closed its’ 146-year-old run in 2017, the Seaport Association decided to put on a special series of circus performances to dazzle Norwalk Oyster Festival attendees. Mike Reilly, President of the Seaport Association says, “We thought it would be wonderful to connect fairgoers with the entertainment that is woven into the fabric of American culture. We know that glittering acts of captivating performers still please crowds today, which is why the Seaport Circus Spectacular is just one of the many new entertainment highlights folks will find at the festival this year.”

 National acts from Circus Circus in Las Vegas, and star performers from the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus and others will entertain young and old at the Norwalk Oyster Festival, on Friday, Sept. 6, Saturday, Sept. 7, and Sunday, Sept. 8. Reilly notes that, “Sunday is family day when kids 12 and under get in free. We are also offering $25 unlimited ride wristbands on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. making this event super affordable for families.”

This magical circus show includes several astounding acts like the death-defying performance created by the Dominguez Family. They have been amazing audiences around the world with riders challenging the Globe of Death, a giant metal cage, as well as their uncanny skill in navigating the inverted high wire. This 8th generation family from Columbia that broke a world record in 2004 in Ontario by having eight motorcycles in the Globe of Death at one time will blow your mind! This energetic act is perfect for all ages because it always delivers the “wow” factor...so get ready to sit at the edge of your seat and be amazed!

 

Hurling, whirling, twirling hula hoops combined with the amazing acrobatic performance of Nicole Taylor Weiss that defies the eye is another act in the Seaport Circus. Nicole grew up traveling the world with her circus parents learning the business of entertainment from a very young age. Nicole’s Hula Hoop show is high-energy fun at its best. Weiss has been performing for Circus, Circus, Vargas and Cirque Musica, and with Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. This performance gives audiences the chance to see real artistry of incredible stunts, athleticism, and gymnastics. Let's just say, you will be "wowed"!

An all-around family favorite, the Hog Diggity Dog Review is also part of the Seaport’s Circus. A second-generation circus performer, Hans Klose works with 20 dogs and four pigs. The performing pigs, Roscoe weighing 750 pounds, and Shelton weighing around 700 pounds were part of Klose's act when he worked for Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus. Klose travels throughout the country with his animals in a specially made RV that keeps them totally pampered. Hans care and love for his animals is apparent in his laugh out loud routine that will charm audiences young and old.

Games, rides, and many fun activities can be found at Kids Cove. There is face painting, and pint-sized carnival games, plus cotton candy, popcorn, and candied apples round out the fun.

Tickets

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.  

Festival 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. 

For those that want to take the train, Metro North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train station to the Oyster Festival.

Free parking and shuttle service available from Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall. Ample parking right over the bridge in the Maritime Parking Garage and other lots.

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 and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visi

Serene and Beautiful - Sunset Cruises on Friday and Saturday Night

While many enjoy the summer and early autumn sunset from the shoreline, there is something very special about seeing the sunset on the water where the horizon seems endless. The Seaport Association has long offered Friday evening cruises, and, new this year, they are also offering sunset cruises on Saturday nights.

The Seaport Association's vessel is roomy and comfortable with plenty of space for passengers to unwind as they glide through the historic Norwalk Harbor and catch glimpses of sea life, birds, and the necklace of islands in Long Island Sound.  Passengers are encouraged to BYOB and snacks, making this cruise the perfect way to end the workweek. 

The sunset cruise is also ideal for a romantic night out. There is nothing more relaxing - and romantic than watching the sun dip beyond the horizon while gazing at the beautiful Connecticut coastline with a glass of wine or Champagne in hand and the sea breeze in your hair. This on the water excursion is the perfect way to step away from the hustle and bustle you find on land and enjoy a picture-perfect sunset...on the water.

Friday night cruise dates are Friday, August 23 and 30 and September 13 and 20. For Friday night cruise tickets click here.  The Saturday night cruises are offered on August 31, and September 14, 21, and 28.  For Saturday Night tickets click here. The boat departs Norwalk Harbor at 6:30 p.m. for a two-hour cruise. 

For the Love of Oysters @ the Norwalk Oyster Festival

When it comes to oysters, Connecticut has a lot to celebrate, especially Norwalk which has long been known as "Oyster Town".  The Norwalk Island chain, including Sheffield Island, creates the ideal environment for renewed oyster growing operations such as the Copps Island Oysters based in Norwalk. 

The Eastern Oyster was designated as the state shellfish in 1989.  It is a bivalve mollusk that grows naturally in Connecticut’s tidal rivers and coastal bays and is cultivated in seeded beds in Long Island Sound by oyster farmers. Norwalk has had a long history with oysters so it is no surprise the members of the Norwalk Seaport Association has organized an annual festival to fete this delicious shellfish.  September 6,7, and 8 marks the 42nd annual Norwalk Oyster Festival that is held in Veterans Park on Seaview Ave. in Norwalk.

The Norwalk Oyster Festival is the perfect place to slurp fresh Norwalk oysters. Norwalk's oysters are known for their freshness, sweet briny flavor, and buttery plump meats. If you are new to oyster slurping you might want to start small.  Although there is no incorrect way to slurp an oyster, we recommend that you slurp the meat with its "liquor" and give it two or three good chews.  Salt and brine hit first and is followed by a sweet buttery flavor that tastes of the sea.  Oysters come with a variety of accouterments such as lemon, cocktail sauce or red wine vinegar, it's up to you how you want to garnish your oyster.

The Norwalk Oyster Festival offers a wide array of attractions the whole family will enjoy, including continuous entertainment by local musicians and national acts such as Brian Howe, former lead singer for Bad Company and Mike DelGuidice & Big Shot, a vast array of food at the International Food Court, a $25 unlimited ride wristband on Sat. & Sun.,  100 plus art and craft vendors, and several special entertainment venues that round out three days of fun. Best of all, entertainment is included in the cost of admission.

Tickets, Parking & Metro-North

The event is held at Veteran’s Park, adjacent to Norwalk Harbor on Seaview Avenue in Norwalk, CT. Admission for adults is $10 on Friday, $12 on Saturday and Sunday. Senior tickets are $10 all days. Children 5-12 year’s old are $5. Children under 5 and U.S. military personnel on active duty are free. Tickets can be purchased online at www.seaport.org.  

Festival 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. 

For those that want to take the train, Metro North is offering a discount package with free shuttle service from the train station to the Oyster Festival.

Free parking and shuttle service available from Calf Pasture Beach and Norwalk City Hall. Ample parking right over the bridge in the Maritime Parking Garage and other lots.

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 and its volunteers maintain the lighthouse and grounds as a museum and nature preserve. For more information, visit www.seaport.org. or call (203) 838-9444. 

Oyster History

Oysters were an important source of food for Native Americans and became a staple in the diet of early European settlers who learned how to harvest them from Long Island Sound.  By the 18th century, many natural oyster beds were depleted so laws were enacted relating to the designation of individually parceled oyster grounds. 

The 1800s is when oystering boomed in Norwalk and by the mid.-19th century, Connecticut led oyster seed production north of New Jersey. By 1911 Connecticut's oyster production peaked at nearly 25 million pounds of oyster meat, that was much higher than nearby states of New York, Mass. and Rhode Island. Demand for Norwalk oysters increased and with the expansion of the railroad's new markets were opened up.  Norwalk was the largest producer of oysters in Connecticut and had the biggest fleet of oyster boats with steam power in the world, and Norwalk became known as "Oyster Town".


Economic depressions, coastal human population, industrialization, and marine traffic lead to a decline in oyster production.  In 1997 and 1998 80% of the state's oysters were destroyed because of a spike in the water temperatures that resulted in a naturally occurring parasite.


Today, marine biologists have teamed up with local oystermen to develop hardier parasite resistant oysters and ways to improve water quality in order to create a sustainable breeding and farming environment for oysters.  Because of the success of these programs, there is a resurgence in renewed oyster growing operations like Copps Island Oysters based in Norwalk.