Ah, spring in Fairfield: That glorious time of year when the dogwoods and other flowering trees come alive with pink and white flowers; when happy families fill yards and playgrounds with joyful activity; when every Mom in town gets a much-needed day off. That’s right, this Sunday May 10, is Mother’s Day—rain or shine. Happily, another event worth celebrating falls on Mother’s Day weekend, rain or shine, as it has for 74 years: the Dogwood Festival.
The Dogwood Festival is an ideal outing for the whole family, one that any mother would love. How can I be sure? There’s shopping. There’s dancing. There’s socializing. There are games for the kids. There’s food for any appetite. And did I mention shopping? As a Mom, I know from experience how nice it can be to wander from booth to booth, admiring handmade earrings, local photography, woodwork and other unique items made by local craftspeople.
Fun Beneath the Flowers
The Dogwood Festival springs to life every Mother’s Day weekend on the historic grounds of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church. Dogwoods line the streets leading up to the church. For those festivalgoers wanting to impress Mom, here’s a fun Fairfield fact: In the 1700s, Dr. Isaac Bronson began to plant wild dogwoods along what would eventually be known as Bronson Road. There is no better setting in town for this event, so aptly named.
The festival has grown from a small gathering on the church lawn where folks could buy handmade aprons and candy to three days of family fun. A Children’s Area features carnival games, crafts and a safe place to play for little ones (activities $1 to $3). For older kids, there is a radar-timed Fast Pitch baseball booth, as well as basketball shooting and other games.
There is much to see and do at the festival, including guided walking tours through Greenfield Hill gardens and properties; free concerts in the church sanctuary; and an art show in the Meeting House. Kate’s Korner, located down the street from the church, offers vintage tag sale items and antiques.
All monies raised through the festival support a diverse group of local and global charities.
Mark Your Calendar
Family Fun Night
May 8, 6-8 p.m. (Tickets: $15, to include pizza from Primo Pizza)
The fun begins on Friday, with a full day of frolicking, shopping and eating. In the evening, families can head over to Timothy Dwight Elementary School, on Redding Road, in Fairfield. There is something for everyone at the school: face painting, pie-eating contests, dance performances, magicians and giant inflatable slides.
Dogwood Dash
May 9, 8 a.m. registration; 9 a.m. start (Tickets: $15, adults; $10, kids 8-16)
The aim of the festival is fun, so the dash takes place on a flat course surrounded by the scenic distractions of Greenfield Hill: historic homes and gardens, old stone walls and the church itself, as well as the festival VIPs—the flowering dogwoods. Winners in all age groups receive awards. The first 100 entries get a T-shirt, win or lose. Runners can register in person or online, www.greenfieldhillchurch.com.
Junior athletes take heart: There is a mini-dogwood dash, for children 2-7, in the Memorial Garden opposite the church, behind the Len Morgan Youth Barn on Old Academy Road. Registration begins at the respectable hour of 10:30 a.m., in the Memorial Garden.
Backyard BBQ
May 9 (Tickets: $40 per person; available online or through the church office, (203) 259-5596)
Things go south on Saturday night, when the Grand Tent on the Green becomes a casual BBQ party—cowboy hat and boots optional. Revelers can enjoy a catered dinner, wine bar and dessert, as well as live music by The Mill River Band. Last-minute gift-givers will have the opportunity to pick something up at the silent auction.
Coming and Going, Etc.
When: Friday, May 8 and Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, May 10, from Noon to 5 p.m.
Where: The grounds of Greenfield Hill Congregational Church, 1045 Old Academy Road, Fairfield, CT 06824
Park It!: Parking is free. Additional parking is available on Saturday and Sunday at Fairfield Country Day School, 2970 Bronson Rd, a half-block from the festival. A complimentary shuttle service will be available to pick up and drop off festivalgoers.
For more information and directions, call Greenfield Hill Church, (203) 259-5596 or visit the festival site at greenfieldhillchurch.com.
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