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Upcoming Summer 2026 Events

Summer on Bread & Milk Road.

It's been an active Spring in Vernon and is continuing into Summer. To help you plan your June as well as the Summer this email highlights nine events through August. They include an interesting variety with nature walks, our annual Trails Day and Open House Day, America 250 programs, an Agriculture fair and the annual 4-H fair. There are events for families and adults.

Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative. You can learn more about them on their website. Check organizer's websites for any last minute changes.

Our next events newsletter will be in late August or early September when its time for Fall activities.

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Jon Roe   


Vernon's Role In the Revolution - Part 1

THURSDAY, JUNE 4, 6:30 P.M.:"Future Vernon and the Road to American Independence": Professor Emeritus DONALD ROGERS and Museum Director, JEAN LUDDY, members of the Vernon 250th Committee, will present the first of two talks on the history of North Bolton (Future Vernon) during the movement for American Independence.

This presentation will explain how what was then North Bolton got started just as the American revolutionary crisis broke out. The area was first populated by members of the Mohegan and Podunk tribes, then later in the 1700s by settlers from Bolton who created a separate church community.

By the 1760s unrest arose throughout Connecticut due to British taxation policies. By the 1770s people from Bolton and North Bolton got actively involved in anti - British protests and ultimately supported independence. Learn about the early history of future Vernon and the decisions that led to Bolton leaders endorsing the decision to support American independence.

The program will be held in the Vernon Town Hall Council Chambers, 14 Park Place in Rockville.


CT Trails Day: Valley Falls Park Tree Walk

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 10 A.M.: As part of CT Trails Day the Friends of Valley Falls is sponsoring a walk in Valley Falls Park led by ROSE HISKES.

As the trees leaf out, join Rose as we identify the many species found in the park, hear about notable trees, and learn about the ways trees help our local habitat.

Admission is free. Bring your family and tree ID questions.

Meet at the pavilion in Valley Falls Park, 350 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

» Learn more.


CT Trails Day: Hockanum Trail & Suspended Bridge

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 10 A.M.: As part of CT Trails Day the Vernon Greenways Volunteers and Ellington Trails Committee are hosting a choice of two hikes along the beautiful Hockanum River winding through Ellington and Vernon. Along the trail you will have a chance to see bountiful wildlife, including multiple bird species and fowl who enjoy all that the Hockanum River has to offer. Cross the river on a suspended (swinging) bridge, see the work of beaver and other wildlife.

The first hike is an 'out and back' hike of approximately 2 miles from Pinney Fields across the suspended Bridge in Vernon and back to Pinney Fields. Most of the trail is considered easy with gravel or paved trail surface,but there are roots and other minor obstacles.

The second hike is an 'out and back' hike of about 5 miles from Pinney Fields to the Dart Hill North parking area on Dart Hill Rd. in Vernon and back. This hike is an extension of the first, but includes a trail between Rt 74 and Dart Hill Rd. in Vernon and should be considered moderate. There are a fair amount of tree roots to watch for, some minor up and down hill areas and some spots may be wet, but you will be rewarded with abundant views of the Hockanum River and all it has to offer. Hiking shoes or boots are recommended for that portion of the trail.

Hikes start at the Pinney Fields parking lot on Pinney Street in Ellington. Porta-potties will be available at Pinney Fields and Dart Hill North parking area.

» Learn more.


The Vernon Chorale's "A Vocal Tapestry"

SATURDAY, JUNE 6, 7:30 P.M.: The Vernon Chorale's Conducting Fellow MATTHEW O'CALLAGHAN leads a concert featuring the full Chorale, small ensembles, and soloists in a variety of musical selections.

The concert will include uplifting choral works directed by Gladstein as well as a variety of entertaining performances featuring soloists and small ensembles from members of the Chorale.

This concert will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church, 523 Hartford Turnpike, Vernon. The cost is $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and students.

Tickets are available at Arts Center East, at the door, or on line.

» Learn more or purchase tickets.


Vernon's Role In the Revolution - Part 2

THURSDAY, JUNE 11, 6:30 P.M.: "Future Vernon and the American Revolutionary War": Professor DONALD ROGERS and Museum Director JEAN LUDDY return to talk about the Revolutionary War in Connecticut.

After discussing events on the national and state levels, they will share stories of men and women from North Bolton, many who responded to the call to battle and the multitude who stayed at home supporting the war effort.

Their careful research will illuminate many stories about the hardships that North Bolton residents endured during the war and the lives of indigenous and enslaved people who lived in town during this era. The talk will highlight many social changes brought by the war to North Bolton, and will conclude with stories of later Vernon celebrations of the anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, our foundational document.

The program will be held in the Vernon Town Hall Council Chambers, 14 Park Place in Rockville.


Tolland County Ag Day

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 10-3 P.M.: Celebrate agriculture, education, and community at Tolland County Ag Day. This free family-friendly event brings together local farms, youth organizations, educators, and vendors for a day of hands-on learning and fun.

Kid-Friendly Activities: Touch-A-Truck, Interactive activities, Hands-on learning, Games, Demonstrations, and more.

Event Highlights: Lawn Tractor Pull, Local vendors and exhibitors, Agricultural demonstrations.

Fun for all ages whether you are passionate about agriculture or just looking for a great day out with the family, Tolland County Ag Day has something for everyone. A community event for all ages featuring local farms, vendors, demonstrations, and hands-on learning experiences.

Shop local, explore agriculture, and connect with organizations that support our food system, environment, and local economy.

The fairgrounds are located at the Tolland County Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Ave, Route 30 in Vernon.

» Learn more & register.


CT Open House Day: Valley Falls Farm & Heritage Center

SATURDAY, JUNE 13, 1 - 4 P.M. The Valley Falls Farm and Heritage Center is a circa 1900s Gentleman's Farm that offers a rare look at well-preserved farm buildings considered state-of-the-art when built around 1910. Each building, including the stable built in the European style, ice house, piggery, root cellar, manure shed and two-story barn are filled with items found on the farm, and interpretive panels that tell the story of the families who lived there.

Self-guided tours, or docent-led tour from 2-3 pm. Great fun for all ages; kids love ringing the bells collected by one family and sliding through the little doorways once used by the baby pigs.

Located on eight scenic acres with gardens, picnic tables and a short walk to Valley Falls Park. The Vernon Garden Club maintains the herb gardens, beautiful in the spring.

Begin at the 'Welcome' table in the basement of the Red Barn. Pick up your FREE seed pack.

The Friends of Valley Falls' farm is located at 345 Valley Falls Road in Vernon. Parking is available at the Valley Falls Park parking lot, or limited parking at the Red Barn.

» Learn more.


VHS: Farm Life In 19th Century Vernon

SUNDAY, JULY 26, 2-4 P.M.: The Vernon Historical Society presents "Farm Life in Vernon and its Environs in the 19th Century."

From its origins as a section of Bolton to a separate town in 1808 Vernon remained a farming community for much of the 19th century before it evolved into a suburban town during the 20th century.

BRUCE CLOUETTE, noted historian and industrial archeologist, will lead us on a personal journey of the farmers and workers who fed the growing population of Connecticut (and their own families) during this period of explosive growth.

The program is free and open to the public. The Vernon Historical Society is located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


Tolland County 4-H Fair

SAT. - SUN, AUGUST 8 - 9: The annual Tolland County 4-H Fair is held each year in August. The fair offers 4-H Club members the opportunity to showcase projects they have been working on throughout the year. The fair is organized and run by club members, giving kids additional experience in organizational and management skills.

The fair is fun for families with animals, events, tractor pull, and competitions. It will feature its traditional livestock and agricultural exhibits, food, and entertainment. The project areas include everything from bunnies to tractors and photography to goats.

The fairgrounds are located at the Tolland County Agricultural Center, 24 Hyde Ave, Route 30 in Vernon. There is an admission fee.

» Learn more.


Coming This Fall

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  • September 18-20 - Revolutionary War Encampment at Heritage Farm in Bolton
  • September 20 - Vernon Historical Society presents "G. Fox and Company"
  • September 27 - Friends of Valley Falls Annual Meeting
  • October 17 - Vernon Historical Society presents "Remembering Our Local Patriots"
  • October 18 - Northern CT Land Trust fall foliage hike at Valley Falls Park
  • October 18 - Strong Family Farm's Annual Autumn Harvest Festival

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