Weekend Planner: Art, a Clambake, a Car Show, and More

Family Fun Fest at Hillside Equestrian
Saturday, 10 a.m. - There will be carnival games, face painting, a horse show, a flea market, a fishing derby, carriage rides, trail rides, paint a pony, food, drinks and more. The cost is $5 for adults, $3 for children, and children under 5 are free. Tickets will be available for certain activities and drawings. There will be a miniature horse drawing give away. All proceeds help the adoption of a 4-year-old boy from Africa.

Cruising for Veterans Car Show
Saturday, 10 a.m. - Porter and Chester Institute will hold its 2nd Annual Military Appreciation event Cruising for Veterans to benefit Give2thetroops.org. There will be food, fun, games, and door prizes. There will also be military salutes to our veterans and area VFW Posts. There is no cost for spectators and cruise participants are asked for a $10 donation or an item listed on Give2thetroops.org website that can be sent to deployed troops. These items include iTunes gift cards, socks, sanitary items or Letters for Heroes.

Oil Painting Demonstration
Saturday, 1 p.m. - East Hampton artist and instructor Elizabeth Sennett, who has been painting flower gardens, still life, and the Connecticut landscape for four decades will give a demonstration of tips and techniques for painting in oil at the Maple & Main Gallery. She will also have some works available for sale. Tickets are $10 each.

Lyman Orchards' Clambake
Saturday, 4 p.m. - A New England summer tradition returns with an evening of fresh seafood, and other treats hot off the grill. Come hungry and enjoy a feast of fresh steamed lobster, clams, mussels, New England Clam Chowder, locally-grown butter and sugar corn on the cob, fresh salads, and much more. There will also be hamburgers and cider-marinated hotdogs available. The price is $47.62 for adults and $23.78 for Juniors (6-12). Kids 5 and under eat Free. Prices includes an 18 percent gratuity and the CT Sales Tax. Reserve your spot online at lymanorchards.com. Seatings are at 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., and 7:45 p.m. Pre-paid reservations required.

Pop Up Art Show
Saturday, 5 p.m. and Sunday, 10 a.m. - In a late August "Pop Up" show exploring new directions in art, Maple & Main Gallery's artists will be showing off new work they've created this summer. The exhibit will showcase new works, new directions for some of our artists, and all of it fresh off the easel or workbench.  Some of our artists who usually work in watercolor will show works in oil for example, and vice versa. The show will run Saturday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. You'll find lots of small works on tables and more on racks on the summer porch that fronts the gallery. 

Meet a Young Adult Horror Author
Saturday, 5 p.m. - Young adult horror author Nicholas Conley will be at Books & Boos from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Conley will be reading from his latest novel, The Cage Legacy, a young adult horror thriller about Ethan Cage, the troubled 17-year-old son of a serial killer, as he grapples with the torturous consequences of his father's actions. Intriguing and captivating, you won't want to miss your chance to meet this fascinating author. Free refreshments will be served. Free refreshments will be served.

Wadsworth Mansion Open Air Market and Festival
Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Middletown. The historic Wadsworth Mansion will transform its 700 foot vista into a marketplace and festival where a variety of vendors will gather to sell their Connecticut grown or made products. One can stroll from tent to tent purchasing fresh produce, fruit, cheese, breads and prepared foods. Local artisans, such as potters, painters, and jewelers have been invited to sell their work.