Connecticut

CT Renaissance Faire still growing, still needs new home: What to know if you go.

Published

2 years ago

September 27, 2024

CT Renaissance Faire still growing, still needs new home: What to know if you go.

The land search for the Connecticut Renaissance Faire is still ongoing, but the faire is going on.

The CT Renaissance Faire announced in the spring it was looking for a new venue to call home. It has been at the Lebanon Lions’ Fairgrounds since 2017. With attendance as high as 50,000 for it’s seven weekends, the Faire wants its own property to call home. The 65 or more acres of land the Faire is looking for would provide plenty of parking, space for permanent structures, and the possibility of off-season events.

The Faire has a property it has set its sights on but is still considering other properties. Months into the search, The Faire is still getting suggestions and towns interested in working with them.

“It’s finding the right land in those towns that can be difficult,” Tetreault said.

However, it will stay in eastern Connecticut because “it’s where we’ve been most of the time we’ve existed,” Tetreault said.

“We really like it here,” he said.

While the new home is supposed to be for the 2025 season, it may take longer to get going. There is no set time to make a final decision, and the Faire may need permits that take up to 18 months to finalize.

“We will see how that goes,” Tetreault said.

How’s this season going?

This season has been well attended. While Tetreault didn’t have exact numbers, most days have seen a 30% attendance increase compared to last year. The Faire offering affordable tickets and food contributes to this increase, he said.

“It’s exciting to see the younger people responding so well to the Faire,” Tetreault said.

The first weekend in October is Time Travelers Weekend, where science fiction will be included in the fun. Oct. 5 includes a cosplay costume contest, and an adults-only, costume required Halloween party after hours. Oct. 6 is specifically Doctor Who themed, with a Dr. Who cosplay contest and photo ops with The TARDIS, the vehicle the Doctors use to travel space and time.

The following weekend is All Hallows Eve Weekend. Oct. 12 will feature an evil laugh and scary scream contest, safe trick-or-treating, and the all-ages Halloween Knights after party. Oct. 13 will feature a costume contest for kids 15 and under, and Oct. 14 will feature a costume contest where everyone dresses as Mrs. Roper from the sitcom Three’s Company.

Oct. 19 and 20 is the Grand Finale Weekend and will feature talent shows both days. A variety of performers will be there or some or all of these weekends, per the Faire’s website.

If you go:

Tickets: General admission is $16, with discounts for children 15 and under. Dogs with proof of vaccination are admitted for $5. Buy your tickets online to save time.

When is the Faire open? The Faire is open weekends until Oct. 20, 10:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. It will also be open on Indigenous Peoples Day, Oct. 14.

What is there to eat? From savory pies to sweet treats, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Check out the list of food and beverage vendors so you don’t miss anyone on your list.

What about entertainment? Here is the show schedule. In addition there are plenty of medieval activities to do and watch, from jousting, to knighting ceremonies, to sword swallowing (don’t try this at home, kids), to aerial acrobats (Oct. 5-20 only), and all are included with your admission.

What’s the address? 122 Mack Road, Lebanon

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Connecticut

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

Published

10 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Cyclosporiasis outbreak prompts food safety concerns in Connecticut

ROCKY HILL, Conn. (WFSB) – People like Dena Pizzoferrato are changing what they put in their grocery carts after hearing about a cyclosporiasis outbreak.

“I’m kind of a little nervous so I’m looking to see what I buy right now,” Pizzoferrato said. “Today I didn’t buy any lettuce. I said I’m OK for now.”

Doctors say the illness is spread through parasites that make their way onto fresh produce. There have been 23 reported cases in Connecticut since May, but the CDC says the number is likely higher. Across the country, more than 840 cases and 86 hospitalizations have been reported in 31 states.

Symptoms include diarrhea and nausea that can last days to weeks. Doctors have not identified a source for the outbreak.

Dr. Ulysses Wu, chief epidemiologist at Hartford HealthCare, said a range of produce could be contaminated.

“Typical things you would think are vegetables or fruits. In the past, it’s been raspberries, basil, cilantro. You may find it in lettuces, bagged salads. So it’s a variety of things that can be contaminated, but they have not found it at this time,” said Wu.

Wu said residents should take precautions with their produce. “Take precautions with your fruit and your produce. We give the same advice when people go overseas that you should always peel something. You should always boil something,” he said.

Doctors also recommend washing produce thoroughly if boiling is not an option, and washing hands regularly.

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Connecticut

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Published

20 hours ago

July 12, 2026

Press Room

Milford business celebrating 50th anniversary

Chip Rubenstein, owner of Chip’s Auto Sales of Milford, says he’s honored to celebrate the dealership’s 50th anniversary alongside America’s 250th birthday.

“I opened Chip’s Auto Sales in 1976, during a chaotic time for our nation in the world,” said Rubenstein, “50 years later, I am so proud of the legacy I’ve created as somebody who always tried his best to do right, and to serve my community proudly.”

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