Arts & Entertainment

Branford Festival [Website] Gets a Facelift

A new destination for all things 'Fest.'

It’s exactly 79 days until the official kick off of the 2012 Branford Festival on June 15. While that may seem like a long way away, the truth is, June is just around the corner and will be here before we know it!

In fact, will host a Festival Scoop Night on April 19 from 6 to 9:30 p.m. Get a sneak preview of what’s in store for this year’s Branford Festival. Meet Committee members, sign up to volunteer, get the scoop on this year’s entertainment, register for Branford’s Got Talent and The Annual Bake Off, or submit your design for this year’s Branford Festival Tee Shirt Contest.

For the web savvy, getting involved in the Festival is easier than ever with a brand new website, which just launched. Also, it’s important to note that the Branford Festival is now on Twitter and they have designated one final Facebook Page (there were several circulating about).

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Below is a Festival Guide, featuring the various assets of the website. We hope to get you started off on the right foot to enjoy a weekend of fun and Branford community bonding!

Patch also plans on having a booth at the festival as well as covering the great events that take place! Of course if you can’t wait, we’ve included our P! News video coverage from last year featuring host – see attached media.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Sponsor

There are plenty of ways to get involved with the festival and there’s still time to do it. To become a 2012 sponsor please email: lhbdeb@aol.com

Donate

While the Festival is free, there’s still lots of support needed to make it happen every year. Even the smallest donation will go a long way. You can donate through PayPal OR send checks to:

The Branford Festival
P.O. Box 853
Branford, CT. 06405

Virtual Festival

Don’t forget to “Like” The Branford Festival on Facebook and follow them on Twitter. What do you plan to hashtag during the event? Be sure to let everyone know! 

Festival Basics

The Branford Festival was born Father’s Day weekend, 1985 and has been going strong and growing ever since. This year we celebrate the 27th Annual Festival. Dale Izzo, Assistant Director at the is the Festival President, with Ray Ingraham serving along side her as Vice President. Learn more about the rest of those on committee or to learn more about joining, online.

Entertainment

The Festival kicks off on Friday, June 15 at 4:45 p.m. with Opening Celebration featuring the Town Band, the 2nd Company Governors Foot Guard, the Parade of Participants and the raising of the Festival Flag. The headliner for the evening will be Christine Ohlamn & Rebel Montez with special guest the Sin Sisters. Festivities run until 10:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 16 during the day, is a great chance to meet area businesses and organizations at the Branford Chamber-sponsored Craft and Community Expo. If you are interested in having a table at the event, download the attached application – spots are filling quickly. Spots range from $125-$185 depending on needs and membership status.

Saturday night will feature local bands Steamroller and Last Licks and two headliners “Beau Bolero” – Music of Steely Dan and 7 Bridge, an Eagles Tribute Band.

Sunday, June 17 is Father’s Day and the annual Branford Road Race. For lowest rates, register by May 14 on the Branford Road Race website. The last day to complete pre-registration is June 12– runners can also register day-of as well.

Competition

There are several ways to pit your talents against others this year at the festival whether you are a singer, baker or more…

Branford’s Got Talent

Returning for the second time, Branford’s Got Talent is a search for local musical acts. Send in a recorded sample of your voice to Branfordfestival@aol.com with "Branford’s Got Talent" in the subject line. Submissions will be accepted up until April 31 at which point 10 finalists will be chosen to perform on the Main Street Stage the morning of Saturday, June 16 (see more details on rules at the Festival website). The winner and runners up will be featured on the Main Stage during Sunday’s entertainment around 3:30 p.m. The winner will receive a $200 Visa gift card and a trophy and the 2nd place winner will receive a $100 Visa gift card.

Baking Contest

Whether you’re into baking cakes, breads, pies, cookies or more, the annual Best of Branford Baking Contest is not to be missed! Branford’s own Celebrity Chef and Brenda Deponte from East Haven’s (winner of Cupcake Wars) will judge the best baked goods Sunday, June 17. Download the entry form attached to this story and be sure to mail in with your recipe before May 31. 


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