Many Thanks

For The Arts Festival

To the Editor:

I have been searching for the right words to say how wonderful the Newtown Arts Festival at Fairfield Hills was this weekend because nothing I come up with is good enough to describe how amazing it was. In my 45 years as a Newtown resident I have never enjoyed any event as much! When Andrew and I turned into FFH from Wasserman Way and were greeted by the beautiful setup of all the tents and statues we were so pleasantly surprised. We honestly did not expect a festival of such magnitude and so beautiful to behold. Kind of like Dorothy when she arrived in Oz.

The schedule of events was also absolutely wonderful and each performance and each workshop was presented right on time and were so entertaining and informative. We bought two coffees and sat at a picnic table and listened and watched the entertainment. Soo much talent in Newtown. Soo many young people danced and sang and gave craft demonstrations. I love our Newtown youth and their dedication and hard work preparing for this event, along with their volunteering in so many areas. Of course we had to sample the food. You just had to with the wonderful aromas wafting by. The shish kabob was delicious, and the funnel cake, and oh my, the carrot cake and the fruit salad. So much more, wanted to try it all, but no more room.

The vendors had beautiful handcrafted items to sell. Many demonstrated their craft skills as well. A very nice lady from Kenya did a beautiful African head wrap for me. She was so charming and interesting. That night I wore it to One Eyed Pig to hear my son’s band and I got so many compliments on it. Another lady, a former Manhattanite, made me a special fitted necklace and earrings while we were there. Later over a coffee we became friends. A young man with a leather craft shop made me a beautiful and unique bracelet that I love . Everyone was friendly like that.

Oh, and it was so great to meet and chat with so many of our friends and neighbors, and kinda share the event together for a bit. Everyone agreed on what a marvelous event it was. Most of all though, our heartfelt thanks and tremendous admiration for the committee who planned and worked so hard for two years for this wonderful event to take place. Thank you, thank you.

Also, we are elated to see that our beautiful Fairfield Hills campus is being used for just what we had prayed and worked for. The Jewel in the crown of Newtown. Thank you for that too. We attended both days and the turnout was excellent. Same time next year? Oh, and thank you again.

Rita Willie

51 Butterfield Road, Newtown                          September 17, 2012