A few raindrops did not discourage over 200 Sip and Strollers from enjoying a day of delicious food, drinks and live music. Participants had the opportunity to learn about town businesses and restaurants, while being part of a community fundraiser.
Attendees received a collectable wine glass, bag and t-shirt to start their journey at Town Hall. Lisa & Gary Remley were manning a raffle to help raise additional funds at the event. They were sporting the cool Sip and Stroll event t-shirts that were donated and designed by Godfather Promotions.
Joe Petrone of New Fairfield Food Center was the first business on the route. Along with his family, including his wife, Kori and their son and future owner, Joey, they provided hot dogs, beer, macaroni salad and Italian cookies. Joe explains, “I think the Sip and Stroll is terrific. Today we are helping promote all the businesses downtown. We’ve been here for 50 years and my son plans to be here for 50 more. We are happy to help the town. Anything that keeps the town going – I’m all for it!”
Other storeowners provided a variety of wines, liquor, beer, food, desserts and swag. Everything was very casual and the owners were friendly and welcoming. The community members in attendance were greeting each other and crossing paths as they strolled to the various locations. Entertainment was provided by Split Decision and Milo’s Mojo as well as a solo artist performing at Luks Realty.
Some storefront businesses joined forces with other local businesses. Cory Neumann of Neumann Real Estate and Justin Merten-Slodowski of 440 Line Restaurant shared the Neumann’s location. They provided a variety of wines and beers and some awesome mini crab cakes and buffalo chicken sliders. 440 Line Restaurant is located at 249 CT-39 in New Fairfield. So it was a great opportunity for them to participate even though they are not within walking distance of downtown New Fairfield.
Ken Gucker, former New Fairfield resident, is currently running for Connecticut 24th State Senate District. He applauded the organizers of the event. “The Sip and Stroll is phenomenal and is the perfect example of the forward thinking of the leadership of New Fairfield. To bring people out to experience downtown New Fairfield and give businesses and opportunity to show their wares - it’s just a great idea.”
The Sip and Stroll was a fundraiser for the Town of New Fairfield Parks and Recreationwhich is a self-sustaining organization. All revenue raised goes right back into its programs, free events and funding projects such as the pavilion in 2017.
The community spirit was visible by all! New Fairfield Parks and Recreation is looking forward to Sip and Stroll 2019.
For more photos, visit our Facebook Page. Photo credit: Peter B. Carey, New Fairfield HamletHub Editor
Special thanks to all the Participating Businesses and Restaurants including:
1. NF FOOD CENTER
2. NF LIQUOR SHOP
3. SARAH'S GIFT & SHIP
4. NEUMANN REAL ESTATE/W 440 LINE RESTAURANT
5. BISCOTTI'S
6. FIELDSTONE VETERINARY
7. REILLY/BIASETTI REALTY/W THE CUE BBQ RESTAURANT
8. BARN GALLERY & FRAME SHOP
9. HOLY YOGA
10. CHANGES HAIR SALON/W PORTOFINO'S RESTAURANT & PRIME TIME FITNESS
11. LUKS REALTY
12. O'BRIEN INSURANCE
13. DR PATRICK FETTINGER
14. NF TAEKWONDO
15. SUBWAY
16. HERITAGE DISCOUNT WINES & LIQUORS
17. SAS SCHOOL OF DANCE
18. OLDE 37 PATIO & GRILL
19. NF SENIOR CENTER/CHATTERTON MARINA
20. HUBBELL HOUSE MUSEUM/W THE FOUNDRY KITCHEN & TAVERN
21. DUNKIN DONUTS
22. BRUNO'S PIZZA
23. PHYSICAL THERAPY ARTS/W ICONS RESTAURANT & LIV AESTHETICS MEDICAL SPA
24. FAIRWOOD WINES & LIQUOR
25. DR. KENNETH HUWER, DDS
26. CHIROPRACTIC LIFE & WELLNESS