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The Wings Butterfly Garden is
at its best in May with azaleas
and rhododendrons in bloom.

Upcoming May 2025 Events

May is probably the month of the year with the most activities taking place in Vernon. To help you plan your May activities this email highlights ten events through the end of the month. They include an interesting variety with walks, a road race, wildlife programs, book and plant sales, and two Memorial Day parades. There are events for families and adults.

Most of the organizations sponsoring these events are members of the Vernon Volunteers' Collaborative. You can learn more about them on their website. Check organizer's websites for any last minute changes.

We'll send our next newsletters in September and October covering the fall season.

The Early Spring newsletter included an event that continues into May - The Vernon Historical Society's Annual Book Sale. To learn about itis see our Early Spring newsletter.

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» Go to The Tankerhoosen website.

Jon Roe   


NECWM:The Boys of Tolland County

THURSDAY, MAY 1, 7 P.M.: The New England Civil War Museum (NECWM) hosts "The Boys of Tolland County, Company D, 14th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry," presented by COLTON FALETTI.

The small city of Rockville was not only a center of textile manufacturing and agricultural production, but its residents produced the nucleus of Company D in the storied regiment, the 14th CVI. Colton will tell the story of these local soldiers from 1862 through the Grand Review.

The program is free and will take place at the NECWM, 14 Park Place in Rockville.

On Wednesday, June 4 at 7 p.m. SCOTT MINGUS will present "Railroads in the Gettysburg Campaign."

» Learn more.


FOVF: Valley Falls Park Spring Bird Walk

SUNDAY, MAY 4, 7:30 A.M.: The Friends of Valley Falls are hosting DENISE ANAMANI, who will lead us on a walk through the trails and around the pond at Valley Falls Park. She will help us identify resident and migrating birds that inhabit the Park in spring, and provide details about their habits and songs. The early morning hour provides more sightings, so bring your binoculars and bird apps.

Free. Meet at the Valley Falls Park pavilion, 300 Valley Falls Road in Vernon.

On Saturday, May 17 at 9:30 a.m. DON SIERAKOWSKI will lead a History Walk and on Sunday, May 18 at 10:30 a.m. CAROL HATCH will lead a Wildflower Walk.

» Learn more.


VGC: Annual Plant Sale

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 8-11:30 A.M.: The Vernon Garden Club (VGC) is holding their annual Plant Sale and fund raiser. Perennials for sun and shade, bulbs, herbs and unusual plants from members' own gardens will be available along with a gardener's white elephant table.

A great place and good prices to buy seasonal plants from the experts who know what grows well in Vernon. For members its a fun day to see what we have grown and share the bounty with our community. Each VGC member brings 10 or more perky, potted, and clearly labeled garden plants.

The sale will be held in the parking lot of the Vernon Center Middle School, 777 Hartford Turnpike. In the event of pouring rain the sale will be held on May 17. For information call (860) 926-4332


Canoe/Kayak Paddle of Upper Bolton Lake

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9 A.M.: The Northern Connecticut Land Trust sponsors their annual canoe and kayak exploration of Upper Bolton Lake which in historical times was known for its cedar trees.

Take a leisurely tour of this pristine lake setting, perfect for bird-watching, photo opportunities, or just a quiet morning enjoying the outdoors.

Please bring your own boat, paddles, and life vests.

Meet at the Upper Bolton Lake Boat Launch Area on Hatch Hill Road in Vernon for this free event. Call KARL at (860) 649-4949 for information.


NECWM:Civil War Day Camp For Kids

SATURDAY, MAY 10, 9 A.M. - 2 P.M.: Take a trip back in time. Children ages 8-13 will be transported back to the Civil War and learn about life and how to survive during the Civil War. This will include living conditions, communication, cooking, marching in formation and much more. A fun day for boys and girls.

Each boy and girl will be given the name of a soldier who actually fought in the Civil War and adopts their persona for the day. Bring along a blanket to be made into a bed roll, a bag lunch and wear long pants and shoes or sneakers (no sandals).

Presented by members of Alden Skinner Camp #45 of the Sons of Union Veterans in Rockville, 14th Connecticut Reenacting members, and volunteer help from the New England Civil War Museum. The camp will be held at the Strong Family Farm, 274 West Street in Vernon.

Cost: $25. Limited to 40 students. If interested register soon.

» Learn more & register.


VGV: The History Of Vernon Railroads

TUESDAY, MAY 13, 6 P.M.: It's a new season as the Vernon Greenways Volunteers (VGV) hold their annual Spring Kickoff Meeting.

In addition to reviewing what was done in 2024 and what is coming in 2025, DON SIERAKOWSKI will present a program on the railroads in Vernon and Rockville and the rails that now serve as our Rails-to-Trails.

This free event will be held at the Vernon Historical Society located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more about the Vernon Greenways Volunteers.


TCAC: Scantic Valley Tractor Show

SATURDAY, MAY 17, 8 A.M. - 3 P.M.: The "47th Annual Antique Machinery Show & Swap Meet" will be held at the Tolland County Agricultural Center (TCAC).

There will be antique engines and tractors, antique cars and trucks. A 4H Garden Tractor Pull will be held at 10 a.m.

Good food available prepared by TCAC 4H. Admission $5 adults, under 12 free. Free parking.

TCAC is located at 24 Hyde Avenue (Rte. 30) in Vernon.

» Learn more.


SFF: Annual 5K Chicken Run

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 9 A.M.: Strong Family Farm hosts their annual Chicken Run. For 12 years, the Chicken Run has been a way to start the farm season, welcome the new baby chicks to the farm and to support the Strong Family Farm, Vernon's nonprofit community farm located in the center of Vernon, CT.

There will also be free fun family activities to complement the Chicken Run including: the arrival of the baby chicks, a special appearance from our chicken mascot and rabbits, chickens and goats.

For the safety of our participants, we ask that you refrain from bringing dogs to our event.

Strong Family Farm is located at 274 West Street in Vernon. (860) 874-9020.

» Learn more and register.


VHS: Connecticut's General Putnam

SUNDAY, MAY 18, 2 P.M.: For Vernon Historical Society's May program PROFESSOR KENNNETH NOLL will portray and tell the story of Connecticut's own Israel Putnam (1718-1790), popularly known as "Old Put", who was an American military officer and landowner who fought with distinction at the Battle of Bunker Hill during the American Revolutionary War.

He also served as an officer with Rogers' Rangers during the French and Indian War. Putnam's courage and fighting spirit became known far beyond his home on Connecticut's borders through the circulation of folk legends in the American colonies and states celebrating his exploits.

The program is free and open to the public.

The Vernon Historical Society is located at 734 Hartford Turnpike in Vernon.

» Learn more.


Talcottville Memorial Day Parade

SUNDAY, MAY 25, 9 A.M.: Each Memorial Day weekend the town of Vernon has two parades. The primary parade is held in Rockville on Monday, but on Sunday one of the state's shortest parades takes place in Talcottville.

Marchers begin at the Talcottville Congregational Church and proceed to the Civil War monument in the cemetery where ceremonies are held. The parade usually includes Vernon's mayor and council members as well as the fire and police departments, scout groups and veterans.

Mount Hope Cemetery is the home of Vernon's earliest Civil War monument, an obelisk at the highest point in the cemetery. The cemetery was dedicated in 1867 and the memorial monument was dedicated two years later in 1869. The memorial is engraved with the names of those from the area who gave their lives in the war.

Everyone is welcome to march in the parade and it's short enough for the kids. Assemble in the church parking lot at 10 Elm Hill Road in Vernon at 8:30 a.m.

On Monday, May 26 Vernon's Memorial Day Parade will be held in Rockville.

» Learn more.


Coming Up In June

To receive the September & October newsletters Join our Mailing List.

  • June 7 - Strong Family Farm Community Tag Sale & Antique Appraisal
  • June 7 - The Vernon Chorale's Concert "A Choral Tapestry"
  • June 12 - Strong Family Farm Store Opens
  • June 14 - Connecticut Open House Day
  • June 14 - Vernon Historical Society Program "Visit To Talcottville"
  • June 14 - Grand Opening of the Valley Falls Heritage Center

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