By Rod Lee

Long considered one of the most popular reasons to visit “The Quiet Corner” of northeastern Connecticut, Putnam becomes even more of an attraction come spring and the arrival of “First Fridays.”

Sponsored in part by “Discover Putnam,” First Fridays features four solid months of art, music, entertainment, vendors, fine cuisine and quaint shopping in downtown Putnam from May through August.

 

Musical performances are a staple of First Fridays in downtown Putnam.

This year’s happening kicks off on May 6 along Main St. and in Union Square with a color guard and presentation of the National Anthem.

  Joining Discover Putnam in support of the event are Byrnes Insurance, CR Premier Properties, DKH, Enchanted Jewelry, Tackle The Trail, WINY 1350 AM, Connecticut Mystic Country, and the Putnam Area Foundation.

Spring marks the start of a flurry of community activities in Putnam, including the “Beautification Day” cleanup on April 30th from Rotary Park with a Volunteer Appreciation lunch to follow from 11:00 to noon, the Putnam Rotary Fishing Derby on May 14 in Putnam Rotary Park from 9:00 a.m. to noon with classes for 5-and-under, 6-9, 10-12 and 13-15, and the Memorial Day Parade on May 30. The Parade starts at 10:00 a.m.

Downtown Putnam and the surrounding area are home to a unique mix of enterprises for the whole family, including The Bradley Playhouse, the Gertrude Chandler Warner Boxcar Children’s Museum, Jeremiah’s (an antiques mall), Connecticut National Golf Club, Sawmill Pottery, String Tinkers (musical instruments), restaurants and art emporiums.

First Fridays is always looked for too as a cornerstone of Putnam’s many offerings.

Contact Rod Lee at [email protected] or 774-232-2999.