Avon America 250 Events: What's Happening In June?

AVON, CT — Residents will have multiple opportunities to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence this June through a series of events organized by Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee and local community partners.

The events are part of the nationwide observance of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence.

Unless otherwise noted, activities are free and open to the public. They include:

• Throughout June, winning entries from the Avon Then & Now Community Art Challenge are on display in the Avon Free Public Library gallery, 281 Country Club Road.

The challenge was sponsored by the Avon Free Public Library Board of Directors.

• The library is also hosting "America at 250: Reflections on the American Experience Through the Lens of Film," an eight-film discussion series running from June through August.

Discussions will be held virtually with Bob Kagan, and registration is available through the library's website.

• Beginning June 9, the Avon America 250 Coordinating Committee and Avon Historical Society will present "From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice" in the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library.

The exhibit examines how residents of Northington, now Avon, responded to the American Revolution and traces the expansion of voting rights through the U.S. Constitution and its amendments. The exhibit also looks back at Avon’s\

Bicentennial celebrations and will remain on display through August during regular library hours.

• A colonial-themed First Friday Dinner Feast will be held Friday, June 5, at Avon Congregational Church, 6 W. Main St., beginning at 5:30 p.m.

The menu features dishes inspired by recipes from the colonial North and South, including Washington’s Chicken, Boston baked beans and Southern Hoppin John.

The cost is $20 per person, and both dine-in and takeout options are available.

Organizers will also offer a Declaration of Independence signing activity.

• On June 15 at 6:30 p.m., storyteller Andre Keitt will present "Through Billy Lee’s Eyes" in the Community Room of the Avon Free Public Library.

The dramatic presentation explores the life of William "Billy" Lee, the enslaved personal assistant to George Washington who served before, during and after the Revolutionary War.

The program is presented in recognition of Juneteenth and the America 250 commemoration and is co-sponsored by the Friends of the Avon Library, Avon Senior Center and Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee.

• The month's largest event, the Avon & Farmington CT 250 Celebration, will take place June 26 at 99 Thompson Road in Avon. Running from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., the event will feature live entertainment, food vendors, historical exhibits, family activities, community organizations and fireworks.

Organizers have adopted the theme "Past, Present, Party" for the joint community celebration.

Additional America 250-related events scheduled throughout Avon and the Farmington Valley can be found at www.avonct.gov/avon250.