Crowd Sings and Dances at Rose Garden Festival
By Robin Vinci | Editor at June 22, 2024 | 2:15 pm | Print
Misty rain and clouds tried to hinder another City event on Saturday night, but hundreds of people still attended the Rose Garden Festival at Walnut Hill Park despite threatening clouds.
Upon entering women were given a single rose donated by Scott’s Florist. The event began with a Happy Hour from 5 to 6 p.m.
Five restaurants lined the interior of the rose garden selling a variety of dishes including rice bowls from Mofongo’s, sliders from Back Nine Tavern, pizza slices from Max Pizza II, combo platters from Great Taste and golabki from Staropolska.
At the bar, beer, wine and mixed drinks were available for the over 21 only crowd.
Once patrons enjoyed their food on decorated tables, most headed over to the an area near the WWI monument set up as a stage.
First up was Avenue Groove followed by Soul Sound Review. Crowds danced, sang and watched until about 9:30 p.m. These were two of Connecticut’s most popular showbands.
Mayor Erin Stewart welcomed everybody to the park telling the crowd not to worry about a drone flying around which was there for the City’s new marketing campaign “Experience the New.”
“Despite the rain we had an incredible crowd which we are very happy and grateful for,” said Stewart. “It is the fourth annual event and it just keeps growing and getting bigger. Even though its cloudy, there is a lot of happiness at the Rose Garden.”
“Despite Mother Nature’s attempt to interfere, the Rose Garden Festival was still a tremendous success. The food was delicious, the live bands jammed on, and people had a great time,” said Erik Barbieri, Director of Parks, Recreation, & Community Services. “We are very thankful for our sponsors – Stanley Black & Decker, Admill Machine, Schaller Auto World, Dattco, & Scott’s Flowers, for their support of the event. The event would not happen if we didn’t have their civic mindedness and generosity.”
Admission to the event was $7 per person in advance and $10 the day of the event.
Those who attended the event said it was a lot of fun.
“Our fourth one! And always a great time,” said Chris Gaffney. “The roses are beautiful.”
“Not as many people as in the past, but I suspect the weather was a factor. Parks & Rec did a fabulous job,” said Anastasia Rulkowski. “My only suggestion was it would be nice if they had a booth that sold coffee and sweets.”
“I went for my first time, and it was very nice,” said Carol Maikowski. “I would have liked to see more restaurants participate, that way they will get the business from people who liked their food at this event.”
“Went with my husband and girlfriend. Had a good time. I also went last year,” said Betty Leone Nadeau. “Had ice cream from Max’s and sliders from the Back Nine Tavern. They were delicious.”
The rose garden atop the park near the World War I Monument is the largest volunteer maintained Rose Garden in the state, led by the efforts of Kate McCue and the Friends of Walnut Hill Rose Garden.
