MONROE, CT — The Monroe Parks and Recreation Department is offering numerous events, from character nights to a concert series. For information on any event in this listing, contact Director Missy Orosz or Connor Negri, the recreation program supervisor, at the main office by calling 203-452-2806 or visit its website MonroeRec.org.
In the event of inclement weather, call the information line at 203-339-6106 after 3 p.m.
Bring your own chairs, blankets and extra snacks for all events. A limited amount of refreshments will be on sale each night. Children attending must be supervised by an adult over age 18 for the entire length of all shows.
Family Character Nights
Family Character Nights will be held at the Great Hollow Lake section of Wolfe Park, 454 Purdy Hill Road, on select Wednesdays from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Families will have the opportunity to meet various costumed characters, enjoy a children’s music show, play on the playground and swim in the lake.
Participation is free, but a valid Wolfe Park sticker on vehicles is required at the entrance to the park. Residents without a sticker pay a five dollar entrance fee and nonresidents pay $10.
The schedule is as follows:
- Wednesday, June 28, Lone Knome Benny Mikula with Clifford the Big Red Dog and Minion
- Wednesday, July 5, Tom Weber with Mickey and Minnie Mouse
- Wednesday, July 12, Ryan San Angelo with Ronnie the Reindeer and Sam the Snowman
- Wednesday, July 19, Judy Pancoast with Elmo and Winnie the Pooh
Bring your camera for photos.
These events are sponsored by Platinum Sponsor Honey Tree Preschool and Childcare in Monroe; Gold Sponsor, Baum Braces in Monroe and Newtown; and Silver Sponsor, L.A. Barnaby Roofing & Siding.
Lights, Camera, Action Community Family Events
Wolfe Park will become an outdoor movie theater with a showing of the classic movie “Annie” on the big screen on Friday, June 23, at 8 p.m. This will be the singalong version, so families can sing and dance to it.
On Friday, July 14, illusionist David Garrity, who will perform in a magic show for all ages on the park stage at 6:30 p.m.
On Friday, Aug. 25, the park stage will turn into an outdoor movie theater again for a showing of “Jumangi: The Next Level”. The adventure movie will bring laughter and clues for a game. The show will be at 7 p.m.
These events are sponsored by Mondo Construction in Monroe, Canterbury Pediatrics in Monroe, My Smile Orthodontics in Monroe, Shelton and New Canaan, Connex Credit Union and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 488.
Arts in the Park
The 2023 Arts in the Park Concert Series will take place on select Fridays at Wolfe Park, 285 Cutlers Farm Road. Bring your friends and chairs and be ready to dance on the lawn to local musical talent.
- Friday, July 7, 7:30 p.m., American Honey (Country)
- Friday, July 21, 7:30 p.m., Shameless (Party)
- Friday, July 28, 7:30 p.m., Simple Jim (90’s cover songs)
- Friday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Ticket to Ride: The tribute (Beatles), with a town fireworks show for the Bicentennial.Friday, Aug. 11, 7:30 p.m., Forgotten by Friday (Alternative Country/Rock)
These events are sponsored by Platinum Sponsors: Manny’s Barbershop in Monroe, Newtown Savings Bank, My Smile Orthodontics in Monroe, Shelton and New Canaan; Gold Sponsor Connecticut Precast Corporation in Monroe and Silver Sponsor Connex Credit Union.
Wolfe Park Pool Regatta
The 1st Wolfe Park Pool Regatta will be held Friday, June 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Teams will build a boat out of cardboard and duct tape on their own time, before racing across the outdoor pool at Wolfe Park. Be creative and then select two members of your team to be in the boat for the race.
Participants must be able swim across the pool to be in a boat.
Teams will compete in four categories: Family (adult/child), Youth (age 12 and younger), Teen (age 13 to 17) and Adults (age 18 and older).
This event is free, but limited to 150 participants and spectators. A donation to the Monroe Food Pantry of a nonperishable food item is encouraged.
Registration is required by visiting MonroeRec.org. For information, call the Monroe Parks and Recreation Department main office at 203-452-2806.
