EVENTS: Air Museum to host Space Expo 2022

Aug. 18—WINDSOR LOCKS — The New England Air Museum's annual Space Expo returns Saturday, Aug. 20, featuring former NASA astronaut Thomas D. Jones as keynote speaker.

Jones is a veteran NASA astronaut, scientist, author, pilot, and speaker. He flew on four shuttle missions and led three spacewalks, spending a total of 53 days in space.

Jones will speak about his fascinating career at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and will be available to meet with visitors from 10-10:45 a.m. and 2:15-3 p.m.

Guests also have an opportunity to meet Jones at this year's Breakfast with an Astronaut on Saturday from 8-9 a.m.

This is a unique opportunity to personally meet one of NASA's astronauts and participate in a question-and-answer session.

A limited number of tickets — at $50 per person — are available for the breakfast and include admission to the museum.

For information and tickets, go to: neam.org/pages/space-expo-2022

Prior to his astronaut career, Jones attended the Air Force Academy and was a pilot and commander of a B-52 D Stratofortress, leading a combat crew of six.

In addition to Jones' appearance, Space Expo 2022 features opportunities for visitors to meet life-size droids and intergalactic characters from the 501st Legion Connecticut Garrison.

Children ages 4-14 are also invited to participate in the new Cosmic Kids Challenge. Participants will receive a stamp on their Cosmic Kids Challenge passport at four hands-on activity stations, and a full passport will earn children a prize from the museum gift shop.

Other guests include the Danbury FIRST Robotics Teams, EAA Chapter 166, NASA Solar System Ambassador Program, New England R2D2 Builders Club, Springfield Stars Club, and the Talcott Mountain Science Center.

Space Expo 2022 will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The museum is open until 4.

Admission is $18 for ages 15 to 64; $15 for seniors 65 and older; $10 for youth ages 4 to 14. New England Air Museum members and children age 3 and younger are admitted free.

Please note that the CT Summer at the Museum promotion does not apply to this event.

The New England Air Museum is at 36 Perimeter Road, adjacent to Bradley International Airport.

For information, visit: www.neam.org

Family fun night

ELLINGTON — The Nellie McKnight Museum, 70 Main St., will hold a family fun night today from 5-8 p.m. with an evening of music, food, lawn games, and activities on tap. Rain date is Friday, Aug. 19.

Admission, games, and kids' activities are free. The Silk City Strays band will be providing musical entertainment.

The No Coast Kitchen will be serving tacos.

Summer treats such as ice cream, cotton candy, and popcorn will also be available for purchase.

For more information, visit: ellingtonhistsoc.org/events

Musical sea adventure

BOLTON — The Bentley Memorial Library, 206 Bolton Center Road, presents "Submarine Serenade: A Musical Adventure Under the Sea" today from 6:15-7:15 p.m.

The program is a musical ocean adventure teeming with songs, movement, and fun.

Children and their families will learn ocean facts as they sing about the ocean, dance with jellyfish, tap boomwhacker periscopes, shake ocean shakers, float with bubbles, and more.

Registration is required and space is limited. Call the library at 860-646-7349 or email: bmlprograms@biblio.org

Dragon boat races

HARTFORD — Riverfront Recapture presents the return of the Dragon Boat and Asian Festival Saturday, Aug 20, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, 300 Columbus Boulevard.

Cheer on your favorite boat team and celebrate Asian and Pacific Island cultures through traditional music and dance, hands-on arts activities, food, and martial arts at this free, family-friendly annual event.

For more information, visit: riverfont.org/events/riverfront-asian-festival

Moonlight paddle

Stafford Lions Club will present its 12th annual Moonlight Paddle on Friday, Aug. 19, at Staffordville Lake, Route 19, behind Staffordville School.

Gates open at 6 p.m. with launch at 7:30 p.m.; all boats off the water by 9 p.m.

Bring your own kayak or canoe. Boats must be clean before entering the lake.

For information, call Paul Wentworth at 860-748-6302; email him at pdubs0015@gmail.com, or visit the Lions website at: staffordlionsclub.org

Square dancing

Modern social square dancing will be held at Blue Slope Country Museum, 138 Blue Hill Road, Franklin, Saturday Aug. 20, from 7 to 9:30 p.m.

The cost is $8, $6 for students, $30 per family.

Round, square, and line dances will be included. No partner or experience are needed. Dress comfortably and wear comfortable shoes. Bring a water bottle. Pets are not allowed.

For more information, call Anne at 860-377-8312.

Donations to the non-profit museum will be accepted.

Strong Family Farm

Strong Family Farm, 274 West St., Vernon, has free special activities and visits with farm animals on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This Sunday it's "Bee Talks with Walt." The farm's beekeeper, Walt, will answer your questions about raising bees at home. You also can stop by the store for local honey. Sheep from Aussakita Acres Farms will also be visiting.

For more information, visit:www.strongfamilyfarm.org