Old Lyme to Celebrate America 250 with Food, Music and Community at Town Picnic, July 5

OLD LYME, CT – As the centerpiece of the town’s America 250 festivities, Old Lyme invites residents to a Town Picnic on Sunday, July 5, from noon to 4 p.m. at Town Woods Park.

Everyone in Old Lyme – full-time and seasonal – is invited to join in the festivities.

The free community event will feature live music by Nightshift, a five-piece band playing the best-loved tracks of the 1960s, 70s, and 80s that organizers say is known for getting audiences of all ages to their feet. The afternoon includes children’s activities, face painting, games, a pie-eating contest, sack races and the unveiling of Old Lyme’s community quilt created as part of the town’s America 250 commemoration.

A large picnicking area will be available to the west of the Town Woods Field House where two ball diamonds are located. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnic spread, and may consider bringing a picnic blanket or fold-up table, chairs or a pop-up tent for shade or rain protection.

Ample room is available to spread out across the park’s two ball fields. A drop-off circle will be available to drop off passengers and picnic supplies near the Field House before parking. Accessible parking will be available close to the Field House.

The Lyme–Old Lyme Lions Club will sell burgers and hot dogs, along with potato chips, lemonade and bottled water. Cash and credit cards will be accepted.

Tablescape Contest

Attendees who wish to get into the festive spirit are invited to register their tablescapes onsite for judging. Ribbon awards will be given for categories including Most Patriotic, Most Historic, Beach-Theme Picnic, Park-Theme Picnic and Most Creative. Judging is expected to take place at 1 p.m.

The afternoon of food, music, and community will include various Old Lyme nonprofits, including the Lyme–Old Lyme Food Share Garden, which will showcase their volunteer garden located onsite at Town Woods Park. The Old Lyme Historical Society will have America 250 and Historical Society merchandise for sale.

The event is produced by the Town of Old Lyme America 250 Committee and has been in the planning stages by a small group of volunteers over the past eight months. For more information, visit ExploreOldLyme.com/picnic or email America250@oldlyme-ct.gov.