Savin Rock Festival opens at 5 p.m. in Old Grove Park

WEST HAVEN, July 28, 2023 — The Savin Rock Festival opens in Old Grove Park at 5 p.m. today.

The annual festival, sponsored by the University of New Haven, Yale University and Frankson Fence Co., will showcase the sights, sounds, smells and tastes that cemented the 20th-century Savin Rock Park as Connecticut’s Coney Island, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi said.

Other sponsors include Baybrook Remodelers Inc., Affordable Waste Systems LLC and Adams Hometown Market.

The festival, which honors the legacy of “the Rock,” is scheduled from 5-10 p.m. today and noon-10 p.m. Saturday.

Along with live music, it will feature rides and games by Marenna Amusements — and, of course, boatloads of seafood and other mouthwatering dishes.

Changes, however, have been announced for amusement rides and parking in the grass area off Oak Street because of this week’s heavy rain.

According to organizers, downpours have saturated the grounds off Oak Street, causing a significant public safety hazard.

Marenna owner George Marenna Jr. said he will open “certain” rides, depending on the grounds’ conditions and weather permitting.

“We are working hard to get everything ready,” Marenna said. “Inclement weather gave us a lot of mud and difficult conditions for people to walk on.”

Marenna will offer wristbands for unlimited rides for $30 and a sheet of 21 tickets for $20.

A number of nonprofit organizations will set up informational booths in the 153-year-old Grove, and a fleet of food trucks on Palace Street will serve up burgers, hot dogs, cheesesteaks, fried dough, gyros, lobster rolls, tacos and meatball bombs. Dessert trucks will offer cannoli, ice cream, cupcakes and kettle corn.

The craft fair, a festival staple, will also take place, spread beneath the park’s oak trees, organizers said.

The wet, muddy conditions off Oak Street have prompted organizers to move the festival’s primary parking area to West Haven High School for residents and nonresidents. The city will provide shuttle service to and from the Grove.

Parking is also available for residents and nonresidents on a first-come, first-served basis in the municipal lots on Oak Street and Altschuler Boulevard.

Parking is free for residents in the above-mentioned lots, provided their vehicles, including motorcycles and new, leased or military-exempt vehicles, are registered in West Haven and they are not delinquent on their motor vehicle taxes. A “new” vehicle means it was registered in West Haven after Oct. 1, 2022.

Taxpayers can check if they owe back taxes and make a payment at My Tax Bill.

Parking for nonresidents in the above-mentioned lots costs $20, payable by credit card through a “Pay for Parking” smartphone app only.

To park, nonresidents must scan the QR code on the Premium Parking sign in each lot or text the lot code to 504504. Both options will connect them to the Premium Parking website to complete the transaction. Nonresidents can also download the Premium Parking app on the Apple or Google app stores.

The festival kicks off with welcoming remarks by Rossi and the national anthem sung by Ana Garcia.

Radio personality Brian Smith will serve as the “ringmaster” of ceremonies for a sixth time.

The Kathy Thompson Band will play funk, soul and R&B music at 6 p.m., followed by Shaded Soul Band, performing R&B favorites and pop gems, at 8 p.m.

Day 2 will kick off at noon Saturday with the festival’s second annual Touch-a-Truck event, held next to the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard until 4 p.m.

At 1 p.m. and 2 p.m., firefighters of the West Haven Fire Department, led by Fire Marshal Roger Sicotte, will demonstrate the department’s 35-foot smoke trailer and show children what to do in case of a fire.

Firefighters of the West Shore Fire Department will demonstrate the department’s amphibious rescue boat at 2 p.m.

At 3 p.m., West Haven firefighters will demonstrate the Jaws of Life tool by prying open parts of a vehicle to free those trapped inside.

At 4 p.m., The Generators will open the diverse musical lineup by playing a 90-minute set of classic rock anthems.

Just before the concert, Smith will introduce Garcia, who will sing the national anthem.

Then, at 6 p.m., Magic of Motown, sponsored by West Haven Vietnam Veterans Inc., will perform a high-energy mix of R&B hits from the acclaimed catalog of Detroit’s Motown Records, known as “Hitsville U.S.A.”

At 8 p.m., Arena Rock Tribute will unleash the monsters of rock and play a two-hour show celebrating the music, performance and spectacle of the melodic rock of the ’70s and ’80s, including Queen, Journey, Van Halen and Bon Jovi.

“Arena Rock Tribute performs rock blocks of their greatest hits with undeniable energy and precision that makes for an exciting event,” the band said in a statement.

Watch the band’s promotional video on YouTube.

West Haven’s flagship festival was established in 1982 by the Chamber of Commerce — initially under the direction of Brian M. Stone, David Gesler and Michael Shiner and thereafter by John L. Perrone and his wife, Mary Perrone — to bring organizations, clubs, businesses and families together for a summer festival that celebrates life in one of America’s oldest maritime communities.

From the dawn of the Savin Rock House hotel in 1838, the Rock had long been a resort hub until it was officially incorporated as an amusement park by the Savin Rock Park Co. on Memorial Day 1925, when it opened to 300,000 visitors and 66,000 automobiles in one spectacular day.

For the next 40 years, the popular seaside park captured the hearts and imaginations of “Rock rats” young and old. “The playground of New England” closed on Sept. 21, 1966, to make way for the Savin Rock Urban Renewal Project.

Rubber City plays West Haven Green at 7 p.m. Aug. 3

WEST HAVEN, July 28, 2023 — The West Haven Summer Concert Series will continue on the Green at 7 p.m. Aug. 3 with horn-powered party hits performed by Rubber City.

The Summer Concert Series will continue at 7 p.m. Aug. 10 on the Green with Silver Steel, “Connecticut’s award-winning steel pan band.”

The “Thursday Night Live!” concerts are free and presented by the Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce and the West Haven Department of Parks and Recreation.

Farmers market open Thursdays and Saturdays

WEST HAVEN, July 28, 2023 — The Tony Inzero Farmers Market has opened its 2023 season next to the Oak Street Beach parking lot off Captain Thomas Boulevard.

The market, nestled on the right side of the beach lot, includes state farmers selling homegrown fruits and vegetables and crafters selling wares from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursdays and Saturdays through Oct. 14.

It features artisan breads by Hoffman Unlimited LLC, sauces and jams by Chile King LLC, and salts, oils and vinegars by Dash N’ Drizzle.

The farmers market is partnering with ArtsWest CT this season to showcase a variety of entertainment, such as live performances and unique demonstrations, at the Saturday markets.

The market also includes more than 20 different vendors, crafters, organizations and food trucks during the season.

The Thursday markets feature What the Truck?! BBQ, in addition to ice cream at both markets.

Parking is available in the Oak Street municipal lot and on Palace Street. Oak Street is on the senior shuttle route and the CTtransit route. In addition, a van will run from the West Haven Senior Center, 201 Noble St., to Oak Street at 10:30 a.m. Thursdays.

The Department of Elderly Services will start distributing reusable farmers market cards to eligible city residents. Residents 60 and older who meet income requirements are eligible for $24 vouchers in the form of electronic cards. For information on the Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program, call the department at 203-937-3507.

The farmers market is sponsored by the city and has operated since 2000. It was dedicated in 2010 in memory of Anthony F. “Tony” Inzero, a leader in the downtown business community who co-owned Flower Affair on Campbell Avenue for many years and was a founding member and longtime president of the West Haven Business Association.

To participate in the farmers market or for information, contact Killian Gruber, the market’s manager, at kgruber@westhaven-ct.gov or 203-937-3510.

For the latest news on the market, go to West Haven Farmers Market.

Renovations kick off at Surfside housing complex

WEST HAVEN, July 24, 2023 — (Pictured): West Haven Housing Authority Executive Director John Counter, center, shows Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Public Works Commissioner Tom J. McCarthy the dilapidated roof of the Surfside public housing complex at 200 Oak St. on Monday.

Counter led Rossi and McCarthy on a half-hour tour to show the complex’s outdated roof and efficiency apartment units before long-overdue renovations are completed over the next 20 months.

The 254-unit complex is composed of efficiency and one- and two-bedroom units.

In early 2020, the 12-story complex was designated as obsolete by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Counter recently announced that Savin Rock Communities Inc., which manages Surfside and other public housing properties across the city, is borrowing up to $29.29 million for a multiphase plan to improve the authority’s housing stock, including a new roof, boiler, generator and fire sprinkler at Surfside.

Along with new windows and remodeled units, the complex will also receive an exterior facelift and electrical and mechanical upgrades.

The extensive project kicked off July 20.

Also touring Surfside were Housing Authority Assistant Executive Director Meagan Golde and Board of Commissioners Chair Wayne Orio and Vice Chair John R. O’Connor. They were joined by Eric Stokes, the director of facilities and modernization at Savin Rock Communities, and Karen Kravetz, Savin Rock’s general counsel.

Rossi, Counter and Savin Rock Communities have been working to enhance affordable living opportunities for West Haven residents with the greatest housing needs, including older and disabled people with fixed incomes, homeless veterans and families with low incomes.

(City Photo/Michael P. Walsh)

The Breakwall restaurant opens on shoreline

WEST HAVEN, July 20, 2023 — With the snip of a blue ribbon, Mayor Nancy R. Rossi and Brendan and Katrina Snow, the husband-wife owners of The Breakwall, ushered in the shoreline restaurant’s grand opening at 305 Captain Thomas Blvd. on July 19.

West Haven’s newest restaurant is located in the heart of the Savin Rock business district near the beach and specializes in “freshly prepared burgers, succulent seafood, hand-selected wings and irresistible specials that will satisfy every craving,” said Brendan Snow, a former longtime employee and bar manager of Beef & Brew Pub and Savin Rock Roasting Co., which previously occupied the site.

“My goal is to provide high-quality food, craft cocktails and live music to create an atmosphere that makes people feel good and happy with their decision to come and spend their time with us,” said Snow, who has worked in the hospitality industry for more than 20 years.

Rossi welcomed the Snows to the city and thanked their many family and friends for attending the late-afternoon ceremony.

“We’re very excited about a new business coming to West Haven!” Rossi said.

The ribbon-cutting was attended by City Clerk Patricia C. Horvath, Councilwoman Colleen O’Connor, R-at large, and City of West Haven Fire Department Allingtown Commissioner Frederick Brown.

Also marking the event were Milford Regional Chamber of Commerce President Michael Moses, Director of Membership and Marketing Simon McDonald and event coordinator Wendy Terenzio, along with chamber members Peggi Vetro of the Irish Heritage Society of Milford, West Shore Associates of West Haven owner Erin Eberhardt and Edward Jones of Milford financial adviser Jay Borelli.

Brendan Snow said The Breakwall’s open floor plan offers flexible seating for large and small gatherings, a designated area for live music, and space for private parties in the renovated dining area.

He said the nautical-inspired name refers to a wall that breaks the impact of waves in a harbor.

Home to “food, drinks and music,” the restaurant and bar offers a wide variety of local beers on tap and daily food specials, including the Bacon Jam Burger, a half-pound burger patty topped with melted cheddar cheese, bacon onion jam, lettuce and tomato.

The diverse menu includes house-made soups and salads and features “incredible” dishes created by Snow and head chef Julio Morales, including Nonnie’s Chicken, a chicken breast sauteed with spicy Italian sausage, roasted garlic, onions, and hot and sweet peppers in a white wine sauce.

Snow said he is excited to present some of the best in regional and national music talent to produce an “intimate and uniquely special experience for guests.”

In addition to offering trivia on Tuesday nights, he plans to offer menus for happy hour and Sunday brunch.

Carryout catering is also offered.

The Breakwall has 15 employees and serves food from 4-10 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, noon-11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and noon-9 p.m. Sunday. Otherwise, the bar is open late on those days.

Jr. Lifeguarding Program enrolling future lifesavers

WEST HAVEN, July 20, 2023 — The Department of Parks and Recreation is running its second Junior Lifeguarding Program.

The program is for prospective lifeguards ages 12-15. Participants will learn the basics of lifeguarding while running, swimming and mock-rescuing with experienced West Haven Beach Lifesaving Service lifeguards.

The program will meet from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Aug. 14-18 at the West Haven boardwalk, lifeguard shack and high school pool — locations may vary depending on the schedule and weather.

The one-week cost for residents is $65; the one-week cost for nonresidents is $75. A junior lifeguard uniform shirt is included.

Registration has opened for city residents and will open at 9 a.m. July 25 for nonresidents.

Mission: The West Haven Parks and Recreation Aquatic Division, Junior Lifeguard Camp, is committed to teaching the fundamentals of beach safety, first aid and environmental awareness. The camp's priorities are safety, fun and education.

Junior lifeguard campers will learn from current West Haven Beach Lifesaving Service lifeguards, gaining a true sense of the role, responsibilities and reward of today’s beach lifesavers.

Eligibility: Every camper should be able to swim and be confident in their swimming abilities in the ocean without flotation.

Register for the Junior Lifeguarding Program at Park-Rec.