By Ed Dadakis
Sentinel Columnist
The July 4th weekend is upon us. With the holiday falling on Tuesday, it will be a nice long weekend for many.
Greenwich has great Independence Day celebrations planned. On Saturday night twin fireworks displays illuminate the skies over Binney Park and Greenwich Point Park (known to townies as Tod’s Point) as night falls. Many spectators will arrive early to set up a picnic dinner before the show. Early weather reports indicate it will be a perfect evening.
Tuesday morning, Independence Day, at 9 a.m., the Greenwich Independence Day Association will host its annual American flag raising in front of Town Hall to celebrate America’s birthday. This has become a must attend event in our town.
The brain child of Bea Crumbine, designated by First Selectman Peter Tesei as Greenwich’s good will ambassador, the flag raising movingly mixes honoring the past while recognizing the future.
A replica of the historic Betsy Ross flag is hoisted. Greenwich ancestors of American Revolutionary War heroes are recognized and good citizenship awards will be presented to two dozen school children. Stephanie Kies adds her beautiful voice to the mix and Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Boys & Girls Club members are involved in every facet.
Each person attending receives an American flag, a copy of the Declaration of Independence and if you stay until the end, a piece of birthday cake. Why not make this flag raising the kick off to your family’s July 4th activities.
After your Fourth of July barbeques, softball games, fireworks and flag raisings, Greenwich gets into summer mode. For me, it is the best time of the year.
As the summer wears on, more and more of our fellow citizens depart town for far flung vacation and holiday spots. Those of us reimaning experience a quieter, more gentile town. A parking place on Greenwich Avenue is pretty easy to find; you can just into many restaurants without waiting and; traffic is much reduced. Although, on that latter point, my good friend Bea Walko reminded me last year that, with all the summer construction, the traffic can still be a nightmare. I guess some things never change.
Greenwich offers numerous summer activities. There is swimming at Tod’s Point, riding a boat out to Island Beach or Great Captains island, playing a round at the Griff Golf course or taking a serene hike in the Babcock preserve. Greenwich also has many tennis courts sprinkled around town which are available to all who signed up for the Tennis Pass along with their beach card. For the youngsters there are summer camps galore. There are also numerous social events.
The annual Beach Ball, sponsored by the Greenwich Point Conservancy, will be held Saturday evening July 8th at Tod’s Point on a promontory with sweeping 270 degree views of Long Island Sound. It is a great outdoor event featuring cocktails, dinner and dancing along with both live and silent auction items. Not only is it a great party but it is also a great cause. Proceeds from the event go to restoring some of the historic buildings at the Point. Already restored are the Innes Arden Cottage and the Old Barn. Currently the conservancy is working to restore the 1896 Chimes building.
Another big social event is the Best of Greenwich sponsored by Moffly Media. Jack and Donna Moffly, along with their son Jonathan, have done an incredible job imagining and executing this grand evening. The event is held on Monday, Aug. 7 at the Delamar Hotel featuring cocktails, hors ‘oeuvres and live music. There you can enjoy samplings from those who won Moffly Media’s Best of Greenwich survey. Plus a portion of the proceeds go to charity. It doesn’t get better than that.
Yet before you know it August will be winding down, the yellow school busses will be rolling and our town will return to its familiar hustle and bustle. Until then enjoy your Greenwich summer.
Edward Dadakis is a lifelong resident and legislator in Greenwich. Ed was first elected to the RTM as one of its youngest members. He is a former Chairman of the Greenwich Republican Party and currently represents our 36th Senatorial District on the Connecticut Republican State Central Committee.
