Avon Day Brings Out the Best In Town

I confess.

I've got a soft-spot in my heart for town/county/state/New England fairs.  Growing up in the Hartford area, I remember my visits to the Big E with fond recollection.

Of course, I'm sure my parents didn't have nearly as much fun there as I remember them having. Having taken our own kids last year, the Big E is almost too big for my tastes now.  It's hard to bump into people you know and the choices just on food alone are almost overwhelming.  (And really, do we need Fried Jelly Beans?)

Avon Day is, of course, not the Big E. And thankfully so.  Just a lot of local booths, events, and food to enjoy.  

If you've never been, you're really missing out. 

Sure, the field by Thompson Brook always seems muddy (and we're headed for a repeat this year) but where else can you bump into your neighbors, talk with politicians running for local office, learn about town organizations and see the firetrucks in all their glory.

(My kids, on the other hand, will be visiting the inflatable jumps, for sure.)

Of course, when we first moved to town many years ago, Avon Day felt a little overwhelming. We didn't seem to know many people.  But over the years, as we knew more people, the Day has turned into a classic New England event where it's about community.

But since the day will come and go quickly, I thought I would pass along a few minor suggestions for the planning group. 

• How about a better website with lists of all the vendors and events going on so people know what to expect? And maybe consider setting up a Facebook page so people can share pictures and idea both before and after the event?

• Similarly, how about a FAQ for people that are attending, particularly those that are new in town? Where they should park? What are the prices for things? (That said, kudos to Avon Patch for having some of the information .)
  
  
• And perhaps encourage some more local artists to showcase their art and put some of it for sale (a contest perhaps)? Celebrate West Hartford does a nice job with their arts and crafts portion of the event; there's no reason why Avon can't do something like that on a smaller scale.

But these are minor quibbles.  There are so many other aspects that are done right (including the Citizen of the Year award -- congrats, Bob Breckinridge!). Kudos to the town and UNICO for their hard work.

And if you see me at Avon Day, say hi. For me, that's the best part about it.