Thanksgiving Activities in Fairfield County, CT 2012

Thanks to Hurricane Sandy, we’ve skipped right over Halloween to Thanksgiving (a relief to non Halloweeners like myself!).  I adore Thanksgiving – by far my favorite holiday.  There’s a lot to be thankful for this year in CT…and this family is looking forward to a lot of local Thanksgiving outings and events.

Turkey Trot, Southport, CT
Come on out Thanksgiving morning for Southport’s annual Turkey Trot.  Choose the 5-mile run or the 2.7 mile walk/run.  The 2.7 walk/run is doable for kids, and strollers are allowed on the shorter course.  The race starts at 8:15 – come early to have time to park – and advanced entry fees are $30/adult, $25/kids under 17. 385 Centre Street, Southport, CT, 06890

Annual Thanksgiving Parade, Stamford, CT
Sunday, November 18th, at 12 noon the annual Stamford Thanksgiving Parade kicks off.  The parade lasts approximately 2 hours, has more than 25 balloons, and runs along Summer, Broad and Atlantic Streets.

Thanksgiving Craft, Wilton Library, Wilton, CT
Visit the Wilton Library between 10am and 8pm on November 19th and do a Thanksgiving craft with your youngster.  The event is free of charge, and there is no advanced registration. 137 Old Ridgefield Road, Wilton, CT 06897, 203.762.3950

Drop in Craft, Bridgeport Public LIbrary, Bridgeport, CT
Wednesday, November 7th, drop in to the Bridgeport Library to work on a Thanksgiving craft with your youngster.  6:30pm-7:30 pm in the Children's Room.  925 Broad Street, Bridgeport, CT, 06604, 203.576.7403

Thanksgiving with Lincoln, Fairfield Museum, Fairfield, CT
Swing by the Fairfield Museum on November 23rd to learn about Thanksgiving traditions of the 19th century.  Celebrate Lincoln’s declaration encouraging Americans to observe a day of Thanksgiving.  The event runs Friday, November 23rd, from 12-3.  Tickets are $5/adult, $3/student, and children under 5 attend free. 370 Beach Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, 203.259.1598

Origami Craft Lesson, Fairfield University Bookstore, Fairfield, CT
Visit the Fairfield University Bookstore and learn the Japanese art of paper folding.  Participants will make cranes to decorate the bookstore for the Christmas holiday season, and can make more to take home with them.  The event is free, but call to reserve a space.  Appropriate for ages 10 and up. 1499 Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824, 203.255.7756

Community Service Opportunities

My husband and I find that Thanksgiving is always a great season to really underscore the importance of community service to our kids. Two organizations that provide fantastic services to Fairfield County are Community Plates and Person to Person.  Visit communityplates.com to sign up to do food runs, bringing excess foods from restaurants and grocery stores to local shelters.  Bring your gently used clothing to Person to Person where it will be distributed to local families in need.  Both activities are ones that can easily be done with your kids –a great way to make Thanksgiving even more impactful.

High School Football Games

Another family favorite Thanksgiving tradition?  A local high school football game.   Darien and New Canaan play at the Darien High School Field, at 10:30 on Thanksgiving morning.  In Stamford, catch the Stamford High vs. Westhill game on November 22, at 10 am, and Staples High School of Westport vs. Greenwich High on November 22nd at 10am in Greenwich.

However you choose to celebrate, have a wonderful Thanksgiving!