The Danbury Farmers Market runs each Saturday morning at the Danbury Green, from 10 am through 2 pm, and is held rain or shine. If it is raining, the Market is in the Patriot Garage on the fourth floor. The Market hosts a wide range of vendors, with fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, eggs, breads, seafood and fish, and more. There are cooking classes, nutrition, health and fitness activities, and fruit and veggie hunts for the children. Many community agencies have booths there to inform families about their services. Live music and shows for the children round out the rest of the activities. SNAP benefits are doubled, free parking is available in the parking garage, and free bus passes are handed out. Bring a bag and have your children pick out some new fruits and vegetables to try at home. 

The Danbury Public Library is hosting the “All Together Now-Summer Reading Challenge.” Families can visit the library to pick up a book list and fill out a pledge card, pick up books, and get reading. The program is for all ages. Everyone who makes the pledge to read and learn over the summer will be invited to the End of Summer Celebration held at Rogers Park Playground on Friday, August 18 at 2 pm, hosted by the mayor and Danbury Library. Dance, play, and meet and greet some of your favorite characters! The library also features many different programs throughout the summer for families and free meals for all children under the age of 18. For more information and details about times of activities and meals, check the library’s website at https://danburylibrary.org/

Danbury Public Schools offers Play to Learn Playgroups for families with children ages birth through age 5 and for older children during the summer. Two playgroups take place on Wednesdays; one at the Early Childhood Center at 17 Cottage St with Miss Laury at 10:00 am, and the second one run by the Morris St Family Resource Center at Kenosia Park from 10:30-11:30. The playgroups offer story time, arts and crafts, water play (at Kenosia – bring a bathing suit and water gear, and remember to wear sunscreen), gross motor skills, and time for parents to network with each other. All activities are free of charge. Families are encouraged to sign up with the Sparkler App, to help track their young child’s development and to receive daily notification of activities to do at home. 

The FACE Center-Family and Community Engagement Center, part of Danbury Schools at 49 Osborne Street is a resource available to families with questions about Danbury Schools and community resources. The Center is currently registering Danbury children who will be five years old by Jan 1, 2024, for the 2023-2024 Kindergarten class, along with registration for all other grades. Registration begins by signing up at https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/schoolregistration/ 

Happy Summer to all Danbury Families!!!

Anne E. Mead, Ed. D. is the Director of Family, School & Community Partnerships for Danbury Public Schools. She can be reached at 203-830-6508 or by email at meadan@danburyu.k12.ct.us.