The 350th Celebration Committee has been hard at work during the past year planning events to celebrate Clinton’s 350th birthday—events that are free to all Clinton residents. Because Clinton is located along Long Island Sound, much of its past is steeped in maritime history. The logo representing the 350th was designed to represent Clinton’s relationship with the sea. Clinton’s anniversary celebration began with a kickoff party in February called, “The Launch.” The gala brought many Clinton residents together for a night of great food, great music, dancing, and a gathering of neighbors.

The 350th’s main celebration, Heritage Days Festival, will take place over Labor Day weekend (Aug. 31 and Sept. 1) utilizing historic Main Street, the Indian River, harbor and beach. The festival will commence with an authentic Native American Smudging Ceremony at Clinton Landing, bringing Native American ancestors into the event for a successful celebration. A parade featuring Fife and Drum Corps, antique cars, local groups and many floats will head up Commerce Street and onto Main Street. Following the parade, onlookers will gather alongside Indian River. Festivities will continue there with Kenyon Grill Food Court, Beer Garden, and Main Stage where dignitaries will speak, and live music will be performed throughout the day including performances by Eight to the Bar (multi-time Best Live Band), Caribbean Beach Bums (opening band for Josh Turner at the Durham Fair), and closing with an evening concert by one of Clinton’s favorites, Rock Bottom.

Along Main Street, a host of activities and a variety of entertainment will take place such as an Artisans Market, and local actors from Kidz Konnection will perform vignettes of local historic events. Additionally, there will be Kayak, Stand-Up-Paddle, and Build-A-Boat contests; Native American demonstrations and many other events. The Clinton Historical Society will sponsor historic trade demonstrations and tours of “Old Brick.” There will be several opportunities to interact with the tradesmen. The Clinton Art Society will feature artists painting the town, a plein aire demonstration, along the magnificent Indian River which has long been a popular subject for local artists. Visitors will have the opportunity to speak with the artists and purchase the paintings that are completed. There will be talks and demonstrations on drumming, spear throwing, and archaeology exhibits to honor Clinton’s Native American heritage. Sunday morning (September 1) will bring a close to Heritage Days with a Sunrise Service, Blessing of the Fleet, and community breakfast.

In the fall, plans are still underway for “Community Spirit Days" which will consist of a pumpkin chuckin’ contest, a costume parade, a pet parade and a bonfire on the beach. The final event will be tied in with Christmas in Clinton.

For more information on events or to volunteer, please visit Clinton 350.org or Face Book.

350th Headquarters are located on Main Street and are open Saturdays between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and Sunday between 12:00 noon and 4:00 p.m. Additional summer hours will be added. There is plenty of 350 memorabilia for sale at headquarters including: T-shirts, hats, tote bags, wine totes, and assorted wine and beer glasses engraved with the 350th logo. The Clinton Art Society is also showing and selling paintings by local artists.