Join Old Lyme Animal Shelter’s Fundraising ‘Pawtoberfest,’ Saturday

OLD LYME — On Saturday, Oct. 4, Old Lyme Animal Control hosts its annual PAWtoberfest fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Machnik Drive animal shelter.

The event includes music from The Zephyr Band, tasty offerings from the Lyme-Old Lyme Lions Club food tent, tables hosted by numerous local vendors and raffles galore. There will also be games and prizes for children, as well as face-painting.

Application forms to adopt some of the dogs recently rescued from a hoarding situation will be available at the event.

Dogs are invited to attend the event, which benefits not only the Old Lyme Animal Shelter but also the Presents for Paws nonprofit organization, which distributes pet food and supplies to animal shelters across the state.

High Hopes Hosts Free ‘Homecoming Fall Festival’

There’s fun for everyone at the High Hopes Fall Festival on Oct. 4.

OLD LYME–High Hopes Therapeutic Riding next month will celebrate the season with its annual Homecoming Fall Festival. 

The afternoon of fun, games and food – and, of course, horses – will be held from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 4, at the High Hopes campus, 36 Town Woods Rd. 

Attendees will find live music, hayrides, a haunted trail, kids’ activities, a food truck, and wine and beer sales. 

Guests will receive a free drink ticket at check-in.

The event is free; donations are welcome. Click here to register.

Lots of Opportunities to Get Your Pets Blessed Sunday in Old Lyme

Bring your pets of any shape or size to one (or more!) of the blessings being held throughout Old Lyme on Sunday. This photo shows the Rev. Dr. Anita Louise Schell, Rector of Saint Ann’s, blessing a fluffy pup.

OLD LYME—Several area churches will offer blessings for creatures great and small to commemorate the Feast of St. Francis of Assisi on Sunday.

The South Lyme Union Chapel on 308 Mile Creek Road invites all pets – including mammals, reptiles, birds and fish – to its third annual blessing in the historic setting from noon to 1:30 p.m. Pets must be leashed, in a container, or held. Refreshments will be available free of charge.

Saint Ann’s Episcopal Parish at 82 Shore Road will hold its traditional Blessing of the Animals outside the church at 1 p.m. All animals should be leashed or caged.

Christ the King Church, at 1 McCurdy Road, will also host an animal blessing at 1 p.m. in the church parking lot.

St. Francis was born in the 12th century and is the patron saint of ecology and animals.

Old Lyme Historical Society Hosts Annual Fall Plant Sale, Sunday

Potted perennials and annuals of many varieties will be on sale this weekend at the Old Lyme Historical Society‘s Annual Fall Plant Sale. Photo submitted by the Old Lyme Historical Society.

OLD LYME — The Old Lyme Historical Society hosts its Annual Fall Plant Sale Saturday, Oct. 4, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The sale will be held at the Society‘s 55 Lyme Street location

Potted perennials and annuals of all types and sizes will be on sale at competitive prices.

Proceeds will support the mission of the Society, which is to collect, preserve, and interpret the rich history of Old Lyme, Conn. and its environs for the benefit of residents and visitors. 

Opening Weekend of Musical Masterworks’ 35th Season in Old Lyme, Oct. 4-5

Tessa Lark will help open Musical Masterworks’ 35th season in Old Lyme on Oct. 5 and 6. File photo by Richard Bowditch.

OLD LYME–Musical Masterworks will begin its 35th season at the First Congregational Church of Old Lyme in a concert weekend featuring Artistic Director and violinist Tessa Lark. 

Performances will be held on Saturday, Oct. 4 at 5 p.m. and Sunday, Oct. 5, at 3 p.m.

Musical Masterworks in a press release said the weekend’s ensemble features Lark, pianist Inon Barnatan, violist Hsin-Yun Huang, cellist Efe Baltacigil and double bassist Tim Cobb. The program pairs Schubert pieces including the Trout Quintet and the Arpeggione Sonata with Lark’s Appalachian Fantasy, blending the timeless and contemporary. 

“This season, I’m drawn to music that feels deeply personal, exploring the sublime worlds of specific composers and sharing the places I love most,” Lark said. “I hope these programs invite our concertgoers to linger, discover, and experience something new and meaningful along the way.” 

The season runs from October to April at the church, 4 Lyme Street. 

Visit the Musical Masterworks website or email admin@musicalmasterworks.org to purchase subscriptions ($175 each), mini-subscriptions ($115 each), individual tickets ($45 each), or student tickets ($5 each).