story & photo
by Beth Loomis
The weather was perfect for a perfect occasion. The Department of Environmental Protection in conjunction with Friends of Gillette’s Castle sponsored and hosted Family Fun Day, Rain or Shine on Saturday, September 20th on the Castle grounds.
Mother Nature was very cooperative and this event was a success. People came from all over CT to take advantage of and enjoy the educational programs, hikes, food and beauty of the day.
There was something for everyone, young and old alike. There were guided 45-minute hikes leaving from the “Grand Central Station.” The trails took one meandering through the meticulously kept grounds into the forest, over the rock bridges, down to the CT River and back to Grand Central. Also offered was an overview of letterboxing where visitors were taught how to pick up clues and make their own journal stamp. There were craft stations, a scavenger hunt, sack races and fort building. Visitors also had the honor of meeting the members of the CT Horse Council who dutifully patrolled the grounds all day.
The Castle is open for tours from Memorial Day Weekend through Columbus Day. The fees are: ages 13 and over $5.00, ages 6-12 $2.00, children under 5 are free. Call 860.526.2336 for more information
