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May 23, 2013
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Your Dedicated Guide to Kid Events in Danbury

Welcome to Macaroni Kid Danbury-Bethel-Ridgefield! We are your go-to, local guide to all things family fun in the Greater Danbury area. Proudly serving Danbury, Bethel, Ridgefield, Redding and New Fairfield, CT. 

New to us? Take a tour!

 

Memorial Day Weekend Event Highlights

Editor's Note

General David Wooster fought in the Battle of Ridgefield, Connecticut in 1777 and said of his country, "'My life has ever been devoted to her services from my youth up, though never before in a cause like this—a cause for which I would most cheerfully risk and lay down my life'."

This Memorial Day weekend we celebrate the lives of, and sacrifices made by so many brave men and women just like General Wooster. I took my kids to the Bethel Memorial Day Parade last weekend and noticed big smiles from many war veterans as they took in the cheers from my children and others on the curb, proudly waving their American flags. I made eye contact with a few and was overcome with a sense of gratitude for all that they've done to make the world a better place for future generations. Danbury, Ridgefield and Redding each have parades this weekend (click on the town for details), so you might want to take an hour away from the backyard BBQs and other traditional summer kick-off activities to take the kids. Not only will it make for a great history lesson, but the gesture of support sure will mean a lot to many who are marching.

If you are looking to get away this holiday weekend there are some really fun things to do. If you want to stay local, the Danbury City Fair Carnival is in town, Topstone Park in Redding and Martin Park Beach  open this weekend. If you're up for a day-trip, visit the new Lorikeet Exhibit at the Maritime Museum in Norwalk where kids can stand in the aviary and feed the birds cups of nectar, or head down to Bridgeport for a visit to Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo for Farming Fever with Musician Chris Rowlands. There are also a number of Memorial Day weekend happenings all over the state - see CTVisit.com for some ideas!

Here are a few more event hightlights from our full calendar of events.
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter as we always post additional events as we hear about them!

GIVEAWAY NEWS!!
  • Do you love our email newsletter? Please help us to spread the word about Macaroni Kid to your friends, family, and neighbors! For a limited time, all new subscribers across 500+ Macaroni Kid editions nationally, will be entered to win an iPad Mini! See article for details.
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Enjoy the extended, holiday weekend everyone! And as you are out and about around town, share your photos with us on our Facebook page or email them to us at meghanf@macaronikid.com. We love to see all the places our readers are visiting! It also helps us all learn about and share all the fun things to do and places to visit in our wonderful community.


Meghan

Summer Camp & Class Guide

2013 Guide to Local Summer Camps & Classes

Welcome to the 2013 Macaroni Kid Summer Camp & Class Guide! We'd like to thank all of the participating businesses for sharing their camp information with us so that we can, in turn, share it with each of you. There are SO many great programs in the area to choose from! See below for a brief synopsis of each business. Many are offering special discounts to Macaroni Kid readers, so be sure to mention us when calling to enroll. You can access this Guide from our web site through May ...

New Subscriber GIVEAWAY: iPad Mini

Please share with friends! Enter by June 15th at 12PM PST

Macaroni Kid National is giving away an iPad mini! Between now and June 15, every new subscriber to any of the 500+ Macaroni Kid editions will have a chance to enter to win an iPad Mini!  If you are already subscribed, help us spread the word! Ask your spouse to subscribe, your parents (grandparents often need event ideas too, right?), your neighbor, etc. Let them know what a great resource Macaroni Kid is for families, delivering an updated calendar of events, giveaways, recipes, crafts and more directly to your email ...

Tips for Choosing a Campground

Macaroni Fun

Have you booked your summer vacation yet? So many choices of things to see and do, all within a few months of school’s summer break. One of the favorites in my family is to go camping. I love what a campground can offer a family. From activities, to nature, and plenty of pool time, I think it can’t be beat. I whole heartedly encourage you to consider putting camping on the top of your ‘to do’ list for this year’s summer fun!
 
Here are a few of ...

Take A Colorful Nature Walk

Macaroni Fun

Make your next walk a hunt for specific colors (try this any time of the year). This is an easy project that can be made very simple as your time/ materials/ patience demands.

You’ll need:
  • An empty egg carton
  • Paints and paintbrushes
Paint the inside of an egg carton different colors. Encourage the children to mix colors together or add black or white to create different hues. 

Want it less messy? Use markers or crayons. 
Need it even easier? Place crayon pieces inside your egg carton, and/or use ...

Gutter Garden

Make it kid friendly!

Does your kid LOVE to garden? Play in the dirt? How about learn new things? What about eating their veggies? Well if you said YES to at least one of those things, you might be looking at your next project and HOPEFULLY add "YES!" to eating their veggies!

Kids tend to be MUCH more interested in eating their veggies, or at least TRYING them, if they had a HAND in growing them, themselves!

We made a Gutter Garden on our fence this weekend. It was easy, QUICK and looks super ...


Quick Easy Lunch (aka SnackLunch)

Macaroni Menu

I'm lucky that my 3 year old is not a picky eater, but she does get a little fussy sometimes if food is mixed up, mushy, or hard to keep on a fork. Her favorite thing to eat is anything with her hands! This lunch is one of her favorites because she can help me get it ready by loading up the plates. She has dubbed it "SnackLunch." Which means, "I don't need a fork!" I had a hard time getting a picture because she kept snitching pieces ...

Pet of the Week: Kittens!

From Animal Nation

It's that time of year again and spring has sprung!!

If your not sure what season we mean, it's kitten season! What is kitten season exactly?? Well, this is the time of year that shelters & rescues become overwhelmed with little ones like this. This little cutie is one of three babies that are what we call orphan kittens. They are currently 3 1/2 weeks old and in the care of a foster being bottle fed and doing well. Thanks to Animal Nation all 3 are looking for ...

This Week's Picks:

May 23rd through May 28th

Thursday, May 23 through Sunday, June 9 - Danbury City Fair Carnival

Monday - Thursday from 5pm - 11 pm
Friday from 12:00pm - 12 am
Saturday from 12pm - 12am
Sunday from 1:00 pm - 10:00pm
Memorial Day Carnival Hours from 12:00pm ( noon) - 11pm
Where: Danbury Fair Mall Parking Lot
When: See description for hours
Who: Families
How: Just go
Cost: N/A
For more info: (203) 743-3247
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Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 - Martin Park Beach - Ridgefield Opens - FREE admission Memorial Day Weekend!

Enjoy free entry to Martin Park Beach Memorial Day Weekend. It offers pond swimming and boating activities in a natural, spring fed pond. Lifeguard staffing is provided during operation hours from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Enjoy its sandy beach, water mat, and playground; play beach volleyball, rent a kayak or paddle boat, have a picnic and enjoy the convenience of their new changing rooms.
Where: Marin Park Beach, 19 Great Pond Road, Ridgefield CT
When: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Who: Ridgefield Residents and Non-Residents
How: Just go
Cost: Free!
For more info: http://ridgefieldparksandrec.org/membership/martin-park-beach/
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Saturday, May 25 - Memorial Day Parade - Redding

Join us for the Redding Memorial Day Parade! The route will begin at Redding Elementary School and continue to the Memorial Green.
Where: Redding Elementary School to Memorial Green
When: 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Who: Fun for all!
How: Just go!
Cost: Free
For more info: Click here.
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Sunday, May 26 - The EverWonder Experience: Creativity Unleashed!

The EverWonder Experience, a miniature version of what we hope to offer in the permanent museum, will be open to the public free-of-charge through August. Children are invited to come and participate in science and art activities, as well as to enjoy a hands-on exhibit entitled “Cool Moves: The Artistry of Motion”.  Sunday May 26:  In our activity room: Creativity Unleashed! Use a variety of materials to make your own creation. Let's see how wild your imagination is and show us what you can come up with!
Where: 31 Pecks Lane, Newtown CT 06470
When: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Who: Appropriate for children through age 12.
How: Just go!
Cost: FREE!
For more info: http://www.everwondermuseum.org/experience.html
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Monday, May 27 - Danbury 5K and Memorial Day Parade

Participate in a race where you run down the home stretch before the cheering crowd already in place for the Memorial Day Parade! Race ends promptly at 9:25AM in time for the start of the Parade. Race proceeds to benefit The Building Homes for Heroes and Danbury Downtown Council's programming.
Where: Race begins and ends on CityCenter Danbury Green
When: 8:45 AM (Parade begins at 9:25AM)
Who: Fun for all
How: Register online here.
Cost: $25 registration through May 17th; $30 up and including race day. Race day reg: 7AM-8:30AM
For more info: http://www.hitekracing.com/memorialday5k/
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Monday, May 27 - Memorial Day Parade - Ridgefield

American Legion Post 78 will coordinate a Memorial Day Parade along Main St. sponsored by The Town of Ridgefield.
Where: Main St. Ridgefield CT
When: 11:30 AM
Who: All are welcome
How: Just go
Cost: FREE
For more info: 203-431-2700
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Tuesday, May 28 - Landmark Pre-school Open House

Tour Landmark Preschool's classrooms and learn more about our preschool programs for ages 1 - 5.
Where: Landmark Preschool 20 Portland Avenue Redding, CT 06896
When: 10:30 AM
Who: Moms, dads, friends and families
How: RSVP to kswabsin@landmarkpreschool.org or 203-544-8393
Cost: Free
For more info: kswabsin@landmarkpreschool.org or 203-544-8393
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This Week's Calendar:

May 23rd through May 30th

Thursday, May 23 - Drop In Storytime at New Fairfield Library

Stories, music and movement with Ms. JoAnn
Where: New Fairfield Library, 2 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield CT
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just go
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.newfairfieldlibrary.org/#
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Friday, May 24 - A Concert with Al deCant - Danbury Library

Enjoy a musical journey with singer, songwriter and storyteller Al deCant, also know as "The Singing Principal." This enthusiastic principal promotes the joy of reading and empowers kids to discover their own potential for making a difference in their world. Al's spirited performance is packed with toe-tapping music, great stores and heaps of audience participation that celebrate the reading experience.
Where: Danbury Library Storycorner, 170 Main St. Danbury CT
When: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Who: Preschool to Elementary
How: No registration
Cost: FREE
For more info: For more information call 203-797-4528
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Friday, May 24 - Friday Flicks - Ridgefield Library

Movies based on favorite children's books.
Where: Ridgefield Library, 21 Governor St. Ridgefield CT
When: 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM
Who: Age 2 and up
How: Drop in; no registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: Geri Diorio 203-438-2282 children@ridgefieldlibrary.org
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Friday, May 24 - Family Open Hockey @ Danbury Arena

New for Spring 2013! Come down and play hockey as a family.
Where: Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury CT
When: 8:20 PM - 9:20 PM
Who: Families
How: Just go
Cost: N/A
For more info: (203) 794-1704
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Saturday, May 25 through Monday, May 27 - Opening Weekend at Topstone Park in Redding

Topstone Park Beach will be open for swimming on Memorial Day weekend May 25-27. The park will be open on a “weekends only” schedule 10am-7pm until June 10. Beginning Monday, June 10, Topstone will be open on an abbreviated early summer weekday schedule from 3:00-7:00pm through June 20.
Where: Topstone Park, Redding CT
When: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Who: Families
How: You can pay at the gate (see below) or contact Parks & Rec (203) 938-2551 to register for a 20-use card ($60) or weekly passes ($10/person)
Cost: Daily cost pay at gate:
Residents: $5 (Adult), $4 (Child)
Non-residents: $10 (Adult), $8 (Child)
For more info: http://www.townofreddingct.org/Public_Documents/ReddingCT_ParksRec/facilities/TopstoneInfo.pdf
(203) 938-2551
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Saturday, May 25 - Drop in Storytime - Ridgefield Library

Stories, songs and a short book-based film.
Where: Ridgefield Library, 21 Governor St. Ridgefield CT
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Age 3 and up
How: Drop in; no registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: Children's Services 203-438-2282 children@ridgefieldlibrary.org
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Saturday, May 25 - Farming Fever with Chris Rowlands at the Beardsley Zoo

Join us for an afternoon of learning about farm animals and farming with former Connecticut resident Chris Rowlands, an entertainer who's famous for getting everyone involved. Children are invited to wear fun hats and sing along with Rowlands on stage as he shares his self-penned songs including "Cud Chewing," a tribute to cows! Sponsored by the Fairfield County Farm Bureau.
Where: Connecticut's Beardsley Zoo, 1875 Noble Ave, Bridgeport, CT
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just go
Cost: Adult Admission (ages 12 & older) = $12.00
Child Admission (ages 3 -11) = $10.00
Senior Admission (62 & older) = $10.00
Under 3 years = FREE
For more info: http://beardsleyzoo.org/node/626
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Saturday, May 25 - Youth Drop-in Hockey @ Danbury Arena

New for Spring 2013. Runs every Saturday through June 29th. Teams will be fromed each week depending on attendance. 4x4 and C West participants $10; Drop-ins $15
Where: Danbury Ice Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury CT
When: 11:20 AM - 12:20 AM
Who: Ages 9-12
How: Just go
Cost: Drop-ins $15
For more info: www.danburyarena.com
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Saturday, May 25 - Redding Community Night @ Bridgeport Bluefish Game

The Bridgeport Bluefish are honoring the Town of Redding as they take on the Somerset Patriots at the Ballpark at Harboryard.
Where: The Ballpark at Harboryard, Bridgeport, CT
When: 6:05 PM
Who: All Redding residents
How: Call 203-210-BLUE to reserve discounted tickets at least 3 hours prior to start of game. Just mention "Redding Community Night" to receive discount.
Cost: Box seat: $11
Reserve Seat: $9
For more info: http://www.townofreddingct.org/Public_Documents/ReddingCT_ParksRec/special/bluefishbball.pdf
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Monday, May 27 - Fife and Drum Jam Session & Family Activites @ The Aldrich

Memorial Day will welcome the opening of the exhibition Allison Smith: Rudiments of Fife & Drum by The Aldrich’s first artist-in-residence. Explore the relationship between handcraft, national identity, and social and political activism in American history. Plus guided tours, make and decorate your own exhibition-inspired finger drum and gourmet food truck with picnic food. Full program schedule can be seen here, including information on how to RSVP to the Members-only party on the porch from 11-12:30 to watch the Memorial Day Parade.
Where: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, Ridgefield CT
When: 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just go
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.aldrichart.org/events/?id=1719
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Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, May 30 - Art in the Afternoons: Extreme Draw On! Edition

Creative and exciting hands-on activities are available all spring break at The Aldrich. Visit the Education Center for an afternoon of exhibition-inspired projects and explore the extreme side of drawing. Experiment with ballpoint pen, create three-dimensional drawings with string and paper, or create your own unique style of drawing with the items in the Materials Bar.
Where: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. Ridgefield CT
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Fun for all ages
How: Just go
Cost: Free for members and for children 18 and under. Free with price of admission (Adults: $10, Seniors: $5, College Students: $5)
For more info: For more information, please contact Michelle Friedman, mfriedman@aldrichart.org or 203.438.4519.
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Wednesday, May 29 - Storytime at Byrds Books

Every Wednesday, Byrd’s Books is excited to host Story Hour for the little ones.We will be reading a variety of stories – some new, some old favorites.
Where: Upstairs Gallery across the hall from Byrds Books, 213 Greenwood Ave, Bethel
When: 10:00 AM
Who: All. Adults must accompany the child.
How: No reservation required. Sorry, there is no room for strollers upstairs.
Cost: Free
For more info: http://byrdsbooks.com/
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Wednesday, May 29 - Preschool Storytime @ Bethel Library

Pre-school storytime every Wednesday
Where: Bethel Children's Library, 189 Greenwood Ave, Bethel CT
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Ages 3-5. Children must be 3 years old by May 15 and able to sit without an adult. **Due to space limitations, only children may attend the program without their parents/caregivers. However adults must remain in the building during the class.
How: Just drop in - no registration required
Cost: Free
For more info: 203-794-8756, ext. 5
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Wednesday, May 29 - Meet the Goats of Butterfield Farm

The Goats from Butterfield Farm are coming to visit Chamomille Natural Foods.  This is a great oppertunity to try some goat milk products, meet the farmers and pet a goat.
Where: Chamomille Natural Foods, Route 6 Plaza, 58-60 Newtown Rd Danbury CT
When: 4:00 PM
Who: Families
How: Just go
Cost: Free
For more info: (203) 792-8952
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Thursday, May 30 - Drop In Storytime at New Fairfield Library

Stories, music and movement with Ms. JoAnn
Where: New Fairfield Library, 2 Brush Hill Road, New Fairfield CT
When: 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: All ages
How: Just go
Cost: Free
For more info: http://www.newfairfieldlibrary.org/#
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Teen Scene:

Friday, May 24 - 5th Annual MusicFest in Ballard Park - Ridgefield

Multiple bands on multiple stages in beautiful Ballard Park in Ridgefield. More info to come here. Organized by the Ridgefield Music and Arts Center.
Where: Ballard Park, Main St. Ridgefield
When: n/a
Who: All
How: Just go
Cost: Not yet known. Check web site.
For more info: http://www.rmacct.org/
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Friday, May 24 - DJ Skate @Danbury Arena

Skate to today's hottest hits featuring Spin Doctor DJ. Cool disco light show.
Where: Danbury Arena, 1 Independence Way, Danbury CT
When: 8:30 PM - 10:30 PM (Every Friday)
Who: Fun for all
How: Just go
Cost: Admission: $8
Skate Rental: $4
For more info: http://danburydjskate.com/
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Friday, May 24 - Disco Skate @ Winter Garden Arena

Lights, Disco music and fun!
Where: Winter Garden Arena, 111 Prospect Ridge, Ridgefield, CT
When: 8:30 PM - 10:00 PM (Fridays through May 24)
Who: Teens age 13+
How: Just go
Cost: $10; skate rental $4
For more info: http://www.wintergardenarena.com/#247577
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Plan Ahead:

May 31st through June 1st

Friday, May 31 - Hooked on Llamas @ Danbury Library

Debbie Elias, from Country Quilt Llama Farm, will read the story "Is Your Mama a Llama," discuss how the book realtes to llama behavior, and bring her pet llama for every one to see and touch.
Where: Danbury Library, 170 Main St. Danbury CT
When: 11:00 AM - 11:45 AM
Who: Ages 3  AND 4
How: Register at danburylibrary.org or call 203-797-4528.
Cost: FREE
For more info: http://www.danburylibrary.org/content/227/318/default.aspx
Please call 203-797-4528 for more information.
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Saturday, June 1 - Touch a Truck @ Landmark Preschool

Curious children will love exploring the various construction and emergency vehicles!  Don’t miss a chance to climb aboard, get behind the wheel, blow the horn and get up-close and personal with these exciting vehicles! Plus, take a tractor ride and have a snack.
Where: Landmark Preschool - Ridgefield Campus, 223 West Mountain Rd., Ridgefield, CT 
When: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Who: Open to all
How: Just go
Cost: FREE
For more info: Contact Julie Crane 203-894-1800 ext. 112.
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Saturday, June 1 - Teddy Bear Craft Festival, New Milford

Teddy Bear / furry friend Hospital,Teddy Bear artists, vendors of all kinds, games, food, entertainment and much much more. Fun for children and adults alike. Sponsored by The Woman's Club of Greater New Milford.
Where: On the Green in New Milford
When: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Who: All ages. Public Event.
How: Just go
Cost: Free Admission
For more info: Click here to see flyer.
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Saturday, June 1 - Father's Day Activities @ The Aldrich

Make a one-of-a-kind, from-the-heart gift or card for your father, grandfather, uncle—all the special men in your life—in The Aldrich’s Education Center! Experiment with fabric, felt, and other art-making materials to make a hanging photo frame and add your family photos. Or paint, cut, and fashion your own shapes and objects for three-dimensional cards and create unique sculptures with recycled materials, inspired by golf, ties, or his favorite things.   For more information, please contact Michelle Friedman, mfriedman@aldrichart.org or 203.438.4519.
Where: The Aldrich Contemporary Art Museum, 258 Main St. Ridgefield, CT
When: 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Who: Children must be accompanied by an adult.
How: Just go
Cost: Free with admission during Museum hours
For more info: http://www.aldrichart.org/events/?id=1691
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Saturday, June 1 - FREE ChildProtect ID Event - Bethel

The First Congregational Church of Bethel (FCCB) and Mutual of Omaha are joining forces to provide parents with a vital tool to help protect the children in our community.  At each ChildProtect event, parents receive an ID booklet in which they can record their children’s vital statistics, such as fingerprints, dental records and a high-quality photograph. This booklet gives parents information that authorities will need if a child goes missing. 
Where: The First Congregational Church of Bethel, 46 Main St. Bethel CT
When: 2:00 PM
Who: All
How: Just go
Cost: There is no charge for the ChildProtect ID; Mutual of Omaha provides these events as a service to the community.
For more info: This event is in conjunction with the Simply Smiles Benefit Vendor Fair which will be taking place at the same time.  203-743-1877
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