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Community Corner

Bring the Whole Family to "Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails" this July!

New London Main Street presents its eighth annual Fish Tales, Tugs & Sails children’s festival on Saturday, July 27 from 11am – 4pm at New London’s Historic Waterfront Park.  This free, nautically-themed event celebrates children’s literature and the environment. Fish Tales is a unique family event that features a wide variety of authors and illustrators, story tellers, boats and sailing vessels, environmentally themed activities and interactive performances for children.

Throughout the day, children can explore a host of free activities. Mystic Aquarium will provide touch tanks, which will allow you to get up close and personal with various sea creatures. Project Oceanology will also provide touch tanks, which will be located on their boat. Children will be able to walk the decks of a true 19th-century style tall ship, view the accommodations below, and tour the navigation station.  Tugboats will also be available for viewing. Participants can observe the New London Community Boating sailboats and take a ride on the open waters with New London Harbor Tours. There are also many additional hands-on craft activities for kids.

Professional interactive performers will entertain children of all ages. Featured artists include Kidsploration featuring Steve Elci & Friends, Joseph Salcedo, Elijah’s Magic, Todd Belcher, Gabrielle’s Karate Team, L’Ana Burton and a special appearance by Ariel the Mermaid.

Nationally-renowned children's book authors will appear to do a reading from their latest works. Authors were selected by Monte Cristo Bookstore and the Fish Tales Committee and include Janet Lawler reading “Oceans Counting,” Mollie Wilson reading “Duck Tape” and Anna Westbrook reading “You Can’t Read This Book.”

Attendees are encouraged to bring a new or gently used children's book to donate to the Whale's Tales Book Bank, which contributes over 5,000 books to New London youth each year through this program.

Updates regarding the schedule of events and author/entertainment lineups are available at www.newlondonmainstreet.org/fishtales or call 860-444-2489 for more information.

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