Coming Soon—Network Fall Festival!
Who is Network? And why a fall festival? You may have passed the Network sign on Route 6 in Andover and wondered who we are. Network is a nonprofit organization that serves people with special needs. As for our festival, taking place September 24th from 9:00 a.m.-4:-00 p.m., our goals are three-pronged—to raise money to support our program participants, to educate the public about Network’s programs and services, and to celebrate our 20th anniversary of serving people with developmental disabilities.
So what is this festival all about? Network’s volunteer fundraising committee has been working nose to the grindstone over the last year to put together an event that has something for everyone. Local celebrity Prudence Sloane will teach a swing dance lesson and Teresa LaBarbera will be one of the celebrity judges (put on your dancing shoes!). Speaking of dancing, you won’t want to miss the Callanish Highland Dancers accompanied by bagpipe. Kids can expect games, inflatables, and a face painter, among other activities, not to mention alpacas from the Morning Mist Alpaca Farm.
Musical offerings will also be sure to entertain. The Phantoms, a Haitian American Band formed at ECSU that has appeared on MTV in the Ukraine, toured Serbia, and performed benefit concerts for victims of the earthquake in Haiti, will provide live music. The ECSU Jazz Ensemble and pop/country singer-songwriter Kristen Zhea artist will also showcase their talents. And for you artistic types, over two dozen artisans will display and sell their work. You can also check out an Andover State Trooper K-9 demonstration and a Revolutionary War demonstration.
Come join us for a fun-filled fall day and support people with special needs!
As a fellow Chamber Member, please consider gaining exposure for your business through a sponsorship or making a donation of any size. Contact Kathleen McLean at (860) 753-2923 or kmclean@network-programs.com, for more information.
Network operates two day programs, thirteen group homes, a supportive employment program, and an in-home support program, serving over 120 individuals in Tolland, Windham, Hartford, and New London Counties.