Ridgefield Rewinds Summerfest '64

RIDGEFIELD’S SUMMERFEST TO REWIND 50 YEARS JULY 18th AND 19th

“Summerfest 64” to feature vintage music, movies and Main Street

For its annual Summerfest celebration on July 18th and 19th, downtown Ridgefield is going to party like its 1964. A full lineup of events will include music, movies, dancing, art and artifacts from the era—along with the Summerfest staple of merchants, vendors and food. Getting into the Sixties spirit, the town’s merchants will showcase photos, merchandise and décor from the good old days.

The festivities start at 5:30 on Friday in Ballard Park, on the CHIRP stage, with Ridgefield a Go Go, a family-friendly happening featuring music, dance and events. Live music (put on your dancin’ shoes) will include Beatles tribute act Sgt. Lefferts’ Phony Hearts Club Band and The Groove Zone, celebrating the music of Motown.

The Fred Astaire Dance Studio will demonstrate dances of the era, followed by an American Bandstand-style dance party. Then its Lawn Blanket Drive-In, with a giant projection movie screen. Pick up some burgers and shakes and bring your family out for a blast from the past.

Main Street will be closed from Bailey Ave. to CVS, and Bailey Ave as well on Saturday, when the fun starts at 10 AM. There will be merchants, exhibits, vendors, food (maybe Belgian waffles!)—and in the Bailey Ave. parking lot (the former Balducci’s), a “Cruise-In” car show featuring 64 classic rides. A “Sixties Swap Meet” tag sale on Catoonah St.will feature items from that era.

Come warm up for the party at 10 in the Main St. tent with Zumba a Go Go, presented by the Ridgefield Fitness Studio. At11 AM it’s Wonderama, with Dave Goldenberg, featuring karaoke, a hula hoop and yo-yo contest, trivia and more fun and games for the whole family. Put on your 60s-inspired finery and you could win a prize.

The music starts at noon with Sgt. Lefferts’ Phony Heart Club Band. At 2 PM, First Selectman Rudy Marconi will draw three raffle winners for Ridgefield shopping sprees. At 2:30, the Blue Yodels take the stage to cover the great songs of the 50s, 60s and beyond.

Saturday night at 7, it a free concert at the Ridgefield Playhouse, with Sarah Lee Guthrie (Arlo’s daughter) and Johnny Irion, continue the folk and folk-rock tradition that emerged with the Folk Revival of the early 60s. In 2012, the duo released an album of new songs set to lyrics by Sarah Lee’s grandfather, Woody Guthrie. Their 2009 children’s album “Go Waggaloo” earned a gold medallion from the Parents’ Choice Awards. Their latest release, “Wassaic Way,” was produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy.

Title Sponsors of Summerfest ’64 include Pamby Motors Inc., Ridgefield Magazine, Kiwi Country Day Camp LLC.

For the latest updates on this event, please visit our website at https://www.facebook.com/RidgefieldRewinds

For information, contact the Chamber of Commerce at 203-438-5992.