5th Annual Greenwich Town Party Kicks Off Summer

On Saturday, the fifth annual Greenwich Town Party benefited from the most perfect sunny warm weather one could hope for. By mid day, Roger Sherman Baldwin park was swarming with party-goers of all ages. Though sunset sent the kids home and Doobie Brothers and Earth Wind & Fire fans streamed in for a memorable concert, the first half of the day was a different story.

North Mianus School fourth graders enjoyed the Greenwich Town Party in Roger Sherman Baldwin Park on Saturday.

As folks streamed in, the Boy Scouts were on hand to pass out red paper “buddy poppies,” a tradition that began after World War I to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice.

The Scouts, who assembled over 7,000 poppies and affixed them to post cards. As people arrived at the party, Scouts explained the concept of poppies and how they hope to “bring back the poppy.”

Greenwich Wealth Management donated the poppies and cards, and were a driving force with having Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives at the event. Anyone wishing to donate to the Veterans of Foreign Wars can visit the VFWCT website.

Boy Scouts handed out thousands of poppies they assembled -– enough for every person at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Wealth Management donated thousands of poppies and cards and were a driving force with having the Veterans of Foreign Wars representatives at Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

The Memorial Day observance takes its origin form the poppies flowering in the spring of 1915 on the battlefields of Belgium, France and Gallipoli. Poppy flowers have become red synonymous with great loss of life in war.

Saturday’s party featured a host of kids’ activities, with everything from face painting to bean bag tosses and bouncy castles. The food offerings drew hungry crowds for everything from ice cream to barbecue ribs. Throughout the crowds characters like a woman on tall stilts mingled with costumed superheroes like Captain America.

super heroes at the Greenwich Town Party

Bill Carcache and his son, Christian, 2-1/2, got into the super hero spirit at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Around lunch time Billy and the Showmen took the main stage. The Greenwich-based group have been together for over 50 years. Next up was another local band, the Al DiMarco Swing Band.

Among the kids activities, field of lawn chairs, food trucks and stages, were representatives from several local non profits.

Andera Marella and Kelly Lally were preparing for the annual DART benefit on May 30 at the Palace Theatre featuring Gladys Knight in concert. Credit: Leslie Yager

At the Dana’s Angels Research Trust table, Andrea Marella and Kelly Lally were excited about the DART annual benefit at the Palace theater in Stamford on May 30. Tickets are still available. “Every dollar raised goes to the foundation, “Andrea said. DART raises funds with the goal of curing Niemann-Pick Type C, which is a rare genetic disease. This year Gladys Knight will perform in concert and Kathie Lee and Frank Gifford will serve as hosts.

A Greenwich Country Day School students sold lemonade to benefit the Robin Hood Foundation The idea is that something as simple as a lemonade stand can go a long way when it comes to fighting poverty.

Kevin Piro from the Boy Scouts was a big hit helping kids make s’mores and talking about summer at Camp Seton. There are options for all ages, from Cub Scout Camp for boys completing grades 1-4, Adventure Week for boys completing grades 1-4 and Boy Scout Camp for boys completing grades 5-7.

Kevin Piro of Greenwich Council of Boy Scouts of America helped kids make s’mores at Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Picture perfect day for the Greenwich Town Party at Roger Sherman Baldwin Park. Credit: Leslie Yager

Picture perfect weather for the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Al DiMarco of Al DiMarco Swing Band performed at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Girl Scout leaders with their flair at Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Connecticut College class of ’83 reunion Alec Madoff, Neil Helman and Jeannine Madoff! Credit: Leslie Yager

Partiers of all ages enjoyed the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Picture perfect weather for the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

The Tesei family and friend enjoying the fifth annual Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Al DiMarco Swing band. Credit: Leslie Yager

Members of Greenwich Fire Dept at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

The First Aid Station at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager

Greenwich Council of Boy Scouts handed out Memorial Day poppies to remember those who have given their lives for their country. They assembled thousands poppies to distribute — enough for everyone at the Greenwich Town Party. Credit: Leslie Yager