Savin Rock Museum6 Rock St.$4 general admission/$2 adults 60 and older &children under 12Info & private tours (10 or more): 203-937-3566

The Savin Rock Museum & Learning Center chronicles our community’s 368-year existence, offering an opportunity to revisit the storied sights and sounds of the magical era of old Savin Rock amusement park, as well as over three centuries of West Haven nostalgia, including notable figures and historic events. During its operating season, which runs until early December, learn about the customs and culture that captured the hearts and imaginations of generations of happy faces through interactive videos, hands-on exhibits and hard-to-find artifacts.Summer & Fall HoursWednesdays/Fridays/Sundays 1–4 p.m.

West Haven Veterans Museum30 Hood TerraceFree admission; donations acceptedInfo & group tours: 203-934-1111

A living history of America at war, the West Haven Veterans Museum & Learning Center houses collections from the 102nd Infantry Regiment and the New Haven Grays, a protective force formed after the War of 1812. It also showcases relics from each conflict since the U.S. fought for independence, allowing visitors to walk a timeline around the 9,000-square-foot, camouflage-clad warehouse off Sawmill Road.

Summer & Fall HoursWednesdays/Fridays noon–4 p.m.Saturdays 10 a.m.–3 p.m.

Ward-Heitmann House Museum277 Elm St.Info: 203-937-9823 or www.wardheitmann.org

The Ward-Heitmann House is the oldest surviving structure in West Haven. The saltbox-shaped house, built circa 1725, has been faithfully restored to reflect life in the past 300 years. An American treasure, the house was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2003.

HoursWeekdays 9 a.m.–2 p.m.Every Other Sunday (July–August) noon–4 p.m.

Directions to W.H. Beaches & Shoreline

W.H. Museums Summer Concerts

Interstate 95 NorthTake Exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.

Take Exit 43. Turn right onto Campbell Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 ½ miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Turn left at the traffic light, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a ½ mile on the right, across from the old Captain’s Galley.

Interstate 95 SouthTake Exit 42. Turn right onto Route 162, Sawmill Road. Follow beach signs about 2 miles to Captain Thomas Boulevard. Public parking lots are in both directions.

Turn right onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about a ¼ mile to the Bradley Point Park public parking lot, the first lot on the left.

Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two traffic lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Morse Park public parking lot is about a ¼ mile on the left, after Chick’s Drive-in.

Turn left onto Captain Thomas Boulevard. Travel about 1 mile through two traffic lights, then turn right at the stop sign. Follow the water along Beach Street. The Sandy Point public parking lot is about a ½ mile on the right, across from the old Captain’s Galley.

Take Exit 43. Turn left onto Route 122, First Avenue. Follow beach signs about 1 ½ miles to the water. The Morse Park public parking lot is on the right, 100 yards past the old Captain’s Galley on Beach Street.

HoursLifeguards are on duty weekends only from May 28–June25, daily from June 26–Aug. 13, and weekends only from Aug. 14–Sept. 5. Supervision is weekdays from 10:15 a.m.–3 p.m. and weekends from 10:15 a.m.–4 p.m.

Daily Parking Rates (Nonresidents)

The daily parking fee is $10 from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. and $5 after 5 p.m. The nonresident lots are Sea Bluff, Bradley Point, Morse Park, Sandy Point and the April Street boat ramp.

LodgingFor area hotels and accommodations, call 800-332-STAY.

Cover photo courtesy of Hilltop Productions; photos of Bradley Point by Dan Shine; photo of seal by Russ McCreven;

photo of deer by Joseph Raccio

July 8 Soul Sound Revue Old Grove Park (Motown)

July 15 Simply Swing Old Grove Park (Big Band)

July 22 Mass-Conn-Fusion W.H. Green (Top 40)

Aug. 5 All Funk'd Up W.H. Green (R&B))

Aug. 12 Head Over Heels Old Grove Park (Dance Party)

Aug. 19 The Kathy Thompson Band Old Grove Park (Old-school Funk)

Visit us online at www.cityofwesthaven.com

ExperienceConnecticut’sYoungest City

City of West Haven

The two-hour concerts are free and begin at 7 p.m. Concerts postponed by rain move to the same time and venue the following Monday. For rescheduling information, go to the Department of Parks and Recreation website, www.whparkrec.com, or call 203-937-3677 after 4 p.m. the day of the concert.

Live at the 35th annual Savin Rock Festival!

Saturday, July 308:30 p.m., Old Grove Park

SUMMERFEST 2016

SUMMERFEST 2016

Dear Friends:

Greetings from the great city of West Haven! Big-city appeal, small-town charm — that’s West Haven, Connecticut’s youngest city.

Our city offers all the sights, sounds and good taste of a cozy seaside community. Thanks to the addition of our new train station, visitors of all ages find themselves within walking distance to explore a wealth of historical and cultural attractions, pristine beaches, historic landmarks, award-winning restaurants and quaint shops.

Speaking of shops and restaurants, The Haven outlet mall development has been approved and is coming soon to West Haven. Developers Sheldon M. Gordon and Ty Miller of The Haven Group LLC are preparing to build dozens of high-end retail shops, a 200-seat amphitheater, seven restaurants and a waterfront promenade in the 24-acre Water Street project area on New Haven Harbor. Phase one of the two-phase, 347,826-square-foot development, known as The Haven South, is expected to feature 60 upscale outlet stores and encompass 250,000 square feet. The $200 million project is poised to create hundreds of full- and part-time jobs, as well as hundreds of construction jobs, and to generate $2 million in annual property tax revenue for the city. The privately financed development is expected to make West Haven a major destination in the Northeast, much like in its heyday of Savin Rock Park, which was the city’s main shoreline attraction and economic resource for decades until its demise in 1966.

Our nearly 4-mile shoreline, the crown jewel of West Haven, incorporates 25 percent of the state’s public beaches and showcases the bustling Savin Rock promenade, where the iconic amusement park of the same name once stood. From the Savin Rock Festival in Old Grove Park to the American war experience at the West Haven Veterans Museum, there are activities for everyone, including a wide array of seasonal events, such as farmers markets and outdoor concerts, for the young and the young at heart.

West Haven is safe, clean, affordable and family friendly — qualities both visitors and residents appreciate. Our vibrant city enjoys the benefit of countless ethnic influences, east and west, in everything from authentic cuisines to traditional celebrations inspired by a diverse heritage that captures the spirit of our community’s Revolutionary beginnings.

With so much to discover and experience, West Haven is your one-stop hub for entertainment and fun!

Very truly yours,

Edward M. O’Brien

Savin Rock Fireworks SpectacularJuly 1, 9 p.m.Bradley Point ParkRain date: July 5An estimated 100,000 people flock to our 3 ½-mile shoreline to watch the Savin Rock Fireworks Committee launch the region’s largest Independence Day fireworks show off Bradley Point. Before the display, partygoers can shake, rattle and roll to Top 40 music by Jim Crutchfield and The Navels at the Savin Rock bandstand from 5–9 p.m.

Tony Inzero Farmers MarketJuly 7–Oct. 27Thursdays, 11 a.m.–3 p.m.Saturdays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.West Haven GreenWeather permittingFind us on Facebook @ West Haven Farmers MarketThe picturesque Green evokes a New England marketplace where passers-by can pick out homegrown fruits and vegetables. In its 17th season, the newly expanded taste of Connecticut features crafters selling their wares and an internet radio station DJ playing today’s hit music. The Thursday markets showcase food trucks galore, dishing up baked potatoes, fried dough, Italian ice, kettle corn, lobster rolls and pulled pork.

Savin Rock FestivalJuly 28, 5–9 p.m.July 29, 5–10 p.m.July 30-31, noon–10 p.m. Old Grove ParkWeather permittingOur flagship event was established in 1982 by the West Haven Chamber of Commerce to bring organizations, clubs, businesses and families together for a summer festival that celebrates life in one of America’s oldest coastal communities and honors the legacy of Savin Rock Park. In its 35th year, the four-day festival features games, rides, music and seafood — all the ingredients that made “the Rock” famous.

July 28 The American Longboards 7 p.m. (’50s, ’60s & ’70s)

July 29 102nd Army Band 5 p.m. (Connecticut Army National Guard)

July 29 The Bronx Wanderers 8:30 p.m. (’50s, ’60s & ’70s Rock ’n’ Roll Experience/Rain Venue: WHHS) July 30 Park-Rec Bocce Tournament 9 a.m.

July 30 Mark Romano Memorial Coed 9 a.m. Beach Volleyball Tournament

July 30 Rubber City 6 p.m. (The Sounds of Chicago & Tower of Power)

July 30 The Official Blues Brothers Revue 8:30 p.m. (Hits From The Blues Brothers Catalog/Rain Venue: WHHS) July 31 The Navels 8 p.m. (Stevie Nicks Tribute)

Apple FestivalSept. 23, 5–10 p.m.Sept. 24, noon–10 p.m.Sept. 25, noon–6 p.m.West Haven Green Rain or shineInfo: 203-494-6021 or www.westhavenapplefest.comThe 13th annual festival, hosted by the First Congregational Church, pays homage to the days of yore with apples, cider and a smorgasbord of apple desserts. Other activities include rides, food and craft vendors, bands, nonprofit and community group booths, a car show, and any and every food incorporating apples. The 5.3-acre Green was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000, a hallmark of the generations of townsfolk it has served as both a meeting place and park.

Save the date!Icy Plunge for the CureJan. 28, 2017, 9 a.m.Savin Rock BeachRain, snow or shineTake a dip in the arctic Long Island Sound for breast cancer research at the 17th annual Icy Plunge for the Cure. The frosty benefit, presented by the West Haven Breast Cancer Awareness Committee, raises awareness of breast cancer, one of America’s leading causes of cancer death among women and men.

Savin Rock Festival

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W.H. Beaches &Shoreline

The West Haven shore is one of the state’s foremost locations to observe rare shorebirds, serving as a migratory route for some of the most endangered bird species. The Sandy Point Beach & Bird Sanctuary, one of the sites highlighted on the Connecticut Coastal Birding Trail, has been designated an “important bird area” by Audubon Connecticut. The estuary is also where Sammy the harp seal has been spotted — and even one of Santa’s reindeer.

Historic Bradley Point Park, boasting scenic panoramas of Long Island Sound, marks the area where invading British troops landed on July 5, 1779, and now serves as a haven for picnickers and passive recreation. The shoreline is just minutes from the downtown business and entertainment district.

Mayor’s Letter Special EventsSpecial Events