Christopher Peak Photo
Dragon boat race at Long Wharf, which will happen again this summer.
Event organizers and Mayor Toni Harp Tuesday announced a diverse lineup of “hip and historic” summer events in New Haven ranging from theater, sports, film, and music.
New Haveners can expect to see a mix of events revolving around cultural education and seasonal entertainment, particularly with the help of William Dixon, deputy director of recreations at New Haven’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Trees. Dixon has worked to bring many of the organizations ideas for outdoor events to become realities like the New Haven Food Truck Festival and the Dixwell Freddy Fixer Neighborhood Festival.
Those and other events were announced at a press conference at the Canal Dock Boathouse on Long Wharf.
The events aim to show New Haven as a “caring, humanistic, and fun city” said Dakibu Muley, New Haven government’s community services administrator.
What was formally known as “Hoop It Up,” an outdoor basketball tournament that blocks off Church Street downtown, has been renamed “CB3B.” Jason Bartlett, director of New Haven’s youth services department, announced the event’s dates on Aug. 3 and 4 this summer.
Bartlett also announced that the department is currently accepting donations to continue its efforts to provide New Haven youth with jobs through its Youth@Work program which has been known for its success in providing 600 – 700 youths ages 14 – 21 with summer employment experience in a variety of the cities departments.
“We work very hard to keep our youth busy and productive in the community,” said Bartlett.
Maya McFadden Photo
Dixon discusses his work to develop local ideas and interest.
The International Festival of Arts & Ideas lasts 15 days this year and includes both free and ticketed events. Harp said she is excited for the reintroduction of the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) “Big Read,” which will center the novel The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri.
“It really challenges our thinking and feeds our hearts,” said Chad Herzog, director of programming for the International Festival of Arts & Ideas.
Anne Worcester, executive director and chief marketing officer at Market New Haven, announced that artist Lisa Lisa and Morris Day will perform at this summers’ New Haven Music on the Green event.
“Everyone should celebrate their summer in New Haven,” said Worcester.
The press conference was hosted by Market New Haven, the City of New Haven, and Economic Development Corporation of New Haven.
John Pescatore announced that the fourth annual Canal Dock Dragon Boat Regatta will happen on Saturday, June 1.
Many ideas that the organizations worked on this summer and in the past have come from community members and the public.
“You got to get engaged otherwise it will flop,” said Dixon.