East Haven Fall Festival Weekend Features Grammy Award Winning Artist

Mayor Joseph Maturo, Jr. and the East Haven Fall Festival Planning Committee have announced that this year’s event, now in its 23RD year, will be featuring a “British invasion” of one of the hottest musical groups of the sixties, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone. This Saturday concert will just be the centerpiece of a full weekend of music, food and fun for the entire family on the East Haven Town Green. The festival will be held during the weekend of September 5th, 6th and 7th. The event is coordinated by EH Fall Festival, Inc. as a cooperative effort with the Mayor’s office and the East Haven Chamber of Commerce.

Peter Noone is a multi-talented entertainer, who has been delighting audiences nearly his whole life, beginning at the age of 15 as “Herman”, lead singer of the legendary sixties pop band, Herman’s Hermits. The group had fourteen singles and seven albums go gold. Ultimately Herman’s Hermits sold over sixty million recordings, twice being named Cashbox’s “Entertainer of the Year”. In addition to Noone’s success with the Hermits, he has appeared on Broadway and on numerous prime-time television shows.

On Friday night, the Festival will feature Motor City Magic, a tribute to the Temptations, Four Tops and Motown. The act includes Grammy Award Winner and former lead singer of the Temptations, “Barrington ‘Bo’ Henderson”. Henderson was the lead singer of the Temptations from 1998 to 2003 and won a Grammy for the groups “Phoenix Rising Album”.

The feature entertainment once again this year is being presented through the generosity of David McDermott Auto Group and Town Fair Tire, who have been major contributors to the Festival for 15 and 13 years respectfully, along with CT Health Insurance Associates. In addition to these long time sponsors, the Festival again continues to receive a major sponsorship from PMA Companies.

“Through the tremendous generosity of our business community the Festival continues to bring in national entertainment that attracts some of the largest crowds in the area. Although by that response it is clear that East Haven continues to be a home for the music of years past, a look at all of the Festival’s weekend of entertainment will certainly satisfy the cravings of a variety of musical tastes. During the entire weekend the Festival provides a venue to display the talents of our local artists and community groups in a professional stage setting, to the viewing and listening pleasure of all who attend. Once again this could not be accomplished without the generosity of our entire business community as this event continues to be the best free festival in the State and with our Fireworks Day, one of East Haven’s signature events.” stated Mayor Maturo.

Saturday afternoon’s entertainment is again expected to include the former national champions, The East Haven High School Yellow Jacket Marching Band. In addition the Festival will present various local acts which include Karate and self defense demonstrations and Vocal students of both Emily Burr Vailette’s and Karen and the East Haven Arts Commission. Leading up to Peter Noone show, the afternoon will continue with Timmy Maia Experience and the popular sounds of Prime Time.

On Sunday afternoon, the Festival, will be presenting a full afternoon of entertainment featuring a variety of different acts of both local and international flavor, featuring Airborne Latin Jazz Band. Also appearing will be the ever-popular Jim Lawson’s Big Band and closing this year’s festival will be the high energy sounds of Fever.

The Festival, which began as a two-day event in 1992, has continued to grow by attracting bigger sponsors, which has made the event the best free festival entertainment venue in this State. In addition to the live entertainment, the weekend will feature a wide variety of restaurant booths, an arts and crafts exhibition, and carnival rides for small children. Sunday morning will feature what has become a very popular Classic Car Show. The festival now in its twenty-third year continues to attract crowds of all ages, including seniors and children.

The “Corporate Hospitality Tent”, which will be open to corporate sponsors, during the entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, will house the Business Showcase on Saturday afternoon. Again, this year the business showcase will be coordinated and run by the East Haven Chamber of Commerce. Anyone interested in obtaining a spot can contact the Chamber at (203) 467-4305.

This year’s event will again feature an area of the green, which will be titled, the “Teen Corner” under the direction of the Town’s Youth Coordinator, Bob Petrucelli. The “Teen Corner”, will be open Friday and Saturday nights beginning at 6:00 pm. In addition, the area will be staffed by several other adults. The “Teen Corner” will include various activities for youth, including a Mobile HD Video Game Trailer and the very popular Hamster Balls. There will also be music with a DJ on Friday night, along with many other activities.

In addition to the businesses mentioned above, the event continues to be supported by corporate sponsorships and individual contributions. Anyone interested in helping with this effort, or for any further information on the Festival, should contact Frank Gentilesco, Jr. in the Mayor’s office, at 468-3204 or email him at eh.gentilesco@att.net

For further information on the Festival, you may go to the Town’s website: www.townofeasthavenct.org or through social media by:
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