Celebrate East Lyme Festivities 2015: A Complete Guide

Live music, a diamond dig, a sand castle competition — those are just a few of the activities taking place at the 15th Annual Celebrate East Lyme.

The celebration will take place from 3 to 9 p.m. Saturday, July 18, on Main Street in Niantic and surrounding locations.

Saturday’s Weather

Click here for the most up-to-date forecast for the Lyme area.

Saturday will be mostly sunny, with a high near 81, according to the National Weather Service. There is a 30-percent chance of showers on Saturday night, with a low around 67.

Special Events Schedule

• 9 a.m. Sand Castle Competition at Hole in the Wall Beach
• 3 p.m. Kick Off CEL 2015
• 3 to 6 p.m. Paddle Board Demo’s at Hole in the Wall Beach hosted by Three Belles Marina
• 5 p.m. Dunk First Selectman Mark Nickerson at Arthur Murray Dance Studio to benefit the American Heart Association
• 9 p.m. Fireworks Display over Niantic Bay

Amber Alert

The Niantic Rotary will sponsor an Amber Alert sign-up at the East Lyme Police Station, 278 Main St., Niantic, during Celebrate East Lyme.

Children’s Area

The children’s area, sponsored by the Children’s Museum of SouthEastern Connecticut, provides activities for children of all ages, including a foam cannon, bubbles, foam playscape and more.

Diamond Dig at the Care & Share Booth

There is a 1/4 carat diamond up for grabs! Anyone can come to the Care & Share booth and dig for a diamond. Northern Light Gems of New London & Niantic will be on hand to grade and inspect the stone you find to see if the real 1/4 carat diamond valued at over $500 is yours to keep.

Dunk Tank

Stop by the Arthur Murray Dance Studio at 5 p.m. and find First Selectman Mark Nickerson keeping it cool for charity in the dunk tank.

East Lyme Public Library Swing Dance

This event will be held from 6:30 to 10 p.m. on Friday, July 18. The schedule is as follows: 6:30-7:30 p.m. swing dance lessons; 7:30 to 8 p.m. refreshment break; 8 to 10 p.m. Swing dance with live band.

Tickets are $15 per person and are on sale at the library.

Entertainment

“This year, musicians and businesses have come together in the spirit of support and volunteerism to make sure that we rock Main Street,” the Celebrate East Lyme Festivities team wrote on its website. “Because of the amazing contributions from performers and local business sponsors, Celebrate East Lyme 2015 will boast a top notch showcase of established entertainers and exciting student acts.”

East Lyme’s own — Comprised entirely of talent from East Lyme and Salem, The Paul Lussier Blues band combines two generations for musicians including the father/son team of Joe and Paul Lussier.

Paul’s smooth vocals play nicely to the bands fine set list. Playing songs that include The Beatles, Van Morrison, John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Eric Clapton, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, The Who, Bryan Adams, John Mellencamp, and many others.

Paddle Board Demonstrations

Sponsored by Three Belles Marina, free paddle board demonstrations will be available from 3 to 6 p.m. at Hole in the Wall Beach.

The Pro-Tek Auto Stage

• The Second Chance - 3 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
• Llama Tsunami - 5 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
• The Paul Lussier Band, playing at 6:30 p.m. to post-fireworks time at McCook Point Pavilion Stage
• The First Responders - 7 p.m. - 9 p.m.

Pro-Tek returns to Celebrate East Lyme with their amazing support by hosting their annual music stage featuring a variety of local musicians for your enjoyment. Pull up a chair and enjoy the show.

Visit the Jamkat Entertainment Stage at the East Lyme Police Station.

Sand Castle Competition

To participate, please contact Dave Putnam directly via email, dputnam@eltownhall.com to sign-up. The competition will take place at 9 a.m. at Hole in the Wall Beach.

St. John’s Carnival

St. John’s Episcopal Church will be holding its annual Summer Carnival at 400 Main Street (across from the Children’s Museum) during Celebrate East Lyme.

There will be new rides, food and midway fun for the whole family. For more information, visit the St. John’s Episcopal Church website or call 860-739-2324.

Visit the Celebrate East Lyme website for more information on the event.