A Celebration of Branford Waters
Branford, CT
1997
GENEROUS SUPPORT from the Connecticut Commission on the Arts, TILCON Connecticut, Inc., Sam's Dockside Restaurant, Connell & Thompson Architects, The Regional Water Authority, The Bank of New Haven, Giordano Construction Co., and others.
A Celebration of Branford Waters unites spectacle, wonder, and learning in a common recognition and appreciation of the Sound and River waters so very much a part of Branford's culture, health, and beauty, a celebration of the community itself. Projects for a New Millennium partnered with the James Blackstone Memorial Library and the Branford River Project. Presentations by environmental groups, historians, musicians, astronomers, and poets, culminating with the arrival of a historic schooner and laser light on sprays of water. The evening events began with a working boat parade with fire, tour, and fishing boats motoring into the harbor at sunset. Our Grand Marshal was Anthony "Unk" DaRos.
The evening concluded with Music & Oration leading into a state of the art theatrical light and laser performance on a water curtain supplied by the Branford Fire Department.
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Environmentally Related Activities
The Eli Whitney Museum of Hamden, CT offered model boat building for children.
The Wandering Star offered views of the sun through their telescopes and talked about the relation of planets to the tides.
Free Men of the Sea created a living history encampment (complete with mermaid) about the Golden Age of Piracy and its impact on colonial life, focusing on Captain William Kidd and his association with the Branford waters.
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Environmental Groups
Schooner, Inc. docked the Quinnipiack floating classroom where students focus on the analysis and interpretation of water chemistry, collection and identification of biological and geological sampling as well as the ecological effects of human land use. There was a touch tank of salt water creatures on land for all to explore and enjoy.
Sea Grant Extension College Program offered information on effective ways to help people conserve and wisely use Connecticut's valuable coastal resources by supporting relevant research, technology transfer, and education. Regional Water Authority displayed means to Protection of watershed to keep safe drinking water and recreation areas.
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Entertainment Groups
The Elm City Ensemble an internationally recognized and award winning ensemble played water music. They included clarinetist Gallick Zoeter, violinist Ingrid Sweeney, cellist Rebecca Patterson, and pianist Jessica Bruser.
The Mud Flats Stony Creek chorus performed sea shanties and other tunes.
The Charm, long time local favorites, kicked out the best rock and roll and great originals. The Who Whos soared vocal harmonies and original arrangements complemented by a unique rhythm section.
The evening concluded with Music & Oration leading into a state of the art theatrical light and laser performance on a water curtain supplied by the Branford Fire Department.
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Creation Team
Joy Wulke, Concept, Design, Script
Jamie Burnett, Luminous Environments LCC, Production and lighting design
Norman Ballard & Jeff Cone, Laser
David Margolin Lawson, Music
