SHOP Getting Ready To Rock The Hook With Music, Family Entertainment, Food And Fun

Published: Sep 27, 2024 7:45 am

The Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP) will host Rocking The Hook 2024 this weekend.

Readers of all ages are invited to visit Heritage Park, 7 Glen Road in Sandy Hook, on Saturday, September 28, from noon to 8 pm. The annual offering includes activities such as face painting, a bounce house, and visits with Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs.

Held at the park overlooking the beautiful Pootatuck River, there also will be plenty of music, food, and beverages to enjoy. Admission is free, with donations to SHOP’s current project, The Heritage Trail, welcomed.

SHOP Vice President Joe Hemingway says it is “exciting to have our Sandy Hook Concert back. We have some great bands lined up, food trucks and music. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Please come down and help us raise funds to complete our Heritage Trail. It’s going to be a great day!”

There will be a ribbon cutting for Heritage Park at 3 pm. The list of invited guests will include local and state officials, members of the press, and people and businesses that have supported the project by donating goods and services. Concertgoers are encouraged to attend as well.

Event Coordinator Maribeth Hemingway says she is excited for this year’s concert. Patrons will be entertained by music from four highly talented bands: Blonde & Grey (12-1 pm), Dan’s Garage Band (1:30-3), Northern Bred Country Band (3:30-5:30), and Green Eyed Lady (6-8.)

“We will feature food from Dad’s Grill and Rico Mac Taco in addition to the fine fare available from several establishments within walking distance,” Hemingway noted.

The event also features a Beverage Tent serving beer, wine, and water. Adults can enjoy beers from NewSylum and Reverie as well as a variety of wines including several from Sandy Hook vineyard Aquila’s Nest Vineyards. Bartenders will serve from noon until last call at 7:30.

Parking for the event has been reserved at Newtown United Methodist Church.

SHOP President Mike Burton says he and other SHOP members are looking forward to the return of Rocking the Hook.

“Please join us at our recently unveiled Heritage Park. Stop by to say hi to me in the beer and wine tent, where I’ll be working,” he said. “All proceeds from beverage sales will go towards Phase 2 of the project, the construction of Heritage Trail.”

For additional information visit sandyhookvillage.com.

Blonde & Grey performing at Rocking the Hook on Saturday, October 1. —Bee Photo, Taylor

A young attendee enjoys the inflatable slide during Rocking the Hook in October 2022. The annual event will return to Sandy Hook Center this weekend. —Bee file photo