'Turnback Tuesday' highlights Christmas tree tradition

Turnback Tuesday is highlighting the Christmas tree tradition that is celebrated in many countries.

In Greenland, trees are decorated with candles and bright ornaments.

In Ireland, people favor a star or angel on top.

In Norway, many decorate their trees on “Little Christmas Eve-Dec. 23”.

For the Philippines, fresh trees are too expensive, so handmade trees in an array of colors are often used. We have Germany to thank for this tradition of bringing trees into our homes at the holiday.

Some interesting facts about Christmas trees:

The Rockefeller Center tree in New York City started in 1931 by construction workers.

Christmas trees are grown in all 50 states with most of them grown on farms.

Our 14th President Franklin Pierce brought the Christmas tree tradition to the White House in the early 1850s.

Approximately 25-30 million real

Christmas trees are sold in the U.S. every year.

Thanks goes to Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Celebrate Chocolate Milkshake Day at Kellogg Environmental Center in Derby

Kellogg Environmental Center. /File photo

DERBY - Celebrate National Chocolate Milkshake Day at 1 p.m. this Saturday, Sept. 11 at the Kellogg Environmental Center, 500 Hawthorne Ave. 

This free, family-friendly, outdoor program will take participants on a unique journey of discovery into dairy history from the cacao trees of Mesoamerica to the dairy farms of Derby. 

Participants will have the opportunity to make their own whipped cream to put on a tasty chocolate treat. 

Space is limited. Please register through the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection Calendar of Events webpage at DEEP Calendar - Event Details (ct.gov) or contact the Kellogg Environmental Center at 203-734-2513. 

The center is open 9 a.m-4:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.

The New Normal Health & Safety Guidelines for CT State Parks provides important guidance for participants and visitors (https://portal.ct.gov/-/media/DEEP/COVID-19/Health_Safety_Flyer_NN_Final.pdf).

 

This is a press release from the Kellogg Environmental Center.

Orange Country Fair on tap Sept. 18 and 19

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 2021
8:00-11:00 AM = Chip’s famous Pancake Breakfast - Main Food Pavilion
8:30 AM = Garden Tractor Pull - Pulling Area
10:00 AM = Opening Ceremonies - Gazebo
11:00 AM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
11:00 AM = Oxen Draw
1:00 PM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
3:00 PM = Doodlebug Contest - Pulling Area
3:00 PM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
7:00 PM = Fair Closes

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2021
8:00-11:00 AM = Chip’s famous Pancake Breakfast - Main Food Pavilion
8:00 AM = Mini Horse Pull - Lower Field
9:00 AM = Antique Tractor Pull - Pulling Area ** Invitation Only **
10:00 AM = Antique Car Show - Front Fairgrounds
11:00 AM = Horse Draw - Lower Field
11:00 AM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
11:30 AM = Children's Pedal Tractor Pull - Upper Field
1:00 PM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
3:00 PM = Homing Pigeon Release - Lower Field
6:00 PM = Fair Closes

SPECIAL FEATURES -BOTH DAYS
•• Chip’s Famous Pancake Breakfast
•• Toddler Driving Contest
•• Garden Club Demonstration

Official Fair T-Shirts, Hats and Commemorative Items Available at the Souvenir Tent.

The fair is held at the Orange Fairgrounds, 525 Orange Center Road.