The Beatles. The Supremes. Mickey Mantle. Goldfinger. Drive-ins. The Ford Mustang. They’ll be just part of the action at this year’s Summerfest, when central Ridgefield time-travels to Summerfest ’64: Ridgefield Rewinds.
“We’re incredibly excited,” said Susan Ahlstrom, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce. “The only word to describe it is ‘groovy.’”
After two years of Chairish Ridgefield, in which Adirondack chairs decorated by locals were auctioned off, the Chamber was ready to try something new.
“We wanted something that would draw people from neighboring towns as well as Ridgefielders, so they could experience for themselves how wonderful our town is,” said Nancy O’Connell of Nancy O, who leads the event.
Summerfest ’64 will start on the evening of Friday, July 18, with Ridgefield à Go-Go in Ballard Park. There will be live music, dancing, a Twist and Hula-Hoop contest, vintage cars and motorcycles, celebrity appearances, and more. Restaurants will offer food for takeout. When the sun sets, it’s time for the Lawn Blanket Drive-In — a big-screen 1964 movie for all to enjoy.
On Saturday, the town will be decorated to re-create Ridgefield in 1964, complete with retro store windows. In addition to their Sale Days offerings and special discounts, merchants will have the chance to offer special merchandise from the period. Booths on Main Street will continue the 60s feel, while pop-up shops will offer vintage-style art and photo exhibits. A full-on car show will feature Mustangs, Corvairs, MGs, Studebakers, Jaguars, hot rods and other great vintage autos. Restaurants will offer vintage items on their menus — some at vintage prices.
The Main Street stage will feature live 60s music, along with dance instruction (think Frug and Watusi), karaoke — and polish your go-go boots for the costume contest.
Anyone who would like to volunteer, offer ideas or donate merchandise is invited to call the Chamber at 203-438-5992 or email sahlstrom@ridgefieldchamber.org.