This week: the dinner club location is decided, and what’s going on with the rain this year?
Glad you’re back!
Patrick
The Litchfield Ledger
Kent it is! Time for the last question….How far out should we book this time?
Why Heavy Rain Doesn't Always End a Drought
Connecticut gets slightly more rain now than it did a century ago. But the rain does not fall the same way.
More of it comes in short, heavy storms.
In early July, widespread heavy rain fell across southern New England. Some locations received between four and six inches. But the rain was uneven. Drought conditions improved in only a few parts of Connecticut, mainly where the heaviest rain fell. Long-term rainfall deficits and groundwater shortages continued in many areas.
Heavy rain does not always help as much as people expect.
A slow rain has time to soak into the soil. It can help plants and gradually replenish streams and groundwater.
When several inches fall in a few hours, more of the water runs across roads and fields and into storm drains, streams and rivers. It can cause flooding and erosion without fully replacing the moisture lost during weeks or months of dry weather.
That means one town can flood while another nearby town remains dry. Even where a heavy storm falls, one day of rain may not make up for a long rainfall shortage.
These intense storms have become more common.
Across the Northeast, the amount of precipitation falling during the heaviest rain events increased by about 71 percent between 1958 and 2012. NOAA says the Northeast has experienced the largest increase in extreme downpours of any region in the country.
Connecticut's own records show a similar pattern. The state had its greatest number of days with at least two inches of precipitation during the periods from 2005 through 2014. A typical Connecticut weather station now experiences about two or three of these heavy rain days each year.
Source: Fourth National Climate Assessment (2014), U.S. Global Change Research Program.
Connecticut is also warmer than it used to be.
Scientists say the main reason is climate change caused by greenhouse gases released from burning coal, oil and natural gas. As the atmosphere warms, it can hold more moisture. That gives storms more water to release as rain. At the same time, warmer air pulls more moisture from the ground, causing soil to dry out faster between storms. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that the atmosphere can hold about 7 percent more water vapor for every 1°C (1.8°F) of warming.
So the same stretch without rain can dry the ground faster now than it did in the past.
Connecticut's driest year on record was 1965, when the state received an average of 30.7 inches of precipitation. The long-term average is 47.3 inches per year.
Annual rainfall still varies widely from year to year. But it has generally been above average since the 1970s, and the long-term record shows a slight increase in annual precipitation since 1895.
Connecticut may be getting slightly wetter overall, but the rain is arriving less evenly. More water can fall during a single storm, while the periods between storms are warmer and drier.
That is how flooded roads, overflowing streams, brown lawns, and low groundwater can all exist at the same time.
Sources
NOAA — Connecticut State Climate Summary 2022
https://statesummaries.ncics.org/chapter/ct/
NOAA Climate.gov — A Soggy Summer for the Mid-Atlantic (Extreme Precipitation in the Northeast)
https://www.climate.gov/news-features/event-tracker/soggy-summer-mid-atlantic-2018
U.S. Drought Monitor — National Drought Summary (July 2026)
https://droughtmonitor.unl.edu/services/data/summary/html/usdm_summary_20260707.html
Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Sixth Assessment Report, Working Group I
https://www.ipcc.ch/report/ar6/wg1/
Our garden is FULL of bees buzzing around our scarlet beebalms this year.
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Tuesday the 21st
The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville – The Hotchkiss Summer Portals Piano Concert Series returns with eleven days of exceptional classical music featuring internationally acclaimed pianists, distinguished guest artists, and rising young musicians from around the world. Visitors are invited to enjoy free performances in Katherine M. Elfers Hall while taking in the beautiful Hotchkiss campus overlooking Lake Wononscopomuc, making this one of Litchfield County's premier summer cultural experiences.
7:30 PM CLASSICAL MUSIC
Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – The Gunn Museum and Makerspace continue their series of craft workshops drawn from the museum's own collections. This session covers colonial life in Washington and sends you home with a punched tin lantern you made yourself. Ages 18 and up. Registration required.
2:00 PM – 3:30 PM MAKE A COLONIAL LANTERN
Morris Public Library, Morris – Meet the real-life therapy dog who inspired the heartwarming children's book Ollie's Pet Rescue during this special storytime with the author and illustrator. Families will enjoy a live reading, meet Oliver "Ollie" Puck in person, create a fun craft, and learn about kindness, friendship, and animal rescue. Recommended for Pre-K and early elementary children, with the first 25 attendees receiving a free signed copy of the book.
10:00 AM – 10:30 AM MEET OLLIE & CELEBRATE RESCUE PETS
Wednesday the 22nd
Litchfield Green, Litchfield – Rustic Fusion plays the Green as part of Litchfield Park & Rec's Wednesday night summer concert series. Bring a chair.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM MUSIC ON THE GREEN
Cornwall Community Services, Cornwall – Local artists, don't miss your opportunity to participate in the 2026 Friends of Rose Algrant Art Show. July 22 is the final day for Cornwall residents ages 18 and older to submit applications for this celebrated annual exhibition, with no late entries accepted.
ALL DAY SHOWCASE YOUR ART
New Milford Public Library, New Milford – Get up close with an incredible collection of reptiles and amphibians from around the world in this fascinating live animal program. Meet frogs, salamanders, turtles, snakes, lizards, and even a crocodilian while learning about their amazing adaptations, survival skills, and the importance of protecting their natural habitats. Recommended for children ages 5 and up. Registration is required.
MEET AMAZING COLD-BLOODED CREATURES
Thursday the 23rd
Riga Meadow at Coole Park, Millerton – Experience the excitement of the Millbrook Horse Trials as top riders and horses compete in one of the Northeast's premier equestrian events. Beyond the competition, families can enjoy food and drink vendors, boutique shopping, tack shops, and a children's arts and crafts tent, making it a fun-filled day for visitors of all ages.
4:00 PM CHEER ON THE RIDERS
Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – A naturalist from the Education and Outreach Division of Connecticut State Parks leads an hour on how energy moves through an ecosystem, from the top of the food chain down. For children entering kindergarten through fifth grade. Free.
11:00 AM – 12:00 PM FOLLOW THE ENERGY
Scoville Memorial Library, Salisbury – Raise a glass to history with illustrator, author, and Advanced Cicerone Em Sauter as she explores the fascinating story of beer in America. Through engaging illustrations and entertaining stories, you'll discover how brewing has shaped the nation's history—from the Pilgrims' arrival to today's thriving craft beer scene. Beer samples will be provided, making this a fun and informative evening for history buffs and beer enthusiasts alike.
CHEERS TO HISTORY!
Friday the 24th
Frederick Gunn School, Washington – The 31st Annual Litchfield Jazz Festival returns for an unforgettable weekend of world-class performances featuring acclaimed artists and emerging talent from across the jazz scene. Running through July 26, this signature summer event has become one of Northwest Connecticut's most celebrated cultural traditions.
ALL DAY EXPERIENCE WORLD-CLASS JAZZ
Mine Hill Distillery, Roxbury – Storms and erosion along the Shepaug have damaged a stretch of the Kress Family Trail. The Roxbury Land Trust is raising money to repair it, with craft cocktails, pizza from the New Haven Pizza Truck, the Tom Scarola Band, tours, and a silent auction at the Crooked Rail. Advance tickets required and space is limited.
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM SAVE THE RAIL TRAIL
South Farms, Morris – Treat yourself to an elegant culinary evening during ByTastings' inaugural Chef Series Dinner celebrating the flavors of Litchfield County. Guests will enjoy a cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres followed by an expertly crafted four-course dinner with wine pairings by Chefs Cédric Durand and Paul Pearson, with proceeds supporting a charitable cause.
5:30 PM – 8:30 PM SAVOR THE EXPERIENCE
Infinity Music Hall, Norfolk – Aztec Two-Step 2.0 plays the Simon & Garfunkel songbook alongside selections from the band's own catalog.
8:00 PM GET TICKETS
Alain White Field, Bantam – The Bantam Community Farmers Market runs Friday afternoons through October.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM SHOP THE MARKET
Kent Welcome Center, Kent – The Kent Farmers Market keeps its focus on hyper-local growers and makers. Fridays through October 30.
3:00 PM – 6:00 PM SEE THIS WEEK'S VENDORS
Saturday the 25th
Foote Fields, Cornwall Bridge – Pack your favorite picnic and enjoy a charming Colonial-era community dance under the summer sky. Dancing begins at 7:00 PM, and no experience is needed—just bring your dinner, gather with friends and neighbors, and join in this timeless local tradition.
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM DANCE THROUGH HISTORY
Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Slip into beach mode during Hopkins Vineyard's annual Beach Party featuring live music by Bahama Mama & The Pain Killers, tropical cocktails, summer-inspired food, Beach Blanket Bingo, local vendors, wine prizes, and fun for the whole family—including treats for your four-legged friends. It's the perfect way to spend a summer Saturday overlooking the vineyards. Music runs 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
11:00 AM – 7:00 PM SIP, DANCE & CELEBRATE
Gordon Hall, Music Mountain, Falls Village – Bob Parker's Jive By Five returns to Music Mountain, led by Christopher Parker on drums.
7:00 PM JAZZ AT MUSIC MOUNTAIN
The Cornwall Library, Cornwall – Sculptor Carl D'Alvia talks with Dina Shaulov-Wright about how his drawings become sculptures, with a look inside the West Cornwall studio where the work is made. D'Alvia is a Rome Prize winner represented by Hesse Flatow in New York. Space is very limited and registration is required. Reception follows.
5:00 PM INSIDE THE STUDIO
House of Books, Kent – Jenny Jackson and Grant Ginder in conversation, moderated by Amy Poeppel. Signing to follow.
6:00 PM – 7:00 PM MEET THE AUTHORS
Angevine Farm, Warren – Christmas in July in the upper Christmas tree field, with artisan vendors only, no imports, plus food trucks and baked goods. Rain or shine. $5 for adults, which comes back as $3 in Pumpkin Dollars for harvest season. Free for kids 12 and under.
11:00 AM – 4:00 PM SHOP THE MAKERS MARKET
Cornwall Village Green, Cornwall – The Cornwall COOP Farmers Market on Pine Street, every Saturday morning. Baked goods, coffee, vegetables, meat, syrup, and eggs.
9:00 AM – 12:00 PM SHOP THE MARKET
Institute for American Indian Studies, Washington – Discover the timeless art of traditional broom making in this immersive, hands-on workshop led by master broom maker Alan Curboy. Participants will learn how to select natural materials, use traditional tools, and craft both a Whisk Broom and a Cobweb Broom while exploring the history and techniques behind this enduring folk craft. Pre-registration is required, and participants must be at least 16 years old (those under 18 must be accompanied by an adult).
CREATE A TRADITIONAL HANDCRAFT
Sunday the 26th
Litchfield History Museum, Litchfield – Step back in time on the Heroes of the Revolution walking tour and discover the remarkable men and women who helped shape America's fight for independence. Guided through the historic streets of Litchfield, you'll uncover fascinating stories and landmarks that bring the Revolutionary era to life.
1:00 PM STEP INTO HISTORY
Gordon Hall, Music Mountain, Falls Village – The Verona Quartet closes out the weekend with Scarlatti, Augusta Read Thomas, Janáček, and Beethoven.
3:00 PM CHAMBER MUSIC AT MUSIC MOUNTAIN
Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Relax among the vines with an afternoon of live music featuring the Scott Hargus Duo. Sip award-winning wines, take in the scenic countryside, and enjoy the laid-back atmosphere that has made Hopkins Vineyard one of Litchfield County's favorite summer destinations.
2:00 PM – 5:00 PM SIP & UNWIND
Woodbury Brewing Company, Woodbury – Ashley Wineland plays the brewery on Main Street South.
5:00 PM CATCH THE SET
Monday the 27th
Kent Memorial Library, Kent – Adults with special needs and their caregivers are invited to enjoy a welcoming social gathering filled with creativity, conversation, and fun. Participants will make crafts, connect with others, and enjoy a relaxed, supportive environment designed to encourage friendship and community. Caregivers are encouraged to join in the activities.
CREATE, CONNECT & HAVE FUN
Shepaug Valley High School, Washington – Inspire your child's imagination at Pilobolus Kids Camp, where movement, storytelling, and creative play come together in a one-of-a-kind summer experience. Led by educators from the world-renowned Pilobolus dance company, campers ages 6–12 will build confidence, teamwork, and creativity through fun, interactive activities that celebrate self-expression and collaboration.
9:00 AM – 3:00 PM MOVE, CREATE & IMAGINE
Grumbling Gryphons Headquarters, West Cornwall – Young performers ages 6 and up are invited to unleash their creativity at the Cornwall Theater Arts Camp, where they'll spend the week acting, singing, creating masks, painting scenery, and designing costumes alongside professional actors, musicians, and artists. This fun-filled, team-building experience culminates in a live musical theater performance for family and friends at the end of the week, giving every camper a chance to shine on stage.
9:30 AM – 3:30 PM STEP INTO THE SPOTLIGHT
A few poll respondents mentioned they didn’t know the Ledger was on Instagram! It is. Photographs of the county between issues, plus events that don’t make the newsletter.
