Biggest Ever Thursday Street Fest & Hispanic Heritage Month

September 16, 2024


Two main organizers of the Third Thursday Street Festival broke down how this week's event will be the biggest one yet. Please keep scrolling to learn why the year's last festival is the going to be a blast!

You should be aware of a new scam involving free solar panel installation. I'll break down how it works and how to avoid becoming a victim.
  
Hispanic Heritage Month is underway, and Willimantic is proud to celebrate our Latino community. Read below to learn how you can celebrate at a fabulous event paying tribute to a distinguished Puerto Rican regiment of the United States Army.

Here are the sections in today's email:

  • Let's Talk About It: Final Third Thursday Street Fest
  • Solar Scam Warning
  • Hispanic Heritage Month
 
Let's Talk About It: Final Third Thursday Street Fest
We previewed the final Third Thursday Street Fest of the year on our radio show “Let’s Talk About It.” The event promotes our downtown businesses and will take place on Thursday, September 19 from 6 P.M – 9 P.M. along Main Street. This upcoming Third Thursday will be the largest yet with 145 vendors, merchants, and bands.

Jean DeSmet and Chelsea Cherrier from Willimantic Renaissance gave us the rundown on all the new additions including food from all over the world, beer, music, and so much more! Parking is free at the nearby parking garage, the lot at Bousquet’s Appliance and TV, and at Whitewater Park.

There will be all kinds of live entertainment including:

  • a performer who walks on stilts
  • a Mansfield Dance performance
  • activities for kids including face painting
  • basketball on North Street hosted by the Windham Recreation Department

We also discussed the expansion at the Commercially Licensed Cooperative Kitchen, which supports local farmers. Make sure to click on the video below to learn more about that and to listen to the entire show!
Jean DeSmet and Chelsea Cherrier break down what to expect
at largest ever Third Thursday Festival.
 
Solar Scam Warning
The state is warning that if you are offered free or no cost solar panels, it is a scam. Neither the state nor the federal government installs solar systems in homes for free. If you a scammer calls you with this offer, hang up.
Installing solar panels requires trained and licensed contractors and electricians. Real businesses won’t pressure you to sign a contract. They also will not ask you to provide payment in cash, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, or payment applications like Venmo, or PayPal.
Click here to learn more
 
Hispanic Heritage Month
We're celebrating culture this Hispanic Heritage Month in addition to honoring generations of resilience, creativity, and impact. From art to innovation, the Hispanic community continues to shape our world in powerful ways. Let’s uplift, honor, and keep making history together!
You can be a part of the celebration at a number of events in Willimantic including a book reading of Men of the 65th: The Borinqueneers of the Korean War on Saturday, September 21 at 10 A.M at Willimantic Public Library. The author will read an excerpt and answer questions exploring the trials faced by the remarkable 65th Infantry Regiment, the only Puerto Rican unit in the U.S. Army. CLICK HERE to learn more.