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Events for July 15, 2026

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Summer-Sensory-Play-Social-Media-Post

Summer Sensory Play (Ages Birth – 5)

Recurring
Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex

Program for kids ages birth-5. Join us for a hands-on, child-led play session designed to engage the senses! Sensory Playtime encourages exploration, creativity, and early learning through touch, sound, and movement. Kids are invited to move from station to station, at their own pace, to scoop, squish, pour, and play with a variety of textures and materials in a safe, supportive space alongside their caregivers. This program supports sensory development, fine motor skills, and social interaction—come play, learn, and make a (little) mess with us! Program funded in part by the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, and made possible by the GSB Grant Making Fund, and the Whelen Family Fund. Essex Library programs are free and open to the public. No registration required. Drop in!

Copy of EBOT Scarecrow Contest Flyer 2026 (5) copy

Scarecrow Contest sponsored by The Essex Board of Trade

Recurring
Essex Village

The Essex Scarecrow Contest and FestiFall have become a much-loved community tradition, bringing creativity, fun, and local spirit to the Main Streets of Centerbrook, Essex, and Ivoryton each fall! Every year, residents, businesses, and organizations design and build scarecrows to display on lamp posts throughout town. The scarecrows will be on display all October, so stroll the streets, snap photos, and share your favorites! Voting to start online on Saturday, October 3rd at https://essexct.com/scarecrow-contest-2026/ Questions? Email ebotpresident@gmail.com

Free

7.15.26-macrame-basket-2

250th Basket Twining Class, presented by Essex Library Association

Essex Library Association 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT, Essex

Join us at Essex Library for a basket twining class, led by Brenda Vynalek, a local artist and teacher. Register HERE or call the library at 860-767-1560. Twining is one of the oldest basket making techniques, historically used to create tightly woven vessels for food storage and carrying water. In this session, participants will create a modern rope-twined basket in red, white, and blue. These baskets are perfect for holding napkins at a 250th America Celebration, decorating a porch, or serving as a plant holder. During the class, participants will see examples of the twining technique using various materials. This method is an excellent introduction to basket making, and participants will quickly feel inspired to experiment with new colors and textures. This program is free and open to the public at Essex Library, 33 West Avenue, Essex, CT. Space is limited. Registration is required. About Brenda Vynalek Brenda Vynalek is a local artist and teacher dedicated to preserving traditional techniques like broom making, basketry, and weaving. Her goal is to guide students from initial doubt to the pride of creating something beautiful and functional for the modern home.