07/22/2025
Thank you Newington Parks and Recreation! We can’t wait for next year!
The Newington Parks and Recreation Department recently hosted the most successful Life. Be in it. Extravaganza in 43 years. This event, a true community effort, was proudly led by our primary sponsor Bonavita Luxury and Portable Lavatories. We extend our gratitude to the volunteers who supported various roles such as the beer and wine garden, ticket booth, craft beer event, children’s train, concessions stand, and more. Seven bands, sponsored by Data-Mail, provided lively dance music throughout the event. MDC, Price Chopper, Raising Cane’s, and Regional School Choice Office sponsored the main stage, complemented by the highest-quality sound system from CMI Sound.
The Church of Christ Congregational treated 175 residents to free ice cream sundaes on Wednesday, while Amy’s Soft Treats and Brian’s Fabulous Fried Dough brought the New York based circus to Newington. Happy Harry’s Wine and Liquor Warehouse offered free wine to over 700 attendees at Thursday’s Bring Your Own Cheese (BYOC) Party. Year Round Landscape sponsored free coloring activities while interactive games like Chicken Flinger and Clown Toss were enjoyed by all, thanks to Year Round Power and B&M Tree Service. Craft Beer Night, a major draw sponsored by Happy Harry’s and Bowl-O-Rama, sold over 300 tickets on Friday. Families enjoyed cooling off on the 2-story high Tiki Waterslide sponsored by Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine Centers. Train rides, sponsored by Bonavita Luxury and Portable Lavatories, delighted attendees of all ages throughout the four days. Catholic Parish Initiatives introduced a large-scale raffle on Saturday which awarded $70,000.00 with a grand prize of $30,000.00, adding to the excitement. Over the four days, thirty people won between $25 and $500 in a free giveaway.
RE/MAX provided tethered hot air balloon rides, offering a unique view of Mill Pond Park. The carnival saw brand new and exhilarating rides which offered affordable wristbands and speed passes for unlimited use.
This event would not have been possible without the collaboration of various Town departments including Police, Fire, Ambulance, Board of Education, Facilities, Finance, IT, Senior and Disabled Center, Parks and Recreation, and Highway Departments. We commend all employees for their dedication during this busy week.
Lastly, we extend our heartfelt thanks to our residents, neighbors from surrounding towns, and visitors from afar for their enthusiastic participation and support. Your patronage at food booths, the beer and wine garden, and the carnival helped fund the largest fireworks display in Newington’s history, costing $29,500, with premier sponsorship coming from Regional School Choice Office. If you missed last week’s events, you missed something truly special in our town. We were thrilled to have over 75,000 participants in our Life. Be in it. Extravaganza week. Special thanks to our TV sponsor WFSB Channel 3 and all ten iHeart Radio stations for their support. Save the date for next year's event during the third week of July. You won’t want to miss the 44th Life. Be in it. Extravaganza. Great job, Newington! We truly are Building a Strong Community!
