A day full of events for the whole family will highlight the celebration of West Hartford’s Westmoor Park’s 50th Anniversary.

Historical photo of the Hunter’s home and guest house. Courtesy of Westmoor Park

By Ronni Newton

Westmoor Park has previously hosted a “Rockin’ Rooster Fun Run” and a fall festival for families, but this year a full day of events is planned for Saturday, Oct. 19 – in celebration of the park’s 50th anniversary.

The day will begin with the Rockin’ Rooster Fun Run, scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m., and open to kids ages 3-12. Register at RecDesk with the keyword “Rooster.”

Westmoor Park Rockin’ Rooster Fun Run. Oct. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg (we-ha.com file photo)

A free family festival (no registration needed) will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., and visitors can look forward to the following activities:

• 4-H animal demonstrations
• Mini arboretum walks
• Westmoor history presentation
• Hay rides
• Pumpkin rolling
• Butter-making
• Face painting
• Concessions

Sheep and lamb at Westmoor Park in 2006. Courtesy photo

Hayride. Courtesy of Westmoor Park

In the evening, from 6 to 8 p.m., the Westmoor Square Dance will be held in the Outdoor Classroom. Organizers say the event is open to ages 10-100, with no square dance experience needed. Attendees are welcome to bring a picnic dinner, but should note that no alcoholic beverages are permitted. Register on RecDesk.

Courtesy of Westmoor Park

Westmoor Park was left in trust to the Town of West Hartford in 1974 by the Hunter family, which also left an endowment which earns interest that supports the park’s operation.

While Westmoor Park is operated by West Hartford’s Leisure Services Department, program fees, fundraising, and the interest from the endowment continue to allow Westmoor Park without tax funding.

The 162-acre agricultural and horticultural education center is committed to nurturing environmental awareness and responsible stewardship. The Westmoor Park property includes a demonstration farm, and a variety of gardens, meadows, and trails available for public use daily from dawn to dusk. Educational programming is available for people of all ages, and this year Westmoor Park also achieved accreditation as a Level II Arboretum.

Ribbon cutting celebrating Westmoor Park’s certification as a Level II Arboretum. Courtesy photo (we-ha.com file photo)

Westmoor Park Rockin’ Rooster Fun Run. Oct. 28, 2023. Photo credit: Craig Rosenberg (we-ha.com file photo)

Pigs at Westmoor Park. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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