Riverton goes wild for wellness

RIVERTON — Riverton’s Wilderness & Wellness Weekend returns with a series of live performances, workshops, walks and demonstrations beginning Friday, July 9, and running through Sunday, July 11.

The biannual weekend celebration, which was first held last July, is now in its second season. This is the third weekend the Barkhamsted village has held the event, which was co-created by the town and the Riverton Merchants Association.

Barkhamsted First Selectman Don Stein said organizers are especially excited about the addition of Dan Butterworth & His Marionettes to this summer’s schedule of events.

“He’s a very well-known puppeteer,†Stein said, adding that in addition to two performances this weekend, Butterworth will also hold a workshop and a puppet parade Saturday morning. “We’re fortunate to get him to come here to our small village.â€

The weekend will also feature a fly fishing demonstration, pony rides, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, biking, healing arts and workshops, a demonstration of Hitchcock chair restoration, as well as a return of the popular Brilliant Broadway concert series.

The concerts feature Broadway actors and actresses who perform live at the Riverton Church. This summer’s series includes a return performance by Terry Eldh, who will sing hits from “The Phantom of the Opera,†“Music Man,†“Carousel,†and other Broadway shows.

Eldh will be accompanied by Barkhamsted’s Dan Ringuette and cellist Noah Hoffeld, with a guest appearance by 13-year-old performer Rilee O’Neill, from “Letters to Daddy.â€

“We are going to have constant music on Saturday,†Stein said.

He added that through this weekend, there will be something of interest to just about everyone.

“It’s a very family-focused event,†Stein said.

For more information about Riverton’s Wilderness & Wellness Weekend, including a complete schedule of events, visit the Riverton Merchants Association at rivertonct.com or the town website at barkhamsted.us.

“Brilliant Broadway†tickets can be purchased online at rivertonct.com, or at the Riverton General Store or Pleasant Valley General Store.

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