Origins (1934) In 1934, Russian immigrant Rudolph Kunett founded the first commercial vodka distillery in the United States at 77 South Street, Bethel . This was the humble U.S. birthplace of Smirnoff Vodka . Smirnoff in America Kunett purchased the U.S. rights to Smirnoff from Vladimir Smirnov. Though Americans weren’t big vodka drinkers at the time, this Bethel plant laid the foundation for vodka’s rise in the U.S. From Bethel to the World By the late 1930s, Hartford’s Heublein, Inc. ...

We’re thrilled to announce an exciting new chapter at Community Stroll: the addition of Ira Joe Fisher as our distinguished new contributor! Ira Joe, Ridgefield’s celebrated Poet Laureate, Emmy-winning broadcaster, actor, and educator, will now bring his poetic insight, storytelling flair, and warm community voice to our website, social media platforms, and newsletter. His ongoing series of “P-06877-etry”—short, reflective videos filmed in Ridgefield—was a beloved feature in the HamletHub,...

Join the story - Celebrate History, Honor Community, Inspire the Future - Click on the link to find out more about celebrating the 250th Birthday of the signing of the Declaration of Independence - https://bethel-ct.gov/america250 Celebrate America 250 Bethel Join the Story!

The proposed Ridgefield Public Safety Building has had some updates! Learn more this Saturday, September 6, at the Ridgefield Library. There will be two presentations at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Both will be followed by a Q&A session. Can't make it this Saturday? We've got more dates lined up so that no one is left in the dark. All sessions will be held at the Ridgefield Library. Saturday, September 27 - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM Saturday, October 4 - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM Saturday, October 25 - 10:30...

Sign up for Town Communications! If you've been feeling in the dark about local affairs, we have the solution. There are three easy ways to stay informed with what's going on in local government - including meetings, town votes, public hearings, road closures, town projects, and more. Inside Town Hall is the official Town of Ridgefield weekly newsletter. It's the best way to get the facts about what's going on in Ridgefield. Sign up here . Ridgefield Alerts is the Town's alert system....

Tickets Now On Sale for History on Tap, September 26

A Celebration of the Arts in Newtown Connecticut! SEPTEMBER 26 - 28, 2025 AT FAIRFIELD HILLS IN NEWTOWN 11:00 AM TO 5:00 PM FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 26TH MUSIC UNDER THE STARS 7 TO 10 PM THE NEWTOWN CT ARTS FESTIVAL IS THE ART EVENT OF THE YEAR Our three-day art event focuses on bringing the community together to enjoy local talent in art, dance, music, and food. “The Newtown CT Arts Festival was organized and conducted beautifully and ranks in the top 3 shows overall that we have participated in,...

Learn more about the updated proposed Public Safety Building on Saturday, September 27, at the Ridgefield Library. There will be two presentations at 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM. Both will be followed by a Q&A session. If you can't make this one, mark your calendars for one of the upcoming sessions October! All sessions will be held at the Ridgefield Library. Saturday, October 4 - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM Saturday, October 25 - 10:30 AM and 1:00 PM Public Safety Building Information Sessions click to...

The Ridgefield Symphony Orchestra (R SO) opens its 61 st season on Saturday, September 27 th at 7:30 PM at the Ridgefield Playhouse with a concert titled REVOLUTION. The concert features the outstanding professional musicians of the RSO, under the leadership of Music Director Eric Mahl and joined in concert by acclaimed violinist George Meyer, performing a program that includes lively, engaging and iconic music from four different centuries. The concert opens with Mozart’s Magic Flute...

Join community members and staff from Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center and Ridgefield Library as we read and discuss one of our nation’s most important founding documents! “Get to Know the Declaration of Independence,” a free public program, will be held at the Ridgefield Library on Thursday, September 11 at 7 p.m. Ridgefield, Conn .— We’ve all learned about the Declaration of Independence – but what does the 1776 document actually say? Go beyond the famous phrase “Life, Liberty, and the...

Town of Ridgefield 9/11 Ceremony

Edmond Town Hall Newtown CT Comedy Update

The Ridgefield Commission on Aging is pleased to invite local seniors to the Senior Voices presentation on Tuesday, September 9 from 1:00-2:30 PM, spotlighting the many services, resources, and opportunities available at our library to older adults in the community. Hosted at the Ridgefield Library, this informative session will feature remarks from Library Director Brenda McKinley, Andy Forsyth, Assistant Library Director, Meg Klein, Head of Circulation and Rita Covelli, Head of Adult...

Join us in Bethel, CT for the grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony at Stars Lab this Friday, August 15 at 10 AM at 185 Grassy Plain Street in Bethel, CT.

SPHERE is proud to announce its bi-annual Reach for the Stars Gala, taking place on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the elegant Amber Room Colonnade. This special evening brings together com munity members and supporters to celebrate inclusion, community, and the power of connection, while raising critical funds for SPHERE’s life-enriching programs. The 2025 Gala will honor John and Peggy Loehr with the Commitment to Service Award. Longtime champions of SPHERE and dedicated volunteers across...

As the nation prepares to mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the Town of Bethel is joining communities across the country in celebrating this historic milestone. The Declaration, signed on July 4, 1776, was more than a statement of separation from Britain—it was a bold commitment to liberty, equality, and self-governance. While Bethel was not incorporated until 1855, residents of the region played their part in the Revolutionary War and lived the...

Visitors of all ages can try out historic tools and activities at #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village – open now through November 2! Ridgefield, Conn .— Try out historic tools, design a new town layout, and cast your vote for important trades – past, present, and future – at Keeler Tavern Museum & History Center’s (KTM&HC) #HandsOnHistory: It Takes a Village . The exhibition, located in KTM&HC’s Carriage Barn, is included in the cost of site admission and runs through Sunday, Nov 2....

Driver Laborer CDL Required Hours: Full time (40 hours/week) with Mandatory Overtime Salary Range : $33.67 per hour Learn more

Sept 5th at 2:30PM Join us for the Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting welcoming Flipping Creative Mindful Market to their new space on Prospect Street! Explore this beautifully curated shop and uncover your next favorite ethically-sourced treasure, all while enjoying door prizes, raffles, and refreshments. See you there! https://flippingcreativemm.com Ridgefield’s first Head Spa is here! Celebrate the Grand Opening and Ribbon-Cutting for Kate Elizabeth Esthetics! Sept 11th at 2:30PM 19 Danbury...

Grand Opening Block Party Little Sprouts Playplace and Bach to Rock Ridgefield Celebrate