Today is Thursday, April 9, 2026 
TRHPF is pleased to invite you to participate in Thames River Heritage Park Foundation: Discover the Park! on Saturday, May 9, from 10:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. at Fort Trumbull State Park.
This event is designed to celebrate the incredible organizations that help bring the TRHP to life, while also welcoming the broader community to learn more about the programs, services, and experiences available throughout the region.
We invite each participating partner to host your own vendor-style space to showcase what you do and what you offer. To encourage meaningful engagement with visitors, we ask that each partner include at least one family- and/or youth-friendly activity at their table, something interactive that invites the public to participate, learn, or create.
The event will feature:
• Explore Local Organizations & Activities
• Family, Friendly, Interactive Fun
• Live Music Performances
• Food Trucks
• Face Painting & Caricatures
• Games
• Water Taxi Harbor Tours (dependent on Weather & Availability)
This event is intended to be festive, welcoming, and educational, providing an opportunity for partners to connect directly with families, residents, and visitors while strengthening our shared visibility and impact.
Please RSVP by Wednesday, April 15, to confirm your participation and space needs. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact any of the (3) organizers below.
June Henley
Director, TRHPF
Julie Cagle
TRHP Programming Committee Member
and Event Organizer
Kathy Lotring
Executive Director
Submarine Force Library & Museum Association
Additional logistical details, including setup times and space specifications, will be shared closer to the event date. We hope you will consider joining us for this exciting community-focused celebration.
We look forward to celebrating with you on May 9.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs
For the public
The Partner Open House Fair is a community gathering hosted by Thames River Heritage Park Foundation that brings together our Heritage Sites and Institutional Partners and local organizations to share what they do, connect with neighbors, and celebrate the many stories and resources along the Thames River.
Saturday, May 9th, 2026 10:00 A. M. to 2:00 P. M. at Fort Trumbull State Park
Yes! The event is free and open to everyone. The only exception will be those businesses who will have drinks or food items for sale.
Community members, families, educators, volunteers, and anyone curious about the Park and the organizations that make it so vibrant.
Meet our partners, explore programs and volunteer opportunities, enjoy informal networking, and discover new ways to get involved in the Park community.
There will be some live performances by student musicians. There will also be interactive activities throughout the day. There will be face painting, caricaturists and games plus whatever activities are available.
There will be several food trucks and a couple of other vendors with food or beverage items for sale. The Boy Scouts Troop will be selling bottles of water and/or sodas as a fundraiser for themselves.
Yes. If you need accommodations, please contact us at one of the email addresses above.
For vendors
Our Heritage Sites and Institutional Partners must register that they are participating no later than April 15, 2026. Community members do NOT have to register.
Yes. If you need accommodations, please contact us at one of the email addresses above.
Food vendors must provide insurance to the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) to satisfy the SUL permit requirements. Please see below.
Eligible partners are invited to host an information table and share marketing materials and/or interactive activities.
Each Partner Heritage Site and Institutional Site are responsible for their own vendor tents, tables and chairs. It is also advisable to bring tent weights, in case it gets windy. Additional needs should be requested in advance. We will be providing water throughout the day.