Report by Paula Antolini, July 24, 2012, 4:15PM EST
Photo: Academy-Award nominated actor Robert Vaughn autographed the chair designed with his image, at the Chair-ish Ridgefield SummerFest 2012 on Saturday, July 21, 2012. Chair artwork designed and created by David Brown of Ridgefield, Connecticut. (Photo ©2012 BETHEL ADVOCATE / Paula Antolini)
Hundreds of people and dozens of businesses supported the Chair-ish Ridgefield Summerfest 2012, and actor Robert Vaughn made a special appearance.
Beautiful sunny weather brought hundreds of local residents and others to the “Chair-ish Ridgefield” SummerFest 2012 on Saturday, July 21, 2012. “We raised over $10,000 at this event,” said Marion Roth, executive director of the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.
This event was organized by the Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce.
Various local vendors, community organizations and political groups had tents lining Main Street and Bailey Avenue, which was closed to traffic for the event. They sold merchandise, offered information, classes and fun activities for children too. Face painting and balloon animals seemed most popular with the young, as was the juggler.
Sidewalk restaurants were filled and street vendors sold hot dogs, lobster rolls and ice-cold drinks.
A variety of entertainment was provided on a stage in the large main tent, and included music, dance, martial arts, Zumba, and more.
The Ridgefield Chamber of Commerce “Chair-ish Ridgefield” Summerfest fundraiser event had more than 60 Adirondack chairs on display on Bailey Avenue. Chairs were designed and/or donated by local businesses and individuals.
The idea for the Chair-ish Ridgefield fundraiser was developed under team leader Chairperson Nancy O’Connell, through committee brainstorming, said Marion Roth, who also gave credit to Chamber Office Manager Suzanne Brennan.
Roth said much help also came from Ridgefield Boy Scout Troop 431 which assembled the chairs, picked them up and delivered them with Adam Lussier and Father David.
Crowds grew as people viewed and bid on the chairs in a silent auction from 10 a.m to 4 p.m., with bids going as high as $500.
The Adirondack chairs were judged by Ridgefield Rudy Marconi, and Tracy Moore, Education Director of The Aldrich Museum, and Antonio Muñoz, who currently sits on the Board of Directors at the Ridgefield Guild of Artists.
The remaining chairs were then sold at a live auction at 7 p.m. that was held right before the CHIRP concert featuring Roosevelt Dime. The auctioneer was Allison Stockel, Executive Director of The Ridgefield Playhouse.
Academy-Award nominated actor Robert Vaughn made a personal appearance at the live auction, to sign the chair designed and created by David Brown. The chair had a Vaughn theme and won in the “most creative” category and sold for $400 to Allison Stockel.
Marion Roth said the funds raised from this event will go to Destination Ridgefield, a project to promote tourism and show that Ridgefield has a strong cultural presence in the community. The project’s slogan: “It’s a Wonderful Town.”
“The Destination Ridgefield committee has been working on the idea for five years. We have used focus groups and are working on putting together a tourist website. Eventually we aim for a physical tourist center with staff seven days a week. More ideas to come,” said Roth. “We have successfully achieved our goal of meeting the expenses for Phase One of Destination Ridgefield, which is to set up a tourism website.”
Winners of the Chair-ish Ridgefield contest were chosen in several categories:
Best in Show
“Maurice Sendak Chair” by Susie Buckley, Ridgefield, Ct.
Ridgefield Spirit (two winners)
Karen Griffith, Ridgefield Spirit chair, donated By Keller Williams Realty, Ridgefield Ct.
A depiction of Town Hall with the American Flag chair, from Addessi Jewelers, Ridgefield Ct.
Most Creative
Robert Vaughn chair designed and created by David Brown, Ridgefield Ct.
Prettiest (two winners)
Designs by Claire, donated by Ridgefield Community Center,
Lounsbury House, Ridgefield Ct.
Lyn Evans Potpourri Designs, Ridgefield Ct.
Funniest
“Surf’s Up” chair, created by Dan McKee, the owner of “Designs & Signs of Brookfield” Brookfield, Ct.
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