Some towns have apple festivals. Others have 4-H fairs. For the past few years, Hartford has been hosting the HodgePodge, Night Fall, and Harvest Market.
Night Fall is a free, outdoor performance event that celebrates the changing of seasons, while weaving in strands of the city’s history at the same time as embracing the present day.
The third Night Fall was in Colt Park on Saturday; it was previously staged in Pope Park and Elizabeth Park.
There is no curtained back stage. The orientation of the stage area makes it possible to walk around and peek at the giant puppets before the big show. Preparation and performance involves local artists, children, and, well, just locals. Though it takes months to prepare, last minute volunteers and participants are included — even those who decide to join in minutes before the event begins.
The cold rain of Saturday morning did not deter visitors. By the time the performance began, the crowd covered the hillside. Food trucks were parked at one entrance, but there were no restrictions about people bringing their own food or drink into the park.
While waiting for the show to begin, puppets and performers mingled with the audience. “Sam Colt” — as impersonated by Dave Carrier — engaged visitors with stories about his contributions to Hartford. “Samuel and Elizabeth Colt” later had the opportunity to discuss with Chion Wolf and Colin McEnroe how the historical figures played a role in shaping the city, with the controversial nature of firearms acknowledged.
A small parade led by The Open Hearth brought more entertainment to the park as people settled into their seats and onto their blankets.
The program followed a familiar format, but with performances moving more quickly than in the past, better keeping the attention of young children. New characters this year included monkeys and a banana, flowers and coquís, and bugs. Another new element was the creation of a street scene featuring “Hartford dignitaries.” The city of Hartford, played by Jeff Jahnke and Grace Academy students, also took the stage.
Joey Batts drew cheers with his short rap, and Margaux Hayes and Richard McGhee III gave a musical performance.
Returning characters included squirrels, skeletons, the Water Goddess, the Winter Goddess, and the Solstice.
The location of next year’s Night Fall performance has yet to be announced, but the date for that will be October 10, 2015.
