www.southingtoncitizen.com
Volume 17, Number 21
Friday, May 22, 2020
Festival decision expected in June
Drive-in theater remains closed
By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
By Ashley Kus Record-Journal staff
Town leaders will decide early next month whether the Apple Harvest Festival will take place this fall.
The Southington Drive-In movie theater will not reopen for its regular season, according to an announcement Monday afternoon.
“Public health and safety is our number one concern,” said Tom Lombardi, a committee and Town Council member. “Everyone loves the Apple Harvest, but it’s important that we listen to the health experts and do what’s best for the town.” The festival is scheduled for the first two weekends in October and draws thousands of visitors from all over the region.
Stephanie Wills, 17, of Southington, completed and delivered over 20 paintings to Mulberry Gardens, a nonprofit community for individuals in need of assisted living and memory care services. Photos by Dave Zajac, Record-Journal
Teen painter brings outdoors to those who are shut in By Jesse Buchanan Record-Journal staff
Shane Lockwood, PlainvilleSouthington regional health director, said last week he was considering all options in regard to the coronavirus pandemic. He said the decision to reopen was ultimately up to local authorities.
With extra time on her hands, 17 yearold Stephanie Wills decided to help bring the outdoors to those shut in through painting. She completed more than 20 paintings and delivered them to Mulberry Gardens on Sunday. The facility offers assisted living and memory care.
The festival committee plans to meet on June 3 in a closed door executive session to de-
“I wanted to do something to help the people who can’t see their family members and who can’t go outside as much,” she said. “Bring the outside to them.”
See Apple Harvest, A4
See Paintings, A2
The announcement was made on the town owned drive-in’s Facebook page after officials said last week a decision would be made soon in conjunction with expected business reopenings in the state.
This painting by Stephanie Wills, seen here on Thursday, May 14, was nearly finished.
The outdoor theater on Meriden-Waterbury Turnpike normally opens for the summer through the fall. Proceeds benefit local nonprofit groups. See Drive-in, A4
R229860
Apple Harvest Festival committee members said canceling is one of the options they’re considering due to the pandemic.