Happy weekend, Meriden! In today’s happening-today edition: National luge slider search, historic mill makeover, and summer fest + events worth checking out today & tomorrow.
Today’s sponsor, GoldCo, is helping folks around Meriden protect their savings as gold and silver continue to gain momentum. Their free guide explains what’s driving the surge… and what to know before adding precious metals to your portfolio. Grab your free copy here.* |
01 — Worth knowing In the newsThree local stories this week, plus a few worth your money.
Future athletes get started: National Luge Slider Search arrives at Hubbard Park today and Sunday, teaching ages 10-13 on wheeled sleds. The program produced six 2026 Olympians and visits Meriden for the first time -- see how the event works.
Historic redevelopment completed: A $56 million project converted a historic mill in Meriden's North End into 82 mixed-income apartments, including 14 units supported by Section 811 for people with disabilities, by Trinity Financial -- see the mill makeover.
Precision manufacturing boost: Wallingford’s Ulbrich announced a $9 million, 14,500-square-foot expansion, adding a stretch-bend-leveling line to improve precision in stainless and specialty alloys for medical devices and space exploration -- explore Ulbrich's expansion.
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The bill all retirees should double check: Car insurance. If you’ve been on the same plan for years, you might be paying way more than you need to. It’s an easy one to forget about, but switching could save you up to $600 this year. Case in point: I shopped around and ended up cutting my premium in half — this free comparison tool makes it easy.*
Your insurance won't cover a $12,000 HVAC bill: If your furnace quits before it warms up, your homeowners insurance will tell you it's a "maintenance issue" and wish you luck. Insurance covers sudden disasters. It doesn't cover the systems that wear out over time, and those are the expensive ones. A home warranty is built for exactly this. HVAC, water heater, appliances, plumbing, electrical... all covered for less than $1/day with no age restrictions on what's covered. You call, they send a tech, you pay a service fee. They handle the rest -- this one's $150 off right now.* Highlights this week: |
02 — From our sponsor Gold just posted its strongest run in decades...And the momentum is carrying into 2026. Silver has become one of the most talked-about assets as investors look for ways to stay ahead of market volatility. While many are still sitting on the sidelines, others are quietly repositioning. If you’re wondering whether you’re missing something, GoldCo has a free guide explaining what’s driving the renewed interest… and how investors are approaching precious metals right now. It’s free and worth reading before the next move.* |
03 — On our radar
Local business spotlightNearby spots we'd actually send a friend to.
Your local fairway fix: Whether you’re sneaking in nine after work or plotting a full 18, Hunter Memorial Golf Course is Meriden’s go-to public track with classic parkland vibes, legit greens, and that fifth-hole peek at Castle Craig. Bring your A-game, then your appetite, the patio at Violi’s hits just right.
S’mores on standby: Lake Compounce Campground is the easy local escape to snag this week with cabins, cub huts, roomy tent sites, and RV spots with hook-ups, plus showers and a handy camp store for the inevitable forgotten thing. Bonus, it’s walking distance to the park so fun is basically built in.
Your weeknight upgrade: Family-owned since 1993, Sans-Souci Restaurant is a true Meriden mainstay serving crowd-pleasers like prime rib, fried clams, a legit lobster roll, and French onion soup, plus a cozy garden-view room. Put it on your weeknight rotation, impress your in-laws, or just treat yourself accordingly.
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04 — Our recommendations
We got your backA handful of products and services we think are worth a look.
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Have an event to share? We (and our readers) can't wait to hear about it! Submit an event → |
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05 — The event calendar Around town today & tomorrowOur favorite events going on the rest of this weekend. Dates, times, and locations are subject to change. Always check official event pages before heading out.
🎉 Wallingford 250 Red, White & You Parade @ Downtown Wallingford | Saturday (6/20) at 10:00 AM – Wallingford is going full red, white, and you with a patriotic parade from Dutton Park to Prince Street for America 250. Floats from local businesses and schools, a Fife and Drum Corps, and kids decking out bikes, wagons, and strollers, aka peak small-town adorable.
🚚 Middletown Food Truck Festival @ Palmer Field | Saturday (6/20) at 12:00 PM – Clear your trunk for folding chairs, then hit the annual Middletown Food Truck Festival, with free admission, free parking, and a convoy serving all the fair-food favorites minus the carnival chaos. Expect music, craft vendors, and a Kid's Portal, so you can finish a taco.
🦖 Dino Academy @ Durham Public Library | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Dino Academy brings Dr. Sarah Tops, life-like dinosaur puppets, and a sharp blend of science, storytelling, and imagination. It’s the field trip you actually wanted, with comfy seats, zero bus funk, and kids wowed while you enjoy your coffee, and quiet.
🚜 The Riley Farm Rescue Pop Up @ The Riley Farm Rescue (Middletown) | Saturday (6/20) at 1:00 PM – Riley Farm Rescue is hosting a mellow sanctuary pop up, where you can meet the rescued crew and finally learn who’s been eating the patio plants. Admission is simple, bring cat or dog food, and they are collecting clothes, towels, and bedding for fundraising, too.
🎉 Summer Fest @ North Italian Home Club | Saturday (6/20) at 2:00 PM – Up for some good old fashioned fun that actually helps people? This family friendly Summer Fest packs live bands, local food trucks, raffles, and beer from Whalers and Counterweight, plus Ms. Executive Connecticut. Every ticket backs The Agapé House, plus free parking, because miracles happen.
🚗 Third Annual Summer Kick-Off Car Show @ Executive Chevrolet (Wallingford) | Sunday (6/21) at 9:00 AM – Executive Chevrolet’s summer kick-off car show brings makes and models, music, and Get Stuffed slinging breakfast and coffee. Toss in a 50/50 raffle and a $10 donation that helps the local Pontiac crowd and paramedics-in-training. Shine it up, save the burnouts, keep it dry.
🇺 WSO Patriotic Pops Concert @ Choate Rosemary Hall (Wallingford) | Sunday (6/21) at 7:00 PM – Bring a lawn chair and your best whistle, it is WSO's annual Patriotic Pops under the summer sky by Seymour St. John Chapel, celebrating 250 years the civilized way. Expect Sousa, singalongs, and that one neighbor who treats the piccolo like a contact sport. Live music & entertainment:
Want more? Browse our full events calendar | Submit an event |
06 — The Meriden report Weather forecastToday — High: 81°F — Low: 59°F — Precip: 0% Sunny. High near 81, with temperatures falling to around 79 in the afternoon. West wind 9 to 15 mph. Later: Mostly clear, with a low around 59. Northwest wind 2 to 13 mph.
Tomorrow — High: 82°F — Low: 60°F — Precip: 14% Sunny, with a high near 82. West wind 2 to 8 mph. Later: A slight chance of rain showers after 2am. Partly cloudy, with a low around 60. This house is wildThis beautifully maintained Colonial blends timeless charm with smart updates, from French doors and custom built-ins to cozy window seats that add character throughout. Two heated sunrooms and a screened porch overlook the new deck, private yard, and landscaped gardens. A grand double-door entry, dramatic staircase, and spacious front-to-back living room complete the polished, inviting feel.
Take a peek inside → | | |