Savor Southington at the 25th Annual Taste of Southington!

[Press Release] Get ready to satisfy your taste buds at the 25th Annual Taste of Southington on August 5, 2026, from 4:00-7:00 PM at the beautiful Barnes Museum!

Taste of Southington is an annual food festival celebrating the vibrant culinary scene of

Southington, CT. Bringing together local restaurants, food trucks, and music, this event offers a memorable experience for attendees of all ages. Now in its 25th year, Taste of Southington continues to be a highlight of the summer season, showcasing the best of what the community has to offer.

Local Flavors & Toe-Tapping Tunes

Join us for an exceptional evening on the Barnes Museum grounds as we bring together several local restaurants and food trucks, showcasing their best creations to the food enthusiasts of Southington. Enjoy your food under a shady tent while listening to the Stanley Big Street Band as they keep the atmosphere lively with its fantastic musical entertainment from 5:00-7:00pm. Tours of the museum's first floor will be free, and Valentine the Clown will entertain the kiddos! The event boasts FREE admission onto the museum grounds.

Event Details:

·      Date: Wednesday, August 5, 2026

·      Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM

·      Location: The Barnes Museum, 85 North Main Street, Southington, CT

·      Parking: Municipal lot at 1 Riccio Way, Southington (walk right onto the grounds from the lot).

OUR SINCERE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: Maximum Sound & Security, Rogers Orchards, Lovley Development, Art Rich Photography, Friends of the Barnes Museum, Realty 3 CT, Volpe Automotive & Sons, SPDI Superior Products Distributors, Hartford HealthCare, and Houzpital Property Damage Restoration.

Fun Continues Beyond 7 PM

The excitement doesn't stop there as the Taste of Southington wraps up at 7:00 PM! Please take a short stroll from the museum to the Southington town green for their weekly Music on the Green concert series, extending the festive atmosphere throughout the night.

Follow Us:

Website: www.thebarnesmuseum.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/barnesmuseum

Instagram: @thebarnesmuseum

LETTER: Why I Support John Larson in the Democratic Primary

PHILIP THIBODEAU PHOTO

Dear Editor,

On August 11, registered Democrats in Connecticut's 1st Congressional District will have the important responsibility of choosing our party's nominee for Congress. As Secretary of the Southington Democratic Town Committee, I've had the opportunity to work with elected officials at every level of government. That experience has reinforced my belief that elections should be decided not by campaign rhetoric, but by a proven record of results. I believe Congressman John Larson’s record deserves serious consideration by Democratic voters in the upcoming primary. I’m supporting John Larson for three reasons: his proven record of delivering for Southington, his ability to protect Connecticut’s voice in Congress, and the clear contrast between his record and his opponent’s campaign.

John Larson has a proven record. Recently here in Southington, Congressman Larson has delivered more than $34 million in federal investments to strengthen our community. That includes over $17 million through the American Rescue Plan for local priorities like road improvements, public safety, and new ladder trucks for our firefighters, as well as a $1.2 million SAFER grant that fully staffed a third fire station in Milldale.

Larson has also stood up for small businesses. During the pandemic, he helped secure $9.7 million in Restaurant Revitalization Funds for 25 local restaurants and venues, including $5 million for the Aqua Turf helping protect jobs and keep local businesses open. Democratic voters will soon decide whether to continue that representation by someone who can serve as a strong check and balance on the Trump administration during this critical moment.

If Congressman Larson returns to Congress, Connecticut would retain significant seniority in the House should Democrats regain the majority. Rosa DeLauro will chair the Appropriations Committee, John Larson will chair the Social Security Subcommittee while serving as a senior leader on the Ways and Means Committee, Jim Himes will lead the Intelligence Committee, and Joe Courtney will remain a leading voice on the Armed Services Committee. That level of seniority gives Connecticut and especially the 1st Congressional District an extraordinary seat at the table. Electing a new, inexperienced member would mean surrendering critical leadership on Social Security and the Ways and Means Committee at a time when our country can least afford it.

Lastly, I support John Larson because his record has remained consistent. His opponent, Luke Bronin, once publicly stated that Congressman Larson was “the best member of Congress this district could ask for.” He is now challenging Congressman Larson in the Democratic primary. When it comes to policy, the contrast between the two candidates is clear. During an appearance on WTIC’s Reese on the Radio, Bronin said that earning $250,000 a year is not considered “rich.” In Southington, $250,000 is nearly five times the median individual income.

Larson’s perspective comes from experience. He grew up in public housing, worked as a public school teacher, and has spent decades fighting for working families, seniors, and those too often overlooked. He has never forgotten where he came from. I believe his campaign reflects those values rather than the priorities of billionaire donors – and he certainly hasn’t forgotten that for most families, $250,000 is not pocket change.

In closing, as a 20-year-old voter, I am completely confident that John Larson is the right person to continue representing our district and my generation. On a personal note, I have had the privilege of getting to know Congressman Larson over the years. I’ve seen him up close, I’ve seen his sharp wit, determination, passion, and relentless commitment to serving others, usually with a Starbucks cup in one hand and a to-do list in the other. Beyond all of that, I have seen someone who understands how to get the job done and does it with purpose.

When my mother unexpectedly needed open-heart surgery, Congressman Larson went above and beyond. He sent a thoughtful card and an edible arrangement to my home, but what meant the most was the personal call I received from him while I was sitting in the hospital waiting room. He simply ended the call with, “Keep the faith.” Those words have stayed with me because they represent the kind of leader John Larson is, not just someone who fights for people in Washington, but someone who shows up for people when they need it most. That is why I am proud to say I have my full faith and confidence in John Larson.

Sincerely,

Jordan Mancuso-Cermola

Note: the opinions expressed in this letter do not necessarily reflect those of the Southington Outsider.

Southington's Italian-American Festival Celebrates Culture and History

The Italian-American festival on July 26. AVERY MARTIN PHOTOS

Southington’s annual Italian-American festival kicked off its 21st year on Friday, transforming downtown into a celebration of culture and heritage.

With food, music and vendors, the event is hosted yearly by the town chapters of the Sons of Italy, Sorelle d’Italia and the UNICO club. It aims to bring together people of all backgrounds to experience Italian-American culture.

“I was born in Italy, so I was brought up with a lot of this. It warms my heart to see this continue, and I hope the next generation will pick up and continue it,” said Sue Rossetti, a member of the St. Luke Parish Italian Rosary Society.

Visitors view a statue of Mary and Jesus.

Visitors enter a raffle hosted by the Italian Rosary Society.

Attendees at the festival were able to try Italian cuisine such as pasta e fagioli and learn more about Italian customs and history. Jennifer Benevento, the founder of Branches To Roots, also offered Italian-American locals a space to reflect on what their ancestry means to them.

Benevento helps Americans with Italian heritage to plan trips to their ancestral towns and villages. Her booth featured handwritten notes from visitors who reconnected with their heritage at the festival. She said Southington’s embrace of Italian culture brought back memories of her grandparents.

“Look at this festival," said Benevento. "They would be so happy to know that we're so proud of our Italian heritage."

Jennifer Benevento with her booth devoted to Italian-American heritage.

Notes and family photos left by visitors showcasing their Italian-American heritage

Southington is home to more than 10,000 residents of Italian-American descent, according to American Community Survey data from 2021. That is about 25% of the population, and represents the largest ethnic group in town. Festival attendees and vendors from across the state were also present to share what their culture means to them.

Lucia Loveless is from Bristol, but is Italian-American and proudly shows her heritage through her company Lucibella. Her handmade jewelry, personally drawn cards and unique vintage items for sale are all tied to Italian folklore and customs.

“We have some beautiful traditions. A lot of it is also around food. You'll see a lot of food imagery in my brand. The kitchen is where we laugh, where we cry, where we pray, where we come together and celebrate birthdays, holidays, life in general. I think that brings me joy, and I love having that in my tradition and my culture, so it's all about celebrating that,” said Loveless.

Lucia Loveless showcases her handmade Italian jewelry and home items.

That pride in traditions and heritage is also shared by the organizers, including David Zoni, Chair of the UNICO club. Zoni, himself a third-generation Italian-American, said it is part of Italian culture to show visitors customs and traditions they may not be familiar with.

“It's a culture that I think will live a long time. [Italians] are a passionate people. They care about their communities. They care about passing down the food, everything that's Italian. They have a long history,” said Zoni. “I love the music. I love the food. I love everything about it.”

For some, the celebration of Italian-American history is more important than ever. Early Italian immigrants often faced racism and hostile environments upon arriving in the United States, something Benevento says their descendants still remember today. That legacy, she says, helps her relate to other groups in a similar situation now.

“A lot of people in our country are not feeling welcome. Sometimes people forget that we were unwelcome a hot minute ago,” said Benevento. “This is a moment for people to connect to something deeper than them, and when you put yourself in that spot and you realize you're a little smaller than you think you are, that humbleness helps you greet the rest of the world with a different kind of love.”