"The event fields are extremely saturated and unable to safely support the heavy trucks, equipment, and vendor vehicles required for the event." That was the Town's explanation on October 2 when it called off New Fairfield Fair Day, which had been set for today, Sunday, October 4, at Memorial Field. This was already the fair's second date. The town calendar had first listed it for September 26. The cancellation notice doesn't give a new date, and it doesn't say whether the fair is off for the rest of 2026.
So the season lost its biggest event on the town fields, and what's left leans on the water. Fall's biggest remaining crowd will gather at Squantz Pond State Park next Sunday. After November 1, FirstLight can start lowering Candlewood Lake, Squantz Pond included, toward an elevation it only targets in deep drawdown years. Here is how the next eight weeks look with that in mind.
Sunday, October 11, at Squantz Pond
The New Fairfield Lions Club holds its 33rd annual Classic Car Show at Squantz Pond State Park on Sunday, October 11, with Sunday, October 18 as the rain date. Gates open at 9 a.m. and viewing starts at 10. Vehicle registration runs from 9 to 11:30, and judging is from 12:30 to 2. Beyond the main judging, trophies go to the vehicle that traveled the longest distance, the best car club representation, a President's Choice pick, and a New Fairfield Leo Club's Choice pick.
Spectators pay $5 and show vehicles pay $20 to register. The Lions run a food tent, and vendors set up alongside. The club says hundreds of vintage and classic cars, trucks, and motorcycles come from across Connecticut, New England, and the East Coast.
Where the money goes matters more this year. The show is the Lions Club's third-largest fundraiser. Net proceeds help pay for the July 4th Parade, Breakfast with Santa, pediatric eye screening, scholarships for high school seniors, and several youth and sports organizations. The club also sponsors the New Fairfield Leo Club, which has more than 60 members ages 12 to 18. If you want to get involved after the show, the Lions meet at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at Biscotti's Restaurant in New Fairfield.
The Park Works Differently Now
If you only know Squantz Pond in summer, fall works by different rules. In peak season the lot holds 250 vehicles and the park closes for the day once it fills. From fall through spring, the park is closed to vehicles entirely. Visitors park at the boat launch and walk in. The bathrooms closed after Labor Day. The park stays open daily from 8 a.m. to sunset at 178 Shortwoods Road.
State Parks calls the park's 172 acres a rare public space on the otherwise private 75-mile shoreline of Candlewood Lake. That's why it matters so much to the fall calendar. It's the main place where anyone can stand at the water's edge in New Fairfield. Its trails also connect into Pootatuck State Forest, which DEEP lists for hiking and mountain biking, with more access off Shortwoods and Pine Hill roads.
The town's own lake facilities are winding down too. Swimming at the town beach ended after Labor Day, and town marina staff are back to weekend-only coverage through October. For a shorter walk away from the lake, Hidden Valley Nature Center has about a mile of self-guided trails, a small museum, a pavilion, and an observation deck.
The Rest of the Town Calendar
Indoor and Town Center events fill the weeks between the car show and the holidays. These are the dates on the town calendar as of today:
| Date | Event | Where and what to know |
|---|---|---|
| Tue., Oct. 13 | Community Service Club open house | NF Senior Center, 7 to 8 p.m. |
| Sat., Oct. 17 | Volunteer Fire Department shredding event, rescheduled | Company A Firehouse, 9 a.m. |
| Wed., Oct. 21 | Spooktacular S.T.E.A.M. | Presented by Parks & Recreation with Ms. Strashun in her Room 408, grades 2 to 5, 3:30 to 5 p.m., $40 including materials |
| Thu., Oct. 29 | Tricks and Treats Fest | Town Center, 4:30 to 6 p.m. |
| Sat., Nov. 7 | "A Reunion to Die For" murder mystery | 7 p.m. |
| Sat., Nov. 14 | Lions Club Crafting Day | Senior Center, 33 CT-37, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., $50 full day or $30 half day, benefiting the Historical Society |
| Sun., Nov. 22 | Run for the Turkeys | Details still to come |
| Sat., Nov. 28 | Santa's Workshop, Holiday Light Parade & Tree Lighting | Rain date Nov. 29, details still to come |
The last two listings were still marked "details to come," so check the town calendar for times and locations before you plan around them.
Burger Barn Opened on Route 37
The newest place to eat after any of these events is Burger Barn at 25 Route 37, in the former Olde 37 Patio & Grill space. The town calendar listed its ribbon cutting for September 30. Chef-owner Justin Heitmann and his business partner, Kiera Mejia, did a soft opening in late summer to test the menu and work out ordering before the official launch. "The whole town has taken to the place, it's great," Heitmann told CT Insider.
The menu is smash burgers and specialty hot dogs the owners call "dirty dogs." The Fusion Dog comes with garlic aioli, kimchi, scallions, and sesame seeds. The Figgy Pig has cream cheese, fig jam, and bacon jam. "We are from Queens, so we bring all the American, ethnic cuisines together," Heitmann said. The menu lists burgers including the Classic OG, French Onion, Jalapeño, and Patio, along with sandwiches, wings, starters, sides, and desserts. It also has shakes, a kids' menu, gluten-free options, and wing platters for football season. Hours are Wednesday through Sunday, noon to 7 p.m., and online ordering is open.
Burger Barn and the Senior Center, home to the October 13 open house and the November 14 Crafting Day, are both on Route 37. That makes it an easy stop before or after either one.
After November 1, the Lake Drops
The biggest change of the season won't be on any event calendar. FirstLight, which runs the Rocky River Pumped Hydro Storage Station, announced on September 10 that 2026 to 2027 is a deep drawdown season for Candlewood Lake, including Squantz Pond. The summer operating range is 427 to 429.5 feet. This winter's target is 418 feet, with a two-foot operating band between 418 and 420. That puts the water roughly 9 to 11.5 feet below summer levels at the low point, depending on where the lake sits beforehand.
The timing is less certain than the depth. FirstLight says lowering can start after November 1, weather permitting. In recent years, though, the drawdown has usually begun between December and February. The company points to warmer, wetter winters as a reason it may keep starting later. FirstLight hasn't published exact dates or levels. It says the lake will be back in its normal summer range before Memorial Day 2027.
For anyone with a dock, the guidance is direct. FirstLight strongly encourages shoreline owners to remove structures, boat lifts, and docks before winter to prevent ice damage. FirstLight says any shoreline work needs a permit first, through firstlightpermits.com. The Candlewood Lake Authority says pulling docks and other material out of the lake is the only way to be sure ice won't damage them. Its homeowner guidance adds that dock changes and other work below the Rocky River Project Boundary need FirstLight approval.
So the walk in from the boat launch at Squantz Pond will look different between now and spring. The car show on October 11 happens with the lake at its usual fall level, and after November 1 the shoreline can start to drop.
If you're pulling a dock or lift before the drawdown and want a second opinion on what the winter could do to it, Bowman Properties can help. Dana Bowman spent more than 45 years as a general contractor and is glad to look at waterfront structures with you before you file with FirstLight. Work with Lisa.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Consult a qualified professional about your situation.
