Here’s a quick list of great Wilton events and programs happening over the weekend, April 26-27, 2014.

  • Opening of the Norwalk River Valley Trail Wilton Demonstration half-mile,  Saturday 9 a.m.-noon: Take it from us, this half-mile stretch earns a “Bravo!” for all involved. Well built and designed, this trail is the start of a great stretch of walking, jogging, biking, outdoor play and family time. Wilton should be proud and everyone can celebrate at the opening on Saturday. Planned activities throughout the morning include a “Paws on Parade” dog walk at 10 a.m.; a “Spuds on a Spoon” challenge at 11 a.m.; and a raffle, with multiple prize drawings at noon. The not-to-be-missed NRVT Treasure Hunt with GPS coordinates and old-fashioned clues will be ongoing throughout the morning. Wolfpit Rd. at Rt. 7, park across the street.
  • Fishing Derby, Saturday all day: Rain or shine, the Wilton Family Y and Cub Scout Pack 22, the Wilton Fishing Club, and Trout Unlimited are presenting a Fishing Derby open to all ages and abilities with no fishing license needed. The pond is stocked with trout. Bait and lure fishing will be held from 7:30 a.m.–5 p.m., with special fly fishing hours from 6:30-7:30 a.m. and 5-7 p.m.. Participants are encouraged to bring their own poles and gear, although limited rods will be available to borrow. Bait will be available for purchase and a gutting service provided for participants to take their catch home. Prizes will be awarded and lessons available. Admission for age 6-and-under is free, $8 ages 7-18, $12 for ages 18+, families $25. Pay upon entry at the pond gate at the Derby and come and go throughout the open hours.
  • Two new Wilton Historical Society Exhibitions have opened, ongoing:  “

    Changing Times–Hand Tools Before the Industrial Revolution:  Connecticut Tools of the Trades from the Walter R.T. Smith Collection” and “

    Tavern Signs & Paintings, Heidi Howard, Maker & Painter.”  

    Walter R. T. Smith, tool collector extraordinaire, has selected 30 objects from his personal collection to illustrate the diverse tools any Connecticut farmer would have had on hand prior to the Industrial Revolution.  Complimenting that exhibition is a selection of hand-painted, traditionally- styled tavern signs and paintings by Heidi Howard. 224 Danbury Rd.

  • Girl Scout Troop 50087 Food Drive, Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m.:  The girls of GS Troop 50087 are raising awareness and doing a drive for Wilton’s cat shelter, Animals in Distress, alongside their food drive for the food bank on Saturday at Stop & Shop. 5 River Rd.
  • Expired Medication Turn-in, Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.:  The Wilton Police Department is the drop-off location for safe disposal of all unused or expired medication. 240 Danbury Rd.
  • Wilton Library’s Annual Gigantic Book Sale, April 26 – 29:  The sale of more than 75,000 items will encompass the Book Cellar, the Brubeck Room and the gallery. Early buyers will be admitted Saturday from 7 to 9 a.m. for a $15 admission fee; beginning at 9 a.m. the public will be let in free of charge with no admission fee for the remaining day.  The sale continues until 5 p.m. on Saturday; on Sunday, the hours are noon to 5, Monday 10 to 5 with items marked half-price and Tuesday, 10 to 3 items are $5 per bag.  Saturday and Sunday feature a silent auction of rare and collectible books.  The Rotary Club of Wilton will be selling hot dogs and sodas on Saturday during lunchtime with proceeds benefiting the library.  137 Old Ridgefield Rd.

  • Healthy Kids Day at the Wilton Y, Saturday 12–3 p.m.:  A free community event to inspire more kids to keep their minds and bodies active with an afternoon of activities and information on how kids can stay healthy. Healthy Kids Day is part of the Y’s national initiative to improve families’ health and well-being. The day features a moon bounce,  family recreational swimming, arts & crafts, an appearance by the Bridgeport Sound Tigers mascot, face painting by Carina Bell, a scavenger hunt, tae kwon do and bitty basketball demonstrations, mini golf at the Y’s outdoor course, tile painting for autism awareness month, and soft play gym time. Information and educational displays include the Y’s Camp Gordyland and Mad Science programs, Wilton Police and Fire Departments safety practices,  and many other exhibitors. Free t-shirts will be given to the first 50 children who bring in 2 new or gently used children’s books for the Y’s summer camp program for a new educational initiative to bridge the reading gap over the summer. 404 Danbury Rd.
  • Wilton Democratic Town Committee Annual Spring Breakfast, Saturday 9-11 a.m.:  The Wilton Democratic Town Committee (WDTC) will honor two Wilton residents at their Annual Spring Breakfast this Saturday, April 26 from 9-11 a.m. at the Trackside Teen Center.Charles B. (Charlie) Lewis Jr. will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award andKimberly Johnson will receive the Outstanding Wiltonian of the Year. According to a press release sent by the WDTC, the individuals are being honored “as recognition of their achievements, contributions and a long and distinguished record of dedicated service in the Town of Wilton and beyond.” Interestingly, the release points out that Lewis is a Democrat but Johnson is not. 15 Station Rd.
  • Weber Grilling Event at Wilton Hardware, Saturday, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.:  Wilton Hardware is hosting a “Taste of Weber Grilling” event. With food and water on hand and different grills to test out, as well as a representative from Weber to ask any questions. 21 River Rd.
  • Wilton Service of Remembrance for Hope & Renewal, Saturday, 4 p.m.:  A

    t the Wilton Congregational Church, an inspiring hour of music, prayer and hope. Hillside Cemetery is sponsoring the first annual Wilton town-wide, Inter-Faith event to honor and remember loved ones. A service will be conducted by local Wilton Clergy and Rev. Heather P. Wright from the Greenwich Center of Hope and Renewal. Adrienne Reedy’s inspiring voice will bring peace to all hearts.