Town rocks the block with family friendly summer event
NEW MILFORD — Threatening rain all day, the skies cleared in time last week for the summer’s first Rock the Block celebration in downtown New Milford.
Several hundred people turned out for the gathering, which took place Thursday. With Bank Street cordoned off between Main and Railroad streets, the Bank Street Group-sponsored event gave people of all ages a place to set up chairs and listen to the music of the Mighty Ploughboys, a New Milford band that blends classic and contemporary rock with Irish folk tunes. The series will continue on July 21 with Nashville Drive and Aug. 18 with Pop Rocks CT.
For the kids, the event organizers set up games such as Jenga, giant checkers, and cornhole, among others, while the Village Center for the Arts provided a face-painting booth. The eateries along the block — and around both corners as well — stayed busy all night while other businesses extended their hours to sell their goods to the large, familyoriented crowd.
Young parents in particular appreciated the opportunity to enjoy a night out — even with the children in tow. Local real estate agent Lindsey Molignaro, who brought her 3-month-old son, Harlan, to the event, was especially appreciative.
“My husband had the day off and definitely wanted to get out and enjoy this,” she said. “With a newborn at home, it can be rough to do that. I love the live music. It’s a win-win all around.”
Molignaro’s friend Deserie
Comfort found out about the event from a Facebook post, and suggested the two families come downtown for the night out.
“We came to it three years ago and had a great time,” Comfort said. “We were really glad to see that it opened up again [after COVID].”
Joanna and Arek Dabek talked to a reporter while waiting for daughter Matylda to get the finishing touches on her face painting masterpiece. This was the family’s first time attending a Rock the Block event.
“We didn’t know too much about New Milford before we moved here,” said Joanna Dabek, who moved to town two years ago with her family. “We love being outside in the summer in general, so this is great that we can go out and have a stroll, and it’s a good event for the kids.”