What’s Happening in Stratford This Week: Pumpkin Festival, Flu Clinic, Town Council & More

Stratford is buzzing with activity as October rolls in. Whether you’re hunting for family‑friendly fun, need a flu shot, or just want to stay in the loop on city business, we’ve rounded up the five things you should know.

1. Great Pumpkin Festival & Public Safety Day
Mark your calendars for Saturday, Oct. 17, noon‑4 p.m., at Boothe Memorial Park (rain‑date Sunday, Oct. 18). The festival is a pumpkin‑lover’s dream: a costume parade, tasty food stalls, a DJ spinning tunes, an inflatable maze, hayrides, a magic show, and face painting. This year Public Safety Day rolls in too, offering safety demos, a Touch‑A‑Truck showcase, and handy giveaways. The pumpkin‑carving contest sold out fast, so just enjoy the atmosphere.

2. Flu Clinic at the Baldwin Center
If you’re still looking for a flu shot, swing by the Baldwin Center on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. It’s part of the Art of Aging Healthy Living Expo, and walk‑ins are welcome—though a short wait is possible. Got questions? Call 203‑385‑4090. Additional clinics are slated for Oct. 22 (kids and school staff) and Oct. 29 (public) at the Birdseye Municipal Complex, 2‑7 p.m.

3. Town Council Meets Tuesday
Because of the holiday schedule, the council’s regular meeting shifts to Tuesday, Oct. 13 at 7 p.m. It’ll be livestreamed on YouTube and on Channel 79 for anyone who can’t make it in person. As of the latest update (Oct. 8), the agenda hasn’t been posted yet, but you can expect the usual mix of community topics.

4. Interim Economic Development Director Named
Mayor David Chess announced on Sept. 28 that Caryn Kaufman, the mayor’s chief of staff, will serve as interim director of the Economic Development Department. She’ll be joined by consultant Mike Freimuth to help shape strategy and outreach. No other staffing changes were mentioned, but Kaufman’s day‑to‑day oversight promises steady progress on local business initiatives.

5. Trash Pickup Continues; Transfer Station Closed
Monday, Oct. 12, trash, recycling, and yard waste will be collected as usual. However, the Stratford Transfer Station on Watson Boulevard remains closed, so only items placed in town‑issued containers will be picked up—no plastic bags in recycling, please. Looking ahead, the household hazardous waste day is set for Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 a.m.‑1 p.m., at the Public Works yard on Patterson Avenue.

That’s the roundup for now. Keep an eye on Patch for any last‑minute changes, and enjoy everything Stratford has to offer this week!