The four-day Savin Rock Festival is under way in Old Grove Park, offering a midway of games, food, rides and entertainment.

 

The 29th annual festival ends at 9 tonight, Aug. 1.

 

Many civic and fraternal organizations and nonprofit groups have set up tables in the Palace Street park, which dates to 1870. The food court features several city restaurants.

 

The festival closes with a concert by Flashback at 7 tonight.

The West Haven Junior Woman’s Club, a founding organization when the festival began in 1982, is accepting votes for a baby contest today until an hour before the winners are announced.

 

Marenna Amusements is offering unlimited rides for $20.

The city’s flagship festival was spearheaded by the West Haven Chamber of Commerce, under the direction of the late John and Mary Perrone, to bring organizations, clubs, businesses and residents together.

From the beginnings of the Savin Rock House hotel in 1837, Savin Rock had long been a resort hub until it was formally incorporated as an amusement park by the Savin Rock Park Co. on Memorial Day 1925, when it opened to 300,000 visitors and 66,000 automobiles in one spectacular day. For the next 40 years, the famous seaside playground captured the hearts and imaginations of people of all ages with its distinctive sights, sounds and smells. The Rock closed Sept. 21, 1966, to make way for the Savin Rock Urban Renewal Project.

 

Attendees are reminded that a city ordinance prohibits domestic animals on certain parks, beaches or recreation areas. The fine is $50 per offense.

By MICHAEL P. WALSH ~ Public Relations Information Coordinator