Centennial Celebration
October 12 @ 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Free
Celebrate 100 Years of Sleeping Giant State Park!
Join us on Saturday, October 12, 2024, for a once-in-a-lifetime celebration marking the centennial of Sleeping Giant State Park—exactly 100 years to the day since this beloved landmark first opened its gates to the public!
The Sleeping Giant Park Association (SGPA), in cooperation with the State of Connecticut, is thrilled to host this community-wide event, honoring the rich history and vibrant future of the park. SGPA was founded in 1924 with a singular mission: to acquire land and create Sleeping Giant State Park. Over the past century, we’ve remained dedicated to this cause, continually seeking opportunities to expand and preserve this natural treasure for generations to come.
This celebration is not just a reflection on the past 100 years but also a look forward to the future of Sleeping Giant State Park. It’s a day to connect with nature, enjoy time with family and friends, and be a part of the legacy of conservation that SGPA has championed for the past century.
10:00 – 11:00am
Remarks and Honors
Hear from elected and appointed officials representing the Town of Hamden, CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and local Indigenous tribes as they reflect on the park’s past, present, and future.
11:00am – 4:00pm
Concurrent Activities and Programs
Guided Hikes: What better way to celebrate the park’s centennial than by hitting the trails. SGPA and partner organizations will be offering multiple hikes of varying difficulty.
Beer Garden: Stop by the beer garden and enjoy a pint from Counterweight Brewing Company. They’ll be pouring a special, limited-release brew in honor of the Centennial.
Hamden Fire Department Demonstration (2pm): Head over to the quarry for a demonstration of high-angle rescue (rescue and rappel techniques for cliff-side emergencies) from the Hamden Fire Department.
And More: Additional plans are in the work to make this a memorable and special day. We’ll continue to update this page as additional activities and programs are confirmed – stay tuned!
Food Trucks: Grab a bite to eat from one of these local vendors: CT Chowder Co.’s Get Stuffed Food Truck, Caseus’s Crispy Melty Food Truck, and Moon Rock Cookies. All food trucks will be located in the parking area the pavilion, serving up tasty treats for hungry hikers and attendees.
Trading Post: Stock up with limited edition merchandise from Campus Customs, commemorating the park’s centennial. Proceeds will support SGPA’s ongoing efforts to protect and care for the park, so you can feel good and look good, too!
Community Partner Tables: Learn more about other local organizations that care about Sleeping Giant State Park. Partner organizations will be set up at the pavilion with information and activities, perfect for visitors of all ages and interests.
Mark your calendars and join us for this historic event! Whether you’re a longtime supporter of the park or discovering it for the first time, there’s something for everyone.
If you are interested in volunteering to plan this event, please let us know.