Submitted by Jessie Ford
(September 17, 2025) — The “All Things Killingworth” Town Picnic at Deer Lake Outdoor Center returns on Saturday, October 4, 2025 with a jam-packed day of entertainment, food, vendors, and family fun — all while raising funds for two important local causes. From the magical Sanderson Sisters of Hocus Pocus to a nostalgic Cowboy Valley Tribute, a bubble-filled adventure, live bands, and contests galore, this year’s picnic promises to be the best yet.
This event isn’t just for Killingworth residents, it’s open to anyone local who would like to come. Help us raise money and have a fantastic day with your family.
Event Highlights
- The Sanderson Sisters – The beloved trio from Hocus Pocus will sing, stir up laughs, and pose for photos with fans. Kids who arrive in witch costumes get a free raffle ticket. Be there at 1:45 p.m. for the show, then stay for the photos and more!
- Cowboy Valley Tribute – Step back into the 1950’s with a nod to Killingworth’s own Wild West attraction. There will be photo ops, cowboy characters, animals, and the Cowboy Valley General Store with themed swag for purchase on-site and online. Sponsored by Edward Jones, Ann Pellegrini, Fortunato Farm, and Blue Fire Stage Co.
- Barrelhouse Beer & Wine Garden – Join our Diamond Sponsor Barrelhouse for fun and libations where the funds from all drink purchases will go toward the picnic proceeds.
- Cornhole Tournament – Test your aim for a $250 cash prize (1st place) or a $100 La Foresta gift card (2nd place). Sign up now!
- Lip Sync Contest – Sponsored by School of Rock Madison, with prizes including music lessons, merch bundles, and more. Sign up today!
- Bubble Truck – Kids of all ages can dive into a bubbly adventure.
- Killingworth Women’s Organization Raffle – Almost $7,000 worth of prizes donated by local businesses including: two individual weeks at Deer Lake Day Camp, camp chairs from GCI Outdoor, gift certificates to many of your favorite local spots, priceless original art, themed baskets, and more!
- Dunk Tank – Have some fun dunking some of your favorite folks in town at our Barrelhouse sponsored dunk tank.
- Water Wagon – Connecticut Water will be bringing their water wagon so bring your water bottles to fill up and help us be a Leave No Trace event.
Live Music All Day
The picnic features a full lineup of bands to keep the crowd moving:
- School of Rock Madison House Band – 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 Noon
- Lip Sync Contest – 12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
- Sanderson Sisters Show – 1:45 p.m.
- Pitchdrop – 2:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- John Spignesi Band – 4:30 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Food Options
Enjoy delicious eats from Fire in the Kitchen Pizza Truck, James Madison House, The Greenery, Sweet Emilia Ice Cream, and Cafe Laurel.
Vendors and Non-Profits
Shop from unique local businesses like AKHOMESIGNS, Akkerhuis Art, Anderson Windows, Crunchy Diva Designs, Henna Designs by Morgan, Houzpital Property Damage Restoration, Lisa Maree Designs, Marbled Marvels, Pampered Chef, Poppa Lou’s Lemonade, Purring Pottery, Robin Lane Provisions, Sandy Toes & Sunsets, Shelby’s Creations, and Twin Tree Woodworks.
Visit our nonprofit partners including: A Place Called Hope, Emmanuel Episcopal Church, Kelly Allard Leach Foundation, Killingworth Ambulance Association, Killingworth Conservation Commission, Killingworth Emergency Management/CERT, Killingworth Fire Department, Killingworth Historical Society, Killingworth Library Association, Killingworth Women’s Organization, Meigs Point Nature Center, Sustainable Killingworth, and Women and Families Center.
Giving Back
All proceeds from the picnic will benefit:
- Deer Lake Summer Day Camp Scholarships, opening outdoor experiences for local kids because every child deserves to be a part of the magic of summer camp.
- The Kelly Allard Leach Foundation, supporting children and families facing spinal injuries.
Powered by Community
The picnic is made possible thanks to volunteers, community partners, and generous sponsors, including: Barrelhouse, Blue Fire Stage, Cafe Laurel, Clean Star Restoration, Colandrea Design, Compass, Connecticut Water, Cutillo Law, Edward Jones, Fortunato Farm, GCI Outdoor, Heather Fenn/Sunset Creek Realty, Hometown Team of Coldwell Banker Realty, House 104 Industries, Indigo Blooms, Killingworth Garage, Killingworth True Value, Lovers Lane Farm, Prism Consulting, RWC LLC Attorneys and Counselors at Law, Schumack Engineered Construction, School of Rock, Madison, Skilled Cyber, and WJ Financial Advisors LLC.
Event Details
Date: October 4, 2025
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Location: Deer Lake Outdoor Center
Parking is $5 cash. Bring your family, neighbors and friends for a day of food, fun, music and community spirit. Together, we’ll make it a great day while supporting local causes. For full details and to sign up for events, visit the website: https://allthingskillingworth.com/all-things-killingworth-town-picnic/
Photos provided by “All Things Killingworth”
