Hundreds of children pet animals at Norton Park on Aug. 13 during the annual Fun Day held by the Recreation Department. The event, which also featured face painting, arts and crafts and dunking, closed with a magic show. More photos in our online photo gallery.

Nzinga's Daughters, a woman's music group based in Plainville, performs at the Norton Park summer concert series. They will also be featured in a free concert tomorrow, July 31, at The Bushnell Belden Theater, 166 Capital Ave., in Hartford, when the Queen Ann Nzinga Center will present its annual Music from the African Diaspora. The program will be emceed by Nikki Mathis and Alvin Carter Sr. Featured music includes Nzinga’s Daughters, R & B, and the gospel sound of Voices. In addition, the program will feature the rockin’ bluesy sound of Changes. New this year is the Latin sound of Ray Gonzalez’ Latin Jazz Quartet and the sulky, soul sound of Fade to Black. Other special guest performers include Nzinga’s Watotos, Savannah Freitas, Asha Follins and Aalaya Hardy. This musical event is made possible by a grant from the Evelyn Preston Memorial Fund, Greater Harford Arts Council, The George A. and Grace L. Long Foundation, and The Michael and Janet Suisman Community Access Fund. Admission is free.

Children demonstrate their own dance moves at a hip hop demonstration held Friday, July 17 at Norton Park. To see more photos, click on the photo gallery above and then the Hip Hop folder.

The Band Shelter Dedication will be held Tuesday, June 8 at Norton Park, S. Washington St., at 6:30 p.m. Opening remarks will be by the following: Tom Warnat, Chairman of the Park and Recreation Advisory Board; Dan Hurley, Town Council Chairman; Johanna Chapman, Past President of The Rotary Club; Shirley Osle, President of The Rotary Club; Ruth Hummel, Charter Member of the Friends of Norton Park Concerts and Town Historian; Elizabeth “Betty” Boukus, State Representative. The band shelter was provided by the Rotary Club of Plainville. The performance by will be provided by the Plainville Wind Ensemble.

Youngsters display the flowers they crafted at Norton Park Fun Day held Aug. 14. The annual event was sponsored by the Plainville Parks and Recreation Department.

The gazebo in Norton Park, dedicated in memory of Jennifer Hawke-Petit, and her daughters, Hayley Petit and Michaela Petit, is a peaceful place today, July 23. Two years ago today, the young women died tragically during a home invasion in Cheshire. A memorial service was held this morning at Our Lady of Mercy Church.

One of three dancers - demonstrating hip hop and breakdancing styles - stands on his head during a program held July 17 at Norton Park. The event was co-sponsored by the Plainville Parks and Recreation Department and Plainville Public Library. For more photos, click on the photo gallery tab above and look for "Hip hop."