Residents take to Hammonasset Beach on Memorial Day to kick off summer
MADISON, Conn. (WTNH) — Sandcastles, beach volleyball and sunbathing were in full swing Monday at Hammonasset Beach State Park for the 'unofficial start of summer.'
Beachgoers soaked up the sun after a weekend of rain.
'We are playing spikeball over here,' said Jake O'Brien from Wallingford. 'It has been rainy recently now it's a beautiful day and we're taking advantage of the beach.'
Some families took to the park for a cookout, camping and quality time.
Communities across Connecticut observe Memorial Day with parades and ceremonies
'We enjoy each other's company that's the greatest thing about camping with this crew we all get along and we enjoy each other and rain or shine we are going to have fun,' said Toni Acciardo of North Haven.
Others made the journey to the shoreline from out of state.
'Actually getting outside you know,' said Jason Foley from North Haven. 'Coming down from the University of Maine, it is a lot warmer here than up there so looking forward to actually spending time outside and getting sunlight.'
Walkers, runners and bikers all soaked up the sun on Monday, joining the crowds on the shore.
'I think really just getting outside going on the bike paths,' said Newtown residents Jack Whelan and Sadie Elkow. 'We don't go biking too often we love the aquarium it's the best time to go in the summer we go to the aquarium we go fishing, days out with his friends just outside playing frisbee.'
While Memorial Day is seen as the 'unofficial start of summer,' the season doesn't start officially until June 20.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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