Connecticut’s first World Taiji Day event was held on the grounds of Harkness Mansion on manicured lawns that sprawled down toward the ocean. It remained at this beautiful location for many years before moving to adjacent Waterford Beach Park in favor of its pavilions and more convenient parking and restrooms. Those of us who lived in Southeastern Connecticut enjoyed the proximity of the event for many years and were grateful to all the attendees who commuted from distant parts of the state to our neck of the woods.
It was logical to eventually consider locating the event centrally mid-state. The Colchester Town Green has been our event’s third home and gave us more exposure to the public at large. I don’t know exactly how many years we’ve been there, but it has been some time. Last year consideration was given to moving the event once again, this time to Wickham Park in Manchester, a park conservancy with several meticulously groomed themed gardens. If you’ve been there you know how breathtaking it is, and if you haven’t you should pay a visit when the gardens are in full bloom. Circumstances kept our 27th annual event in Colchester but Wickham Park remained on our radar for 2026.
Connecticut’s 28th Annual World Taijiquan and Qigong Day will be held at Wickham Park, Manchester. Practically we benefit with access to two large pavilions (should it rain we’re covered), and all the related amenities – Free park entry, ample parking, dedicated restrooms, tables, grills, water, and electricity. Our event will also be advertised on the park’s calendar and through its marketing networks, a boost to reach a new and wider audience.
There’s a comfort to routine, and changing locales can be disruptive. I’m sure it was the last two times our event moved, but we adapted and settled in. It is Connecticut’s World Taiji Day event after all, and reaching people in other parts of the state is aligned to the mission of the day.
We’ll see each other soon. Until then, Happy Year of the Fire Horse!
