Farmers’ market season is officially upon us, and June 14 marks the kickoff for two of our absolute favorites. Head over to the Blue Back Farmers’ Market in the West Hartford Town Hall lot on Sundays from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, where you can grab everything from free range meats to fresh bagels while listening to live music. But if you prefer your grocery shopping with a side of historic charm and rural views, the Canton Main Street Farmers Market has an incredible rotation of local goods in Collinsville from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm on Sundays. Both run straight through October, so you have plenty of time to hit them both, stock your fridge, and support our local growers.

I don’t know about you, but when I’m giving directions, I rely on landmarks. Not everyone notices street signs or house numbers, but everyone remembers something.

“Turn left at the sycamore tree.”

“If you go over the bridge, you’ve gone too far.”

In Farmington, one landmark rises above most others, literally and figuratively: The Big Bird Bridge.

The bridge was an old railroad overpass, now trail, that crosses Route 4 near Wannowmassa Lane, and for many locals, it’s simply part of the landscape. It’s a reference point, a meeting spot, and a piece of shared shorthand. But behind the bridge is a story that’s both personal and deeply woven into Farmington’s history.

The name comes from Brian Quigley, a Farmington High School graduate from the Class of 1976. His basketball coach gave him the nickname “Big Bird,” and it stuck. Brian grew up on Main Street and was known by many in town. In the late 1970s, he painted his nickname in large letters on the bridge, a moment of youthful boldness that quietly became a local legend.

Brian tragically passed away in 1988 at the age of 31 after an automobile accident. But his nickname, and the bridge, endured.

Over the decades, “Big Bird” has remained a steady presence. Farmington High School seniors hang graduation banners on the opposite side of the overpass each year, while the Big Bird side is intentionally left untouched out of respect. From time to time, the letters are carefully refreshed, but never replaced or painted over, just enough to keep them legible.

Today, the bridge is more than materials like metal, concrete, and paint. It’s a tribute, a memory, and a thread connecting generations of Farmington residents.

If you’ve ever said, “Meet me just past Big Bird Bridge,” you’ve been speaking a small piece of local history.

📜Did You Know?
Big Bird Bridge is recognized on Google Maps, which pretty much makes it an official landmark.

🔍Valley Trivia
The Big Bird Bridge is a trail that is part of which larger pathway?

A) Metacomet Trail
B) Appalachian Trail
C) Mohegan Greenway
D) Farmington Canal Heritage Trail

Know the answer? Send your guess to [email protected]. Get it right, and I’ll give you a shout out in next week’s issue so everyone knows you’re one of the smartest people in the valley.

Here’s what’s on deck this week around the Valley — mark your calendars!

Look for icons to find your crowd: 🎈 kid-friendly • 👤 adult • 🌞 all ages

Avon Free Public Library Gallery & History Corner The library is pulling out all the stops this month to kick off the big America 250 celebration, and it is well worth a visit. First, pop into the gallery to see the winning entries from the Avon Then & Now Community Art Challenge. Sponsored by the library's board, it’s a great visual look at how our neck of the woods has changed over the years.

Once you've taken in the art, head over to the History Corner for a brand-new exhibit opening June 9th called From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice. It connects the grand ideals of the Declaration of Independence straight to our local roots, showing exactly how the residents of Northington (what we now call Avon) stepped up, took risks, and made major sacrifices for the cause. You'll get to see Connecticut’s actual instructions to its delegates, including Roger Sherman, read the stories of local soldiers, and even take a nostalgic look back at how Avon celebrated the Bicentennial.

Both exhibits are completely free and perfect for all ages. The art challenge runs through June, while the history exhibit will stay open through August during regular library hours. It’s a smart, easy way to sneak a little local culture into your week.

Library Events

Discover what’s happening at your local library. Registration may be required—check with each library for full details and other events.