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Redding Teen Hopes To Bring Community Together With The Hive

REDDING, Conn. -- A bit of Hawaii is coming to Redding on Sunday, May 14 thanks to the efforts of a local teen.

Fifteen-year-old Haven Hunt, of Redding, has created a new community event called The Hive.

Fifteen-year-old Haven Hunt, of Redding, has created a new community event called The Hive.

Photo Credit: Submitted

The Hive, a new community-minded event created by Haven Hunt, was inspired by a weekly festival in Kalapana, Hawaii called Uncle Robert's that the 15-year-old visited with her family in December 2016.

She said the vibe was so amazing -- filled with music, dancing, food trucks, local vendors and a string of picnic tables where you could sit down and have a conversation with the person next to you -- that she decided that same kind of feeling needed to be replicated back home.

"The best way I can describe it is as a combination farmer's market/craft fair/festival," she said of the Uncle Robert's event.

"It was one of those places that radiated ambiance and made you feel good by being around everyone, which is why community involvement is such a major part of its success." 

And so, from 11 a.m to 3 p.m. at Redding's Topstone Park (72 Topstone Road), folks will be treated to an eclectic group of local businesses selling their wares  -- everything from jewelry to beeswax products to fire cider. All items are hand/homemade and the event is curated to ensure quality vendors. 

In addition, there will be food trucks and performances by local musicians. 

Future plans for The Hive depend on the turnout, but if all goes well, Hunt said she wants to do it again. 

"Uncle Robert's was run weekly but relied a lot on tourism," she said. "Ideally, we think The Hive will be a monthly event and that we'll be able to continue it at least during the fall."

However, it can't work without local involvement, she stressed.

"The Hive can only succeed if people come," she said. "It's built on community and since our first event is on Mother's Day, we think it's a great place to celebrate and enjoy the company of friends and family."

Hunt also pointed out that The Hive is a nonprofit endeavor and she plans on donating any profits to a local animal charity such as DAWS or Rising Starr.

Go to www.thereddinghive.com/ or the Facebook page HERE for more information. 

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