NORWICH — This weekend, Saturday, Sept. 19, and Sunday, Sept. 20, Hidden Springs Brewhouse, located at 170 County Road 31 in Norwich, is hosting its annual Halfway to St. Patty's Day celebration. The weekend will feature food trucks, live music and a chance to support the local St. Baldrick's group during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.

Norwich St. Baldrick's will be there fundraising and holding raffles Saturday from noon to 8 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5 p.m.

Live music kicks off Saturday with a performance by Denny McCormick from 4 to 7 p.m. and food from Cruz's Mexican food truck.

On Sunday, local Irish band The Ryan Clan will take the stage from 2 to 5 p.m., with Smoke Out BBQ joining Cruz's Mexican food truck to serve hungry attendees.

Hidden Springs Brewhouse said there is no admission fee and the taproom will be open. Ample parking is available, and if weather permits, people can bring chairs to sit outside.

“We have performed this annual Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day gig for several consecutive years at Hidden Springs Brewhouse. We enjoy Hidden Springs because it is a family-friendly venue that provides the opportunity for people of all ages to gather and enjoy music, food and craft brews,” said Frank Revoir Jr., guitarist for The Ryan Clan.

The band consists of Frank Revoir Jr. on guitar and lead vocals, Tom Ryan on banjo and vocals, Bill Scranton on guitar, mandolin and vocals, Pat Ryan on vocals and Dan Ryan on bass and vocals.

Throughout the weekend, the annual Halfway to St. Baldrick's fundraiser will also take place.

“We always are willing to work with nonprofit organizations to do fundraisers for a good cause and to make a difference,” said Krista Porter-Moore from Hidden Springs Brewhouse.

With an assortment of donated raffle prizes, Norwich St. Baldrick's will be selling tickets at the rate of six for $5 or 25 for $20. Prizes available include gift cards for local restaurants and stores, local honey, gift baskets and more. Winning tickets will be drawn Sunday evening, and entrants do not need to be present to win, but should ensure their raffle tickets include their contact information.

Donations at the Halfway to St. Baldrick's fundraiser go toward the 2027 head-shaving event. In 2026, the local event raised a combined $68,592 for childhood cancer research.

“It's a very special cause,” said Marissa Phelps, volunteer event organizer for Norwich St. Baldrick's. “We have a lot of local children that we've connected with through this, which is both sad and heartwarming. But we feel good that we're able to provide them with some camaraderie and some support while also raising really important funds for research.”

The halfway event is an annual tradition, and its timing during Childhood Cancer Awareness Month makes the fundraiser even more meaningful.

Phelps said the Norwich St. Baldrick's group is always looking for volunteers and willing to share information about the cause and event. To get involved or find out more, talk to committee members at the event or email stbaldricksnorwich@gmail.com.

To donate toward the 2027 Norwich St. Baldrick's event, visit stbaldricks.org/events/Norwich2027.

The group regularly posts updates on Facebook at facebook.com/NorwichStBaldricks and on Instagram under the name @stbaldricksnorwich.