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Apex Go Karting looks to open in Simsbury this month

By John Fitts

Staff Writer

While some finishing touches are coming, the go karts and track at Apex Go Karting are nearly ready to go.

SIMSBURY – Bob Hart and Nicole Pappa have been planning the logistics of Apex Go Karting for more than a year, but their hard work is paying off as the facility is expected to open in the Simsbury Commons later this month.

For more than five years now, Hart and his 13-year-old daughter, Jordan, have been go karting enthusiasts. Along the way, Hart and Pappa had been thinking of changing their careers. Pappa is a veteran of the restaurant industry and business ownership has long been a goal.

“I knew someday I would own a business,” Pappa said. “I didn’t know what.”

So when her husband came home with the idea of a go-kart facility, it didn’t take her too long to get on board.

“You get to a point where you don’t want to do it anymore,” she said of their previous careers. “That being said, we had to figure something out and he just came home one day and said ‘I think I have an idea, tell me what you think’ and then we put together a business plan and went from there. We kept running the numbers and running the numbers.”

“Oddly enough I wasn’t too nervous about it,” she added. “With a restaurant, that’s scary. They come and go. With this, there’s such a big calling for go karts. I call it the go karting underground world. You don’t know about it if you’re not into go karts. People have just come out of the woodwork and the first thing they say is ‘we really need something like this in this area.’”

Of course, prior to starting the business, the couple had a lot of work to do. Trips to go karting facilities now involved paying attention to the fine details of race timing, participation numbers and more. A lot of time was spent also on crunching the numbers, deciding whether to open and indoor or outdoor facility and, perhaps most challenging, finding a location.

Industrial spaces generally needed too much work and didn’t have the HVAC and other infrastructure. Retail spaces were also challenging as the couple was looking for something with 50,000 square feet.

But finally they found the former Bob’s location at Simsbury Commons (Bob’s is currently planning to re-open in a smaller space at the commons).

“I thought I wanted to do it and then it was a year after that and the numbers made sense and I had a location and I had another location and finally got this one,” Hart said.

The space is nearly 40,000 square feet and the couple knew they could make it work and took over the second week of May.

The space had a lot of great features but it’s also been a lot of work. There were dressing rooms to take down, clothing racks to remove and several layers of flooring to deal with prior to building a track, bringing in equipment and setting up party rooms and a front desk.

“I‘ve been doing construction for 25 years and I can’t climb ladders anymore – or roofs – and now I’m working here and putting in 20 hours a day,” Hart joked.

While long hours are likely going to continue for awhile, the construction phase is winding down and the owners, with a few helpers, are attending to last-minute details, such as painting, cleaning and technical setup.

They anticipate opening some time in July.

The facility features a 1,400-foot track (a few hundred feet less if one is an expert driver) with state-of-the-art electronic timing and scoring via a Bulgarian company called RaceFacer. Serious enthusiasts can also download the RaceFacer app to keep track of their scores and take advantage of other features.

Ready to go are 12 Italian CRG Centurion adult go karts that can go as fast as 35 miles per hour and an equal number of junior karts that are just a little smaller and slower.

All of the gas-powered karts are equipped with adjustable seating, impact absorption systems and GPS enabled auto safety features. The safety theme continues with the HVAC building features, as well as the required equipment riders must wear.

Those 16 and up can generally drive the adult karts and to use a junior, one must be 8-years old and at least 48 inches tall. All drivers must sign a waiver and, in the case of minors, obtain a parent or guardian signature as well.

Prices start at $25 and multi-race packages are available at various price points. The cost includes all safety equipment, save for head socks, but riders can bring their own or purchase one for $2.

The business will also – likely in August – begin utilizing two separate rooms on site, as well as some open floor space, for events such as birthday parties and corporate outings. Such parties will feature instructional videos and other features. While the venue will not serve food, families and businesses can also bring in their own food such as pizza and cake. The business will also likely partner with area restaurants to offer promotions.

Exact hours for the facility are still a work in progress.

Apex Go Karting is also gearing up for leagues, track rentals and other features and the best way to find out more and keep up with the progress is to visit https://apexgokarting.com/

At the site, visitors can sign up for automatic updates, fill out event request forms, learn more about the facility and every aspect of the business.

Apex Go Karting

504 Bushy Hill Rd.

Simsbury, Connecticut

(860) 217-1026

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Valley Happenings

UPDATED:

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Sunday, February 23, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Farmington Polo Club, 162 Town Farm Road, Farmington

 

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. Cheese and crackers from 3:00-4:00 p.m., buffet from 4:00-6:00 p.m., and coffee and dessert from 6:00-7:00 p.m. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or online at www.HometownFoundation.org Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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