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Cupid’s Corner Valentine’s Crafting

“Cupid’s Corner Crafting Valentine workshop graphic showing handmade heart cards, craft supplies, and a Frog Bridge Guardian illustration for a free family-friendly Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival event in Willimantic, CT.”

Event Description

Cupid’s Corner Crafting – A Free Family-Friendly Workshop in Downtown Willimantic

Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5:00–7:00 PM
📍 Cupid’s Corner Pop-Up Shop
Former Bench Shop, 786 Main Street, Willimantic, CT

Join Project Imo, Willimantic Renaissance, and the Willimantic Lions Club for Cupid’s Corner Crafting — a free, family-friendly Valentine’s workshop taking place in the heart of downtown Willimantic during the Romantic Willimantic season.

This creative, hands-on event is perfect for kids, families, teens, and adults of all ages. Participants will make Valentine’s cards, festive ornaments, and their very own Frog Bridge Guardian as the town prepares for the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival.

🐸 Meet the Frog Bridge Guardians  

During the workshop, participants will learn about Willimantic’s iconic Frog Bridge and its four legendary frogs:

  • Swifty

  • Manny

  • Willy

  • Windy

These beloved characters are reimagined as the Frog Bridge Guardians, protectors of the town during Chocolate Fest and beyond. Families will get to create their own frog hero craft, inspired by these local legends, while learning a bit of Willimantic history along the way.

Each participant will take home:

  • A handmade Valentine or ornament

  • A custom Frog Bridge Guardian craft

  • A Manny the Frog sticker, illustrated by Project Imo’s own Jay Hyland

🎨 Creative Fun for All Ages

All supplies are provided, and no prior experience is needed. This workshop is designed to be welcoming, inclusive, and fun for all skill levels — whether you’re crafting with little ones or just looking for a creative evening downtown.

Admission is free, but advance registration through our website is strongly recommended, as supplies are limited.

💝 Sponsored by Community Partners

Cupid’s Corner Crafting is proudly sponsored by the Windham Prevention Coalition and CT DMHAS’ Be In The Know campaign, supporting positive, creative, and community-centered experiences for youth and families.

🛍️ Explore Cupid’s Corner While You’re Here

While attending the workshop, be sure to explore Cupid’s Corner, a Valentine-themed pop-up shop open throughout February. Cupid’s Corner features a curated selection of:

  • Local artists and makers

  • Jewelry, ceramics, and Valentine gifts

  • Youth-created goods by Project Imo participants

Cupid’s Corner is a festive retail and creative hub supporting local businesses, youth entrepreneurs, and downtown revitalization in the lead-up to the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival.

✏️ Coming Up: Intro to Illustration Workshop (Ages 16+)

Enjoyed crafting? Join us again at Cupid’s Corner on Thursday, February 19 for a 16+ Intro to Illustration Workshop, taught by Jay Hyland. This upcoming workshop will dive deeper into illustration, character design, and creative storytelling. More details and registration coming soon — keep an eye on our website and social media!

📌 Event Details at a Glance

What: Cupid’s Corner Crafting – Free Family Workshop
When: Thursday, February 5, 2026 | 5–7 PM
Where: Cupid’s Corner, Former Bench Shop, 786 Main Street, Willimantic, CT
Cost: Free (registration recommended)
Who: All ages welcome

🍫 Make It a Full Romantic Willimantic Weekend

Cupid’s Corner Crafting is just one of many reasons to spend time in downtown Willimantic this February. Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 7, 2026, when the town comes alive for the Romantic Willimantic Chocolate Festival — Eastern Connecticut’s favorite winter celebration.

On Chocolate Fest day, downtown transforms into a walkable, chocolate-filled village featuring sweet treats, live music, local shopping, family activities, and festive surprises around every corner. Visitors are encouraged to explore Main Street, support small businesses, and enjoy the creative energy that makes Willimantic so special.

While you’re celebrating, be sure to stop by Cupid’s Corner at the former Bench Shop on Main Street and visit Project Imo’s fundraising vendor booth. Project Imo will be featuring youth- and IDS-member-created gifts, crafts, and artwork, all made right here in Willimantic. Every purchase directly supports youth leadership, creative education, and community-based programs through Project Imo’s work at Idea Forge Studios.

Whether you’re crafting with family, shopping local, or indulging in Chocolate Fest traditions, Cupid’s Corner is a must-visit stop. Plan your visit, bring a friend, and fall in love with Willimantic this February.

<<Learn to Draw this

February 5, 2026
5:00 pm - 7:00 pm

Free

Tickets

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Venue

Cupid’s Corner Pop-Up Shop

786 Main Street
Willimantic, CT 06226 United States

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Organized By

Project Imo

Willimantic Renaissance, Inc.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Know Before You Go!

Nope! A digital copy on your phone is perfectly fine. Just have it ready at check-in for a quick scan. We would gladly accept 

Project Imo and the Idea Forge Creators Space strive to offer high-quality events and workshops for our community. To ensure fair access and responsible planning, we’ve established the following refund policy:

Ticket Purchases

  • All ticket sales are final unless otherwise stated on the event listing.

  • Refunds may be issued if a written request is received at least 7 days before the event date.

  • Refunds requested within 7 days of the event are not guaranteed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

  • A processing fee may be deducted to cover platform costs (e.g., PayPal fees).

How Refunds Are Processed

  • Refunds will be issued to the original payment method (usually via PayPal).

  • For in-person registrations paid by cash or check, refunds will be issued by check within 14 business days.

  • Requests must be sent to [insert email] and include:

    • Your full name

    • The event name

    • Proof of purchase

If We Cancel or Reschedule
If an event is canceled or rescheduled by Project Imo, you will receive:

  • A full refund, or

  • The option to transfer your registration to a future event (upon request)

Parking is available at right outside the entrance of our main location.

Street parking may be limited on Main street, so always recommend arriving early or carpooling when possible.

We offer a few light refreshments, including a Keurig station, a water dispenser, and occasional snacks.

However, we do not provide full meals. For most events, you’re welcome to eat beforehand or bring your own food, unless otherwise noted in the event description. If outside food isn’t allowed for a specific program, we’ll be sure to mention it clearly.

Please bring your ticket (digital or printed), a valid ID, and any personal items you may need.

Some events may require specific materials, these will be noted clearly in the event description if needed. If you’re ever unsure, feel free to reach out before attending!

Unless otherwise stated, all events/workshops are intended for adults ages 18 and up.

If an event is family-friendly or open to younger participants, that information will be clearly noted in the event description.

Yes and we encourage it!

You can add multiple tickets at checkout and enter details for each attendee. We highly recommend inviting your friends, coworkers, or creative crew to join you. Events are more fun when shared, and it makes for a great group outing or even a unique gift experience.

Yes, just email us at TeamImo@Projectimo.org with the full name and email of the new attendee at least 48 hours before the event.  Best option would to also copy that person on the email you send.

Use the contact form below or email us directly at TeamImo@projectimo.org. We’re happy to help!

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