A little rain kept a few folks away from this weekend’s 53rd annual Fine Arts Festival.
But plenty of others headed to Main and Elm Streets, for one of the top shows in the Northeast.
There’s all kinds of art, in every style and medium imaginable. Plus music, food trucks, kids’ activities — even a chance to paint a BMW.
The Fine Arts Festival — sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association – is on through 5 p.m. today. It run tomorrow too: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
(All photos/Dan Woog)
Posted in Arts, Downtown, Entertainment
The next Representative Town Meeting (RTM) agenda (June 2, 7:30 p.m., Town Hall auditorium) includes:
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A video recording of Wednesday’s Board of Education meeting, concerning an upcoming review of special education, is now available online. Click here to see.
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Wakeman Town Farm celebrated Drinking With Chickens Day Thursday night, with — appropriately — a chance for guests to meet, greet, and cuddle with some of them.
Food and drinks were served. Fortunately, chicken was not on the menu.
WTF staff and volunteers were in a great mood. The night before, the Board of Finance approved $200,000 to help replace a dilapidated barn. Wakeman Town Farm raised an additional $400,000 for the effort.
Wakeman Town Farm educator Chryse Terrill (holding a chicken, and wearing a chicken dress) and WTF supporter Alison Milwe Grace, at Thursday’s “Drinking With Chickens” event.
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On Thursday night, the lights went out at New York’s Ed Sullivan Theater. The final taping of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was bathed in history — including an appearance by Paul McCartney, 62 years after the Beatles first appeared on the same stage.
Westport Country Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan once appeared there too.
Some years ago, he auditioned for, and was chosen to do, comedy sketches on “Late Night with David Letterman.” Here’s one:
Today, Mark says, “I remember standing on the stage thinking: This is where The Beatles played!”
Sadly, Colbert did not mention Shanahan’s connection to the iconic stage.
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From the Department of Don’t Believe Everything You Read:
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The 21st Century Dads Foundation supports fathers raising children with special needs.
On June 12 (Senior Center, 6 p.m.), Westport hosts a stop on their Special Fathers Network US tour.
Hosted by the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, the free event allows fathers, mothers, caregivers and neighbors to come together, share experiences, and learn about local and national resources. Attendees will also receive a complimentary book.
“Dads Raising Children with Special Needs & Disabilities: A Guide for 21st Century Dads” by David Hirsch, founder of the 21st Century Dads Foundation, offers practical guidance and real-world perspective from fathers on similar journeys.
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“Out of Exile: The Photography of Fred Stein” — an award-winning documentary tracing the life and work of Fred Stein, including how his images survived as the Nazi threat forced him into exile — is set for the Westport Library on June 10 (6:30 p.m.).
The film also tells the story of Stein’s son Peter, who brought his father’s work back from obscurity after his death.
Following the screening, director Peter Stein will participate in a talkback.
The event is a fundraiser for the Alzhiemer’s walk at Sherwood Island on October 25. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Fred Stein’s photography.
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Women: feeling burned out?
Help is near. A free “Burnout Recovery Workshop for Women” takes place June 10 (6:30 p.m., TAP Strength).
It includes:
Click here for more information, and to register.
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Westonite Chris Fuller’s “Cheese Fries & Chili Dips” — a moving and hilarious 2-person cabaret-style show — comes to the Westport Woman’s Club on June 12 (5:30 p.m. reception, 6:30 show; talkback immediately after, with mental health experts).
The production follows Chris as he chases his lifelong dream of playing on the PGA Tour while navigating the challenges of bipolar disorder, and the nonstop commentary inside his own head.
Tickets are $25. Proceeds help fund the WWC’s many philanthropic projects. Click here to purchase, and for more information.
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The “thread” that textiles weave through America comes alive at the Weston History & Cultural Center on June 6 (2 p.m.).
Margaret Liljedahl presents over 300 years of weaving arts, including its pivotal role in American homes, and significance in our early economy. Click here for tickets, and more information.
History also comes alive there on Sundays, from now through August. From 1 to 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy hands-on activities, immersive exhibits, guided tours and outdoor sculpture walks. Click here for details.
Margaret Liljedahl weaves at the Weston History & Culture Center.
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In today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature, Jonathan Alloy offers “the 4 types of classical column capitals, from ancient Greece to Westport: Ionic, Doric, Corinthian and House Finch.”
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
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And finally … in honor of the Ed Sullivan Theater, and its long history including the Beatles, Stephen Colbert and Mark Shanahan (story above):
(“06880” is where Westport meets the world — and where you never know what will pop up in this Roundup. We rely on reader support, so please click here to make a tax-deductible donation. Thank you!)
Happy Memorial Day!
And arrival (soon) of summer. And whatever else you’re celebrating.
This week — just in time for Westport’s Fine Arts Festival — we celebrate another pack of Westport artists. And whether you’re a regular wanderer through our online gallery, or a first-time visitor: Welcome!
No matter your age; the style or subject you choose — and whether you’re a first-timer or old-timer — we want your submissions. Watercolors, oils, charcoal, pen-and-ink, acrylics, mixed media, digital, lithographs, collages, macramé, jewelry, sculpture, decoupage, needlepoint — we want whatever you’ve got.
Just email a JPG to 06880blog@gmail.com. And please include the medium you’re working in.
“Another Sunday Morning Shoot in the Hopper” (Michael Tomashefsky — Available for sale; click here)
“Westport’s Sweet Melted Memories” (Duane Cohen — Available for purchase; click here)
“Memorial Day: A Family Tribute” — oil on linen (Mary Madelyn Attanasio)
“The American Rose” — oil on aluminum impasto style (Dorothy Robertshaw — Available for purchase; click here)
“An Artist’s Mind Moves Faster Than the Clock” (Eric Bosch)
“Flotsam and Jetsam From Waimanalo Beach, Hawaii” (Jerry Kuyper)
“Musical Collage” (June Rose Whittaker — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — digital photography, in camera multiple exposure (Melissa Goldsmith)
“Beauty Can Be Found Everywhere” (Tom Doran — Available for purchase; click here)
Untitled — gouache on paper bag handles (Toby Michaels)
Untitled — pencil on paper (Alec Feldman, age 12)
“Sweet Treats” (Evelyn Rose, age 7, One River Art student)
Photographer Mike Hibbard says, “This spiritual leader of a Maasai tribe in Tanzania is worried. He left Africa as a young man to study in Europe. He earned several degrees and speaks several languages. He’s back, and knows that the youth in his tribe must get an education. But will they lose the traditions of their culture?”
“Bend in the River” — crayon, watercolor and pencil (Steve Stein)
“Tourist” (Lawrence Weisman)
(Entrance is free to our online art gallery –as it has been for 6 years. But please consider an anniversary donation! Just click here — and thank you!)
“06880” culture correspondent Robin Moyer Chung writes:
Hot on the heels of Fashionably Westport and, you know, the Met Gala, Westporters are thinking about an important part of our culture: clothes.
Whether you love clothes or not, you buy them. You look at them. Hopefully, you wear them.
You also spend up for them. Given the current economic kerfuffles, the cost of clothes is skyrocketing. Meanwhile, the quality is nosediving.
Women want unique, well-made clothes for a price that won’t trigger heart palpitations. They’re searching for vintage* and pre-loved items that’ll kick up their wardrobe, with the bonus of better quality clothing at a better price.
This has given rise to a nascent cottage fashion industry in Westport, catering to an expanding crop of shoppers searching for outfits that are interesting and affordable.
I call them “style salons.”
Outfits at a Westport style salon …
A style salon host susses out and snaps up designer label vintage and “pre-loved” clothing and accessories from thrift stores, individuals and consignment venues. From Zara to Chanel, each item is chosen for its style, reasonable price point and quality.
They set up racks in their homes — literally — to display their curated collection, hosting shopping parties to sell to friends and acquaintances.
Hosts also organize trunk-shows of their edits at private homes, and offer style-by-appointments.
They throw sip & shops, private parties, and all-out bashes for Instagram followers. Many create inclusive experiences by partnering with local businesses — jewelry, skincare, even mah jong.
… and accessories.
Of the 5 style salon hosts I interviewed for “06880” — all women — only one has a website. None of them advertise. To learn about their sales and availability, you have to follow them on Instagram or get on their guest list.
Call it what you will –passion for the craft, hazard of the job –but my “research” resulted in several purchases: an Aquarius bomber jacket, L’Agence jeans, and Pucci scarf.
I spent $280. But in clothes-lover math, I saved enough money for a few more rounds of style salon shopping.
Here’s what you need to know about each salon: what they’re selling, what they’re doing, and how to get on their lists.
Justine Alexandra Studio
Who: Justine Trudeau
What: Consignment and sourced** pieces
Described as: Ready to wear contemporary
My take: Colorful and well-tailored pieces screaming for a garden party, gala luncheon or date night.
Labels like: Maje, Sandro, La Ligne
Really rough price range: $50-250
Fabulous item: Max Mara cashmere reversible cream coat with matching belt
One more thing: If you love something but it doesn’t fit, Trudeau will source your size.
To get on the guest list: DM @justine_alexandra_studio
Justine Trudeau
Vintage By Virginie
Who: Virginie Bleyaert
What: Consignment and sourced pieces
Described as: Western Ralph Lauren meets chic girl, with a focus on natural fibers.
My take: Thoughtful pieces from designers and stalwart labels for an après skeet shoot luncheon at Bedford Post Tavern.
Labels like: London Fog, Ellen Tracy, Oscar de la Renta
Really rough price range: $20-$400
One more thing: Well, two. She’s going to source in Europe this summer, so get on her list for the windfall. All items are steamed or sprayed organically for cleanliness.
To get on the guest list: DM @VintageByVirginie
Virginie Bleyaert
The Shop Merchant
Who: Gabby Ben-Eli
What:Sourced pieces
Described as: Vintage and pre-loved clothes, jewelry, and accessories curated for a fun shopping experience.
My take: Boho and retro-leaning looks in a party-waiting-to-happen atmosphere.
Labels like: vintage Tibi and Milly, Rabanne, Alexander McQueen
Really rough price range: $50-1,500
Fabulous item: Alix of Bohemia off-white plaid wrap coat (“I’d keep it for myself but it’s too big.”)
One more thing: Stocked with designers less commonly worn in Westport, it attracts those who shop more for looks than labels.
To get on the guest list: Email gabby@TheShopMerchant.com or DM @TheShopMerchantWestport.com
Gabby Ben-Eli
The Exchange Project
Who: Carly Ridloff
What: Consignment only
Described as: Elevated basics
My take: Designer denim and aspirational clothing/accessories for upscale outings and cocktail parties.
Labels like: L’Agence, Ulla Johnson, Jonathan Simkhai
Really rough price range: $25 to $2,500+
One more thing: Piece are divided into Sell/Swap/Donate: Consignment is added to their website. Swap are saved for swap events – you can buy a ticket and pick out an indicated number of pieces (number of items depends on inventory). Donate are sent to the women at Malta House each week, sometimes holding TEP “shopping events” in the evening.
To learn more and shop her website: TheExchangeProject.com
Carly Ridloff (Photo/Emily Rakear)
MCM Designs
Who: Maggie Hawks
What: Overstock from Fairfield County boutiques and consignment
Labels like: Essential Antwerp, Farm Rio, Nili Lotan
Described as: “Current” clothes, offering a full wardrobe and large inventory of shoes, accessories, and apparel.
My take: Walking into a friend’s apartment whose rooms are full of new clothes from my favorite area boutiques, with a handful of consignment in the back bedroom.
Really rough price range: $40-800
Fabulous items: At least once a year, a woman in Stamford consigns “at least $100,000” of clothes with tags still on from Cinq à Sept, Frame, Sea, Theory and more.
One more thing: Maggie offers the same services (private shopping, parties, events, etc.) as others, but is more private.
To get on the guest list: Text Maggie at 646-732-0011
Maggie Hawks
* Vintage refers to items 20+ years old
**Sourced refers to clothing the owner finds through thrift stores and consignment.
(From fashion and fun to politics, history, kids and more — if it’s happening in Westport, “06880” will tell you about it. If you enjoy our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thank you!)
Catching rays today at Burying Hill Beach, before a rainy holiday weekend (Photo/Ed Simek)
As director of the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce, Matthew Mandell hears a lot.
He sends regular updates to an email list, from a SaveWestport.com address.
The one that landed in inboxes less than an hour ago is quite interesting. Matthew writes:
I was informed this week that an 8-30g will be coming to 55 Greens Farms Road. (NOTE: That’s the office building next to Assumption Cemetery, opposite I-95 and near Hillspoint Road.)
55 Greens Farms Road
Our old 8-30g lawyer Tim Hollister (Hiawatha) is bringing us another one. Of the 2 buildings at the office park, the front one will become a 70-foot, 250-unit apartment building (175 market, 75 affordable).
The other will remain for office use, at least for now. The Planning & Zoning Commission rezoned this area for medical use, which made a lot of sense, but this is what is coming anyway.
Aerial view of 55 Greens Farms Road. The apartments would be in the front. The rear building would remain offices.
55 is the one closest to the road, and the new apartment building will be much closer to the road. While the folks in the cemetery to the east probably won’t mind much, it’s the poor folks on Gonczy, Lakeview and Medwell who will get this full impact.
This is besides the increase in use of the roads for that area, and the sheer size of it being out of character. And the state Department of Transportation still would like 18-wheelers to come across the Cribari Bridge and be on this road.
Technically the application has not been filed with P&Z. Hollister is coming before the Conservation Commission to do a wetland modification based on new reports. CC pretty much would have to follow the expert analysis, but they don’t have to, nor do they need to do anything quickly.
Once the application arrives formally then we look for cracks in the application, knowing Hollister it will be pretty clean.
This is coming folks. We have not had an 8-30g since we lost the moratorium 2+ years ago. Once Lincoln Street and Hiawatha Lane come on line we will get another moratorium, but until then we are still vulnerable.
(This is a developing story. “06880” will update it, as more information becomes available.)
22 Fillow Street just went on the market.
It’s listed for $999,999. That’s one of the least expensive properties in Westport today.
It was also one of the least expensive 70 years ago.
In 1956, it was a new build. Jerry Mande’s father wrote a check for $793.38. That covered his down payment.
The annual property tax was $36. Heating oil was $0.145 a gallon.
Those were the days.
Fillow Street was part of a new neighborhood. It sprouted near Fillow Flower Farm, off Clinton Avenue, and included nearby streets like Oak, Calumet, Loren and Sniffen (the latter 2 named for one man: Loren Sniffen).
Developers knew they were in the right place, at the right time. The baby boom was booming. Young families wanted the suburbs: a big home, space, good schools, amenities.
Westport sure offered amenities.
Compo Beach! Franklin Simon Shopping Center! A quick and pleasant drive on the Merritt!
And while some of those distances (2 minutes to Coleytown School, 5 minutes to the station) might be wishful thinking, the 58 minutes to Grand Central was not. Seven decades later, it takes at least 15 minutes longer. Ah, progress!
The marketing material did not hold back.
“The #1 location in the entire metropolitan area — perhaps in the entire country,” it said.
But, it added oddly, “With its awkward years of growth and inconvenience far behind, Westport stands today as the nation’s model suburban community.
“It boasts innumerable mansions in the $100,000 class and up. It abounds in many Fifth Avenue shops. It is famous for its art, theatrical and cultural centers.”
And beyond “incomparable Compo Beach … it’s endowed with priceless prestige — so vital in business and social success today.”
The homes themselves came in 2 models: “The Caddy” and “The New Englander.”
Features included finished recreation rooms, separate dining rooms, oversized garages, separate space for laundry, and leaders and gutters.
The neighborhood has stood the test of time. (The name — Flower Estates — is long forgotten, if it was ever used.)
The area is still one of the most family-friendly in Westport. It is walkable, bikeable, and filled with kids. (Especially, because of its compactness, at Halloween.)
Some original homes remain. (Though their number is dwindling.)
Jerry Mande hopes that the home he is selling is one of those. He’d like a family — not a developer — to treasure it, as his family has for 70 years.
Separate dining room, oversized garage and all.
(Click here for the full 22 Fillow Street listing.)
(Friday Flashback is one of “06880”‘s many regular features. If you enjoy this — or anything else on our website — please consider a tax-deductible contribution. Just click here. Thank you!)
Westport has a new property tax rate: 13.2 mills ($13.2 per $1,000 of assessed value). The Board of Finance set that figure at its Wednesday meeting.
The current rate (for fiscal year 2025-2026) is 18.86 mills. However, many homeowners will see their property tax rise, following last year’s revaluation.
Tax bills will be sent in early July. To figure out your new rate, click here. Find your property; multiply the total assessment (minus the last 3 numbers) by 13.2.
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Alma Sarelli’s candidacy for the 26th State Senate District is official.
The Republican Party nominated the Westport Representative Town Meeting member this week. She’ll face Democrat Sam Nestor — Weston’s 1st selectwoman — in the race to succeed retiring Senator Ceci Maher.
Sarelli owns a production company. She is involved in several local organizations, including Neighbors and Newcomers, and TEDx Westport.
Alma Sarelli
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Speaking of politics: It was 1st selectpersons’ day yesterday, at the Y’s Men’s meeting.
Westport’s Kevin Christie and Weston’s Sam Nestor were interviewed by a panel, then took audience questions.
Topics included the Westport mill rate (story above), Nestor’s run for State Senate, Saugatuck development, affordable housing including for teachers and young people), seniors aging in place, and Saugatuck River dredging.
Click here or below for the video:
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Wheels2U is extending its “10 rides for the price of 9” promotion through December 31. The cost is $18 — a savings of $2.
Riders now have 8 more months to snag the discount. There is no time limit for using the rides.
Wheels2U provides on-demand service to and from anywhere in Westport, and the Saugatuck and Greens Farms train stations, Senior Center, Jesup Green, Farmers’ Market, and the shopping centers at Post Road East and Compo Road.
To learn more or download the app, click here.
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The Staples Tuition Grants Kids Fun Run is always a great time.
It’s also a chance to support an organization that each year helps over 100 students attend college.
This year’s Kids Fun Run is Saturday, May 30 (8:45 a.m., Loeffler Field at Staples High). In addition to the run, there’s a bounce house, face painting, snacks, awards and more.
Organizers Will Briggs and Ryan Krenzer, and other Stapleites, will help run the event. All youngsters in grades pre-K through 5th grade are welcome. Click here to register.
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The Green’s Farms Association annual meeting is set for May 27 (7 p.m., Green’s Farms Congregational Church).
Guest speaker Michelle Perillie — the Planning & Zoning director — will discuss issues impacting the neighborhood.
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A few tickets are left for Cocktails & Clams. The tasty benefit for Harbor Watch — the Earthplace division that protects local waterways through water quality monitoring and research is set for June 6 (5 p.m., Copps Island Oyster, Norwalk).
This year’s event celebrates 2 milestones: the 15th anniversary of Cocktails & Clams, and the 40th for Harbor Watch.
All proceeds support Harbor Watch’s testing lab, to improve efficiency, expand monitoring capacity, and provide more hands-on training for student interns.
As always, the fundraiser includes an unlimited, super-fresh raw bar, hors d’oeuvres, open bar live band and silent auction, all with beautiful views of Long Island Sound. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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The targeted date for completion of the Sherwood Mill Pond tidal gates renovation project was Memorial Day.
Looks like that won’t come remotely close to happening.
(Photo/Judith Katz)
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Longtime Westport resident Mary McCarthy died Tuesday. She was 93.
Though born in New York City, Mary spent her formative years in County Limerick, Ireland, where she moved with her mother and brothers. Her childhood there shaped the woman she became: deeply rooted in her Irish heritage, her faith, and her love of family.
After World War II, Mary returned to New York City with her family. She graduated from Cathedral High School, and went on to work for the telephone company. At a St. Patrick’s Day dance she met her future husband of 61 years, Tom McCarthy.
After living in Manhattan and Montclair, New Jersey, they moved to Westport. Over more than 50 years Mary created a place of warmth, laughter and open doors, where 7 children and all their friends always felt welcome.
Her annual St. Patrick’s Day party — complete with homemade Irish soda bread and Irish coffee — was a cherished tradition for family, friends and neighbors.
In the years that followed, Mary and Tom lived in London, making a home away from home for family and friends. She and Tom traveled extensively across Europe and Asia.
Mary volunteered for many years at the Gillespie Center, where she and Tom served dinner monthly for many years. Recently, she found joy and purpose in attending protest rallies at Jesup Green and on the bridge in downtown Westport.
Tom died in 2021. She was also predeceased by her brothers Patrick, Neasy and John, and her dearest friend and cousin, Ann Ahern.
Mary is survived by her children Christine, Tommy, John ( Susan), Maggie, Michael (Stacy), Paul (Ann), and Stacey; grandchildren Kathleen, Thomas and James Casey, and Crissy, Patrick, Siobhan, Sean, Jack and Danny McCarthy, and nieces and nephews John Carroll, Madeleine Richmond, Sarah Richmond, Liam Richmond, Dorothy Carroll and Rob Nelson.
The family will receive visitors at Harding Funeral Home today (Friday, 4 to 7 p.m.). A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated tomorrow (Saturday, May 23, 10 a.m). Interment will follow at Assumption Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Mary’s memory may be made to Nourish Bridgeport.
Mary McCarthy
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Egrets are regularly featured in our “Westport … Naturally” series. (Sometimes we misidentify them as cranes.)
But usually they’re solo, or in pairs.
Today’s image shows a school of egrets. That may not be the official term (like a “parliament of owls”).
But the young ‘uns sure look like they’re learning what it takes to survive in the rough waters of Burritts Landing.
(Photo/Nancy Vener)
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And finally …. on this date in 1807, a grand jury indicted former Vice President Aaron Burr on a charge of treason.
(We know: It’s not a crime to not support “06880.” But if you read us regularly but haven’t yet donated — well, what are you waiting for? It’s as simple as clicking here. Thank you!
An antisemitic incident in Westport has drawn national attention.
In an Instagram post yesterday, a user named jonnydaniels described the scene as he and friends were leaving a restaurant in “a nice suburb of Connecticut” with Israeli flags.
He did not name it, but it was The Blondinit, the Israeli spot on Church Lane.
Speaking in what sounds like a South African accent, he recounts what he calls his first instance of antisemitism in the US.
A man in “a pub” across the street yelled “F— Israel! You’re committing genocide.”
Daniels swore back. Then — after some back and forth between his group and the man — they left.
“Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in today,” he says on Instagram.
The video got over 4,000 likes. Many commenters expressed emotions like sorrow and solidarity.
The Blondinit closed briefly, then reacted on social media — with the image of an Israeli flag, waving in the wind. (Click here to see the video.)
It too received dozens of messages of support.
Including several from people who said they look forward to dining there soon.
Screenshot from The Blondinit’s Instagram.
Daniels posted another video yesterday. He felt guilty that his publicity made the Blondinit’s owners feel they had to close, for safety.
But he was angry too, adding that that’s not how things should be.
He plans to speak with the owners — and to return again, with others, to be together.
And to enjoy The Blondinit’s excellent food. (Click here to see the video.)
Memorial Day is Monday.
At 9 a.m. Westport’s annual parade begins, at Saugatuck Elementary School. A couple of thousand folks — from the 101-year-old grand marshal to infants in wraps — ride, walk, march, amble, bike, and otherwise make their way up the Post Road and onto Myrtle Avenue.
A couple of thousand other folks line the streets and bridge. They cheer, take videos, clap, socialize, and have a great time. It’s an annual ritual they wouldn’t miss.
Too many other folks sleep in.
What a shame. They miss one of the best Westport days of the year.
Cub Scouts hold a giant flag, as they round Riverside Avenue onto the Post Road. (Photo/Swapna Podlich)
If you’re a “marcher” (an admittedly loose term) or a spectator, you know what I mean.
If you’ve never been, what might convince you to spend Monday morning doing this very cool community thing? Try:
It’s a parade! That’s obvious — but who doesn’t love a parade? For an hour you watch an ever-changing cast of marching bands, first responders, fifers and drummers, local organizations, politicians, young Little Leaguers and soccer and lacrosse players and gymnasts and Suzuki violinists — and of course, veterans — parade past. They smile, wave, and occasionally toss goodies into the crowd. Seven-year-olds pull the fire truck horn. All you have to do is clap.
(Photo/Lou Weinberg)
People put tons of work into their floats. This is a parade (see above), so there are Memorial Day-themed floats. The Y’s Men will win for Best Overall — that seems to be a town regulation — but there are other categories too. After all that papier-mâché, the least you can do is clap for it.
Y’s Men float. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Happy birthday, America! What better time to watch a parade than on our 250th anniversary? And if you don’t have a little flag to wave, no problem. Many of the marchers — and some of the local businesses along the route — are happy to hand you one.
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
Those World War II veterans aren’t getting any younger. At the end of the day — and especially, that morning — Memorial Day is really about honoring our vets. They gave years of their lives so we could enjoy our lives. The least we can do is clap as they ride or walk by. (NOTE: If your kids are young, this is a great chance for them to see our last World War II heroes. I still remember a Spanish-American war veteran in Westport’s parade. As a child, my father saw Civil War vets.)
2023 grand marshal Ben Pepper, a World War II veteran. (Photo/Ted Horowitz)
The ceremony after the parade is meaningful too. After the last marchers finish at Parker Harding Plaza, there’s a half-hour event at Veterans Green, opposite Town Hall. You’ll hear from the World War II grand marshal, listen to a couple of patriotic songs, watch the honor guard place a wreath, see a 21-gun salute — and reflect for a brief moment, in whatever way you wish, on both our little town, and our vast nation.
(Photo/Harris Falk)
Kids! If you want a look at our town’s future, the Memorial Day parade is it. You’ll be gobsmacked at the number of youngsters in town — and the variety of activities they participate in. It takes a village to raise a child. Our entire village should be downtown on Monday, supporting the boys and girls who will support us in our old age.
Suzuki violinists entertain the crowd (Photo/Doris Ghitelman)
It’s a true community gathering. (The fireworks is another.) Sitting or standing on the sidewalk, you’ll meet random interesting residents. If you’ve been here a while, the Memorial Day parade is a chance to catch up with old friends. And if you haven’t been here long enough to have old friends, you’ll enjoy seeing new ones, and feeling “hey, this really is my town!”
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
It’s a uniquely American holiday. Nothing else on our calendar combines history and reverence with fun and spirit. You’ve got the rest of day for cookouts, parties, the beach, whatever. Kick it off in style at 9 a.m. Monday morning. See you downtown — and then on Veterans Green!
(Photo/Ted Horowitz)
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