Christmas is 364 days away. But — perhaps inspired by today’s “blizzard” — Al DiGuido and Steve Rubin are already looking ahead.
Al noticed that Westport doesn’t have an “official” Christmas tree — nor any “official” ceremony marking the beginning of the holiday season.
The Saugatuck River Bridge, all lit up this holiday season.
But, in a letter to the Westport News, Al — founder and driving force behind Al’s Angels — proposed that his organization work with the town to make the Saugatuck Bridge lighting the “official” holiday season lighting for Westport.
Al said:
It would be incredible if we could close the bridge down for several hours on one magical night. Local restaurants could provide hot chocolate, donuts and other holiday treats — actually on the bridge, when we throw the switch. Area vocal groups could provide holiday music.
I know Santa and Frosty would definitely make an appearance too.
While other towns may have “trees,” no one has a bridge like ours. As Westporters, we love the differences in our town.
Let’s celebrate them!
He urged interested Westporters to contact him: adiguido@yahoo.com.
RTM member Steve Rubin seconds the motion. He says:
What a grand idea! What a better honor for the Cribari family! What a true fun tradition for Westport!
The official name of the span is the William F. Cribari Memorial Bridge. Born in1918, he directed countless numbers of cars as a police traffic official. Few people loved Westport and its history more than “Crowbar” did.
To continue to light the bridge from Thanksgiving to New Year’s would be an exciting Westport happening. It would encompass the entire holiday season for all.
Illuminating the bridge and nearby donated trees has become a Westport institution. Al DiGuido and friends started this tradition about a decade ago with other proud Westport residents, including myself.
Taxpayers’ funds have never been used. I think anybody driving by or across this bridge when it glows with lights would be happy to kick in a few dollars if requested to continue this tradition.
There you have it: The next great new town tradition.
And — this being Westport — the time to start working on it is yesterday.