Memorial Day has a parade. The 4th of July means fireworks.
Now, Labor Day boasts its own Westport tradition.
The 7th annual Blues, Views & BBQ Festival opened a weekend run today downtown.
With 3 separate events — great music at the Levitt Pavilion; a barbecue competition in the Imperial Avenue parking lot, and kids activities/food trucks/vendors in the library lot — there is something for everyone.
Westport’s Emergency Medical Services staff joined the hotly contested barbecue competition.
A number of Westporters — and many more from throughout the region — strolled easily around the grounds. The footbridge connecting the Imperial Avenue and library parking lots got more use than maybe ever. Kayakers drifted up the river to see what was up.
The music was awesome. And the smell of barbecue ribs, chicken and steak was everywhere.
This dude had a great time listening to some blues.
(For information on bands, tickets and more, click on http://www.bluesviewsbbq.com or call 203-505-8716. The festival runs through 9:30 tonight. On Sunday the music starts at noon, and goes straight through to 9:30 p.m.)
Lucy Roth (left) waits as a balloon man creates a unique design.
A WPKN fan listens to music at the Levitt.
Westport 1st selectman Jim Marpe enjoyed the Blues, Views & BBQ Festival, with his wife Mary Ellen and daughter Samantha.
It seems like a great event that celebrates music, food, and community. I’m glad it is happening, and that people are enjoying themselves. Thank you to everyone who helped make it happen!
I sold tickets at the Festival yesterday. There were many wonderful famuilies and they all seemed to be enjoying themselves. My gripe, though, is that the very steep admission price — for the music — of $60 was not noted anywhere on the pre-event literature. I understand the cost of hiring the bands and that all the profits go to charity, etc., but several people were taken aback when they learned what it would cost to get in, Some walked away.
This is a really nice event and it has always been run very well. There is just one issue, though, and it’s not really the fault of the festival promoters, per se: the volume of the music and its impact on the surrounding residential neighborhood is a real concern – this year. Last night (Sat) there were reports that the music could be heard from Cross Highway and the Merritt Parkway. Living downtown obviously requires getting your mind right about a few things – like flooding and noise – but this was different by an order of magnitude and really cannot go unaddressed.
I couldn’t agree more with your comments. We live on Thomas Road and the music is so loud we couldn’t sit outside. We can hear it loud and clear even inside. And by the way, if what they are playing is Blues I missed the transformation of Blues music. The volume this weekend is twice as loud as the normal events at Levitt and agree the sound should be addressed – but know it won’t be.
As Dan told me once, “Chill Out”.