The weather was cloudy and chilly. A number of potential guests were home celebrating Ramadan.
But Westport’s 50th annual jUNe Day drew nearly 200 United Nations workers and their families to Westport today.
Assistant Secretary-General Carole Wainaina of Kenya and 1st Selectman Jim Marpe traded welcomes at Saugatuck Elementary School. But this was nothing like a General Assembly meeting.
A little music and a few munchies later, everyone was off: to downtown, Longshore, Compo, Earthplace, Wakeman Town Farm and all points in between.
No translation was needed — beyond the word “fun.”
Flags from around the world replace the Stars and Stripes on jUNe Day. Too bad there was no breeze to flutter them. (Photo/Jim Chillington)
No matter where you’re from, if you’re a little kid it’s all about the food. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)
Visitors from Peru, Spain, Portugal, the Philippines and more enjoyed a tour of Wakeman Town Farm — including an expanded chicken coop, productive beehive, and edible marigolds that protect the gardens from insects. (Photo/Elizabeth Beller)
A pair of Olympians got into the spirit. Bill Steinkraus — brother of jUNe Day founder Ruth Steinkraus Cohen — was an equestrian in 6 Olympics. He won 1 individual gold medal, and 2 silvers and a bronze as a team member. Ann Marie Flynn of Westport was a high jumper in the 1956 Olympics in Melbourne. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)
For 50 years, Westport soccer teams have taken on their UN counterparts. This trophy is a recent addition to the rivalry. (Photo/Adam Stolpen)
This may come as a surprise to most Westporters but not all Americans are enthused about the UN. I hope my tax dollars were not spent on this foolishness. This is all we need after a week of the SCOTUS!
And your problem with same-sex marriage, fair housing and health care for all is…?
So, “United” is not a word that you embrace, understand.
No relation to me!
Bobbie
FAB intro, Dan 😉
It is always a pleasure to introduce our beautiful town to people from all over the world. Today I chatted with families from Bangladesh, Columbia, China, Egypt and many more nations. They’re all at the UN trying to make the world a little safer, a little healthier, a little bit more equal. Today they had a day “in the country” and once again (for the 50th year!) the World came to Westport!
Glad to see this event happened in spite of gloomy weather!
I particularly loved the photo of the downtown bridge by Jim Chillington.
Thanks Dan for sharing this!
I hope the flags stay for a few days? That looks lovely, I’d love to see that in person.
That sweet little boy (thanks Adam Stolpen!) brings so many smiles.
Well done!
Exactly what I was thinking!