It’s our biggest party of the year: the fireworks.
But there’s so much more to Westport’s Greatest Day of the Year than that. Here’s how we kicked off the 4th of July weekend:

These guys — Sam Seideman, Graham Day, Lorenzo Rinaldi, Chris Chamberlin and Kyle Chamberlin — set up a stand on Soundview Drive. They sold food, drinks, necklaces and more — and ran a raffle. Part of the proceeds went to the Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. That’s the American spirit!

A drum and dance corps from White Plains rehearsed in the parking lot. After donning their uniforms, they wowed the crowd.

“06880” readers know Betsy P. Kahn for her great photos. Here she is with her husband Dan — in front of the Soundview Drive house she photographed for “06880” yesterday.

Connie Anstett is 93 years old. She remembers when the fireworks were shot off by the cannons — and kids watched from the tops of their parents’ station wagons.

Police patrolled on foot, motorcycles — and bikes. Ned Batlin was stopped everywhere by students, who know him from DARE programs and coaching.

Music Theater of Connecticut’s Glee group performed, to the delight of a large crowd near the pavilion.

Daisy Mae offered glitter tattoos and metallic jewelry. For some reason, red, white and blue were popular colors. (Photo/Audrey Hertzel)

This was one of the biggest crowds ever — perhaps 15,000. Not a lot of room to move, but no one cared.
Enjoy the 4th! Gerry G. Kuroghlian
Thank you, Melissa and Doug, for a spectacular fireworks display. It was gorgeous! Happy Independence Day, everybody.