It’s New Year’s Eve! How will you celebrate?
For more than 2 decades, Westporters had the choice of First Night.
Long after other towns and cities ended their December 31 parties, ours rocked on.
The indomitable Barbara Pearson-Rac — and a host of volunteers — ensured that the orchestral, jazz, swing, country and a cappella music; face painting, ice sculptures and model railroads; comedy and improv shows; horse-and-buggy rides; star-gazing; fireworks and more — went off without a hitch.
(So long as the weather cooperated.)
Times change. Celebrations go in and out of fashion. Costs rose. Volunteers dwindled. The last First Night was in 2017. Barbara Pearson-Rac died in August.
To honor her — and 2 decades of New Year’s Eveses — here’s a look back at First Nights past.
A First Night horse-drawn sleigh.
Fireworks over the Saugatuck River. (Drone photo/John Videler)
The Survivors Swing Band at the Westport Library. (Photo/Fred Cantor)
Model trains were always a big draw.
Barbara Pearson-Rac was at Town Hall, overseeing the 2015 First Night
The Westport Astronomical Society setsup a telescope outside the library.
A mother wrangled her young son at the Saugatuck Elementary School bounce house.