It may not have been as big a celebration as when our nation was founded.
Or V-E Day. Or the Bicentennial.
But Westport celebrated America’s birth — 4 days early — yesterday, with plenty of pomp.
And fun.
The fireworks returned for the first time since the pandemic. The weather could not have been better. The vibe was fun, fantastic, and all-American.
One glitch could have been disastrous. A fire broke out on the fireworks barge near the end of the pyrotechnics.
Spectators thought it was part of the show. It was not.
The Westport Fire Department, with help from a Norwalk Fire Department fire boat, extinguished the blaze. There were concerns about unspent shells catching fire, but quick work averted disaster.
On shore, all went well. So whether you were one of the 15,000 or so at Compo Beach and environs yesterday, or not: Enjoy these photos.
And enjoy the 4 days we still have left, through July 4th.
(Photo/Patricia McMahon)
One small happy group, part of a great big happy crowd. (Photo/Dan Woog)
With tons of staff ,and a helpful police presence, there was no traffic backup entering the beach in late afternoon. The fact that many folks dropped off their chairs and tables early may have helped. Fireworks-goers did not feel the need to race down at 4:30 to grab a spot. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Soundview Drive scene. (Photo/Patricia McMahon)
Compo Beach lifeguards have a serious job. Today was incredibly busy yesterday. But they found time to celebrate the fireworks. (Photo/Dan Woog)
These chairs were not empty for long. Parties were soon underway, all around the Compo Beach neighborhood. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
Two fireworks traditions: sponsorship by Melissa & Doug (Bernstein, the toy manufacturers, center and right), and the most patriotic-themed outfit of the day, worn by RTM member Andrew Colabella. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The fireworks barge — and a few intrepid swimmers. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Former US national soccer team (and Staples) star, and NBC Sports broadcaster Kyle Martino did dad duty. (Photo/Dan Woog)
The fireworks are a major fundraiser for Westport PAL. If you got dropped off, or otherwise enjoyed the show without a ticket: There’s still time to donate! (Photo/Dan Woog)
1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore and former 1st Selectman Jim Marpe enjoyed Westport’s best party of the year. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Not all the action was outside. Kelly Loucas and Nancy Lally hung out at one of the many parties in and around Compo Beach. (Photo/dan Woog)
It doesn’t get more iconic than this. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Thanks to all who helped the show go off spectacularly. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Excitement builds! (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
By 8 pm, all those empty chairs had been filled. And the crowd kept coming. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
Friends near the cannons. (Photo/Karen Kosinski)
A marching band struts on Soundview Drive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Soundview Drive — without vehicles — was a place to see, and be seen. (Photo/Diane Yormark)
Taking a break. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Selling stuff at dusk. The barge is in the distance. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Kids love lights …. (Photo/Dan Woog)
… and sparklers. (Photo/Amy Chatterjee)
The national anthem. (Photo/Jo Shields Sherman)
Fireworks, reflected in a Soundview window. (Photo/Miggs Burroughs)
A fire near the barge was not part of the show. A fire boat from the Norwalk Fire Department extinguished the blaze. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
The fire boat in action. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
Bombs bursting in air. (Photo/Charlie Scott)
Ooohs and aaahs. (Photo/Jennifer Johnson)
The money shot! (Photo/David Pogue)
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Fabulous photos of a glorious evening. Thanks to all the photographers.
Happy -1 of July!
but WTF with the fire?
And a BIG, BIG shout out to the crews cleaning up this morning. Was down there at 7:00am (as always) and they’ve got the beach looking like nothing happened last night! Love this town!!
Bravo to all the Westport Rec staff and police!
Great event. Well organized as always. Hate to be the curmudgeon but rode bike down with wife to watch fireworks. Tried to sit on an empty spot on the wall only to be told by an older lady that they were saving it for a group still to arrive (this is around 7pm). She was part of a large spread that undoubtedly was captured in Dan’s pictures from 8am yesterday. We politely stayed seated. The friends never showed! People, stop the land grab and saving spots BS. Be considerate to those not scheming to squat spots at 8am. Ironically, I’m sure some of these same people will be protesting for mankind & human rights later this summer!!!