A large crowd and perfect fall weather combined to make yesterday’s dedication of Westport’s rainbow crosswalk extra-special.
The event — on National Coming Out Day — celebrated the new installation on Jesup Road at Taylor Place. The 4-year project was led by Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle, with help from a variety of town officials including 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Public Works director Pete Ratkiewich.
Among the officials cutting the rainbow ribbon: Police Chief Foti Koskinas, 2nd Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Westport Pride Chair Brian McGunagle, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker, and members of Westport Pride’s advisory board.
The crosswalk — including all the colors of the pride flag — was paid for by private funds. Westport Pride raised $36,000 in just 3 days.
Installation was done by Public Works. They’ll maintain it, too.
Westport Pride chair Brian McGunagle proudly strides across the new crosswalk.
Brief speeches were made by McGunagle, Tooker, State Representatives Dominique Johnson and Jonathan Steinberg, and Staples Pride chair Jona Bernstein. Rev. Dylan Mello of Christ & Holy Trinity Church offered a blessing.
The remarks echoed one theme: The crosswalk sends a strong, clear message to all, that Westport accepts, supports, embraces and cherishes everyone.
Businesses, organizations, families and individuals contributed to the rainbow crosswalk.
A happy couple, their dog, and 2-week old daughter (nestled against dad’s chest) test out the crosswalk.
RTM representative Harris Falk and Dr. Nikki Gorman. (All photos/Jerri Graham)
Beautiful. Congratulations.
I drove by this wonderful upgrade the other day and it really put a smile on my face. Thank you, Mr. McGunagle and crew!
“The dreams that we dare to dream
Really do come true.”
Thanks for making this one so.
So many things in town are less than pride engendering (no pun intended); it feels really good to be part of a town that gets behind such a crosswalk. Hats off to all who took part in its creation.