Observant drivers* have noticed that lights have been removed from the Cribari Bridge.
For 25 years, they were lit the day after Thanksgiving. Then, every night through New Year’s, hundreds of colorful holiday bulbs brightened everyone’s passage across the 135-year-old span.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
A couple of weeks ago, they were removed. It’s unclear by whom — probably the state Department of Transportation — but recently several came loose, and hit at least one vehicle.
For a quarter century the lights were provided by Al’s Angels. Al DiGuido’s non-profit supports children and families battling cancer, rare blood diseases, natural disasters and severe financial hardship.
This year, Al’s Angels can no longer provide and maintain the lights.
(Photo/Joel Treisman)
Is this the end of a beloved 25-year tradition?
No!
Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore, Police Chief Foti Koskinas, Police Corporal Craig Bergamo, Representative Town Meeting members Kristin Mott Purcell and Andrew Colabella, and a few other Westporters began working on a solution.
It’s not as easy as buying new lights, finding volunteers to string and test them, and throwing a switch.
The bridge must be closed for several hours to do the work. Questions about power sources loomed.
(Photo/Patti Brill)
But within 2 days the community came together. Every problem was solved.
The Bridge at Saugatuck — the new, instantly popular restaurant a few yards from the Cribari Bridge — plus Saugatuck Financial and Neat Lending quickly became lead sponsors.
Other sponsors include LandTech, Westport PAL, the Colabella family, and our very own “06880” blog.
A source was located. The lights are being shipped overnight from Georgia.
Late Sunday night, they’ll be strung on the bridge. Saugatuck-based AJ Penna & Son Construction will help make it happen.
The final piece will be an official lighting ceremony. When it’s set, “06880” will let everyone know.
In the space of a few days, the sad prospect of a dark Cribari Bridge turned very, very bright.
It’s a Christmas miracle, Westport-style.
*Perhaps that’s an oxymoron.
(Photo/Andrew Colabella)
Just one more reason why I love this town!
Nice work by all. And especially by AJ Penna and Sons who always steps up..
Fantastic!!!
Walking over the Cribari Bridge, yesterday, I saw a gang of guys clustered around the control box on the swing portion. I think I started grinning as I got closer. Then I recognized Chief Foti and few other familiar faces. To my question, one of them replied, “We’re lighting it up.”
Lit up my day!
And the holiday season for lots of us looking for light.
THANK YOU!!! This tradition brings such cheer – I can see them from my home. Can we contribute in any way???
Thanks, Diane. The sponsors have covered the costs. A contribution to Westport PAL might help keep the lights on, in future years!
I want thank pal and foti and aj Penna officer Bergamo and the saugatuck financial and neat lending and everyone who will be there Sunday and thanks Andrea Moore we as a town of Westport always come together if you need more help let me no we also have to thank all the officers wehn the bridge is closed and I forget dan woog
And your fellow rtm’ers Kristin & Andrew! I met them last weekend planting tulips. Such great energy!
Thank you to everyone who is resurrecting this wonderful tradition!
Thank you Al for all of those years, I made the bridge magical when my kids were little…. as soon as my front tire would hit the bridge I would magically start singing in the middle of some Christmas carol and stop as soon as I went off. Our own little tradition we still do heehee:) Thank you everyone for keeping it going! Happy Thanksgiving Community!
So much to be thankful for!!!! 👻😇
Thank you. This tradition must continue.
Great story – thank you to all involved, well done!
So happy the lights will be still on!!! One thought but maybe too late is maybe they invest in solar ones?
Officer Cribari would be pleased! Some of us remember his traffic control “dance” at rush hour everyday. My dad’s law office was in Bridge Square. Thanks to all who have returned the lights & the memories!
wonderful story – great to see so many people and local institutions involved in turning things around. I really look forward to seeing it all lit up – thanks Dan for your contribution and like you say, it would have been a sad day if simply left to go dark
So great! Amazing to hear of so many stepping forward to help make this happen. Thank you! You are our Holiday heroes!!
I remember back in the day the bridge was always dark when I was a kid back in the 60’s & 70’s; the holiday lights are a wonderful idea and look terrific. It’s wonderful folks stepped up to make it happen this year. Like Carol Davidson (above) my father owned Jerry’s Hardware in Bridge Square and we often witnessed Officer Cribari’s traffic directing choreography, he was one of a kind .
Well done!
I’ve lived in this town for 30 years and just love the colorfully lit bridge!
It is so great, the holiday season lights.
Please don’t tell my wife, but in past years, I have been late for dinner many times due to crossing this beautiful bridge back and forth during a single trip as I just can’t get enough of this transcendent experience.
I fully expect this will happen again.
Thanks to all….
Maybe a holiday
Sorry for incomplete: I meant to say: Maybe a “holiday miracle”….for us all.