Brief showers chased away some of the midday crowd, at yesterday’s 2nd annual Soundview Summer Stroll.
But the folks who were there before noon — and the ones who came (or returned) after the quick rain — had a great time.
The beach exit road was closed to cars. So kids and parents (and people without children) enjoyed a relaxed amble up and down the street.
There were fit 20somethings on Rollerblades, and youngsters on bikes. One woman said, “This is the first time I didn’t worry about him riding in Westport.”
Four bands and one solo artist played for 7 hours. Rock, funk, alt, disco, new wave, pop, classics … Owen Daniel, Deep Valley Road & Friends, Core, Not My Problem and Rock Paper Soul covered it all, perched on a porch.
(Photo/Dan Woog)
Old Mill Grocery by Romanacci served up plenty of pizzas, and hundreds of gelatos.
At the end of Soundview, kids painted rocks, got their faces painted, threw water balloons, mugged in a photo booth — and chalked the street.
The Soundview Summer Stroll is a gift to the town, from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association.
Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department offered invaluable help. So did music director Dana Gordon, volunteers who helped with children’s activities, and organizers Kristin Mott Purcell and Sunil Hirani.
“You should do this every Sunday!” one woman said.
Well … it’s quite an undertaking. But we’re already looking forward to next year’s Soundview Summer Stroll.
We will try to pick a date with better weather.
People and dogs enjoy the Soundview Summer Stroll …
… and a child …
… and politicians too.
Music from Deep Valley Road & Friends …
… and Owen Daniel.
Yours truly, in the photo booth.
Rock painting …
… and rocks on the seawall. Pick yours up today! (Photo/Jay Petrow)
One more crowd shot.
Chalk it up to a great experience. (All photos/Luca Caniato unless otherwise noted)
Nice Job!!
This is the Westport that so many people say is in the rear-view mirror. Well, surprise, surprise, it’s still alive and well and reaching more Westporters with a message of joy than any suggestion of its demise. This is the Westport of my youth (1948-present. I still consider my last birthday, 81, as qualifying for the latter part of my youth). The days of charge accounts at every store on Main Street, the trolley tracks on the Post Road waiting to be paved over, the “Y” in the center of town and new schools that continued the tradition of educational excellence give us all a feeling of pride in our foundation and genuine confidence in achieving a future worthy of our history. A hearty well-done to all who made yesterday’s “Stroll on a Soundview Sunday” a reality and a truly great Westport experience. Brava, bravo!
Dan, you are clearly the handsomest.