Westport’s Independence Day celebration is always special.
But this year — as our nation turns 250 — our fireworks will be off the charts.
Longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department have teamed up to create Westport’s most spectacular celebration since our forefathers chased the British back to ships off (appropriately) Compo Beach.
The July 2 event includes brand new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, unveiled by Grucci over Long Island Sound, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein, at last year’s fireworks. This year’s will be even more spectacular, they promise.
But wait! There’s more!
The Bernsteins are giving free “FlowArt Guided Art Pads” to every family that buys a ticket to get into Compo Beach. (Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships that serve thousands of youngsters.).
FlowArt Guided Art Pads are the latest product from the Bernsteins’ new venture Lifelines — and the most popular item in their 35 years making products.
Every family gets this free custom-for-Westport gift with a fireworks ticket, courtesy of Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
But wait! There’s more!
This is not any old art pad. Melissa and Doug have designed a special limited edition custom, just for Westport.
The Bernsteins say, “This is our favorite time of year, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event.
“Knowing we waited 250 years for this very special anniversary, we pulled out all the stops to make this year’s celebration the best ever.”
Tickets are on sale now, at Police headquarters on Jesup Green (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (during business hours).
But wait! There’s more! Get those tickets early. They always sell out!
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (4th from right) hands the first 2026 fireworks ticket to Melissa Bernstein. Also at the historic Compo Beach cannons for the ceremony (from left) Police Chief Dave Farrell, Parks & Recreation officials Jamie Boone, Ryan Burke, Carm Roda and Nick Quatrano, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation’s Michael Giunta and director Erik Barbieri, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson. (Photo/Dan Woog)
That’s awesome! What if I want to purchase additional art activity books? Are they available somewhere?
Go to Lifelines.com — all the info is there!