The fireworks are always Westport’s hottest show of the year.
Yesterday, that was literally — not just figuratively — true.
But 100 degree temperatures didn’t stop over 10,000 folks from having a bang-up time.
The annual affair — sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, coordinated by the Parks & Recreation Department, with help from Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Services, and a fundraiser for Westport PAL — was a chance to eat, drink, strut, stroll, socialize, swim, sparkle, twirl sparklers, and celebrate our country’s birth with family, friends, neighbors and strangers.
Hey: We only turn 250 once.
Bam!
Andrew Colabella and Samantha. (Photo/Susan Garment)
A tiny section of the huge crowd.
Most folks set up their tent and chairs, then leave until late afternoon. Not this crew. They’re there all day — and love it.
A hectic day — but the lifeguards keep smiling.
The Parks & Rec Department outfitted employees in special shirts.
Parks & Rec director Erik Barbieri is everywhere, on his busiest day of the year.
The barge! (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
The red-white-and-blue theme extends to the US soccer team. Go get ’em, Christian Pulisic!
Police Department motorcycle crew, heading to Compo. (Photo/Connor Kilbourn)
Celebrating America, with (of course) guacamole. (Photo/Cathy Walker)
Popsicles for $1, on Compo Road South at Vani Court. Venmo accepted! (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Emergency Medical Service members. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 10 weeks old, perhaps the youngest fireworks-goer.
Stars, stripes and shovels. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Showing the flag offshore (Photo/Jamie Walsh)
Classic kids’ shot. (Photo/Susan Garment)
Compo Road South at Gault Avenue, 7 pm. That’s 2 miles away from Compo Beach. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Even the tent is red white and blue.
Nothing better than hanging with friends.
Westport PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo.
Some beach parties are indoors. But the patriotism is the same.
From right: fireworks sponsors Doug and Melissa Bernstein; Miggs Burroughs, who designed the Westport 250 logo.
Officers Ned Batlin and David Perez — 2 of the many keeping the beach safe. (All photos Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
(Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
(Photo/Jay Babina)
(Photo/Jennifer Shields)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Eric Bosch)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
The money shot — from the water. (Photo/Linda Mezzullo)
Thank you Dan for making those of us who were not able to watch it øive feel like we were there.
love the $ shot at the end 🥇🙌🏻🇺🇸
As always, thank you Dan spectacular spectacular event 10,000 wow as always thanks for sharing and happy fourth. God bless America and let freedom ring 🙏🏽🙏🏼👍🧡❤️🩵💚🌈💃🕺😎👩🎨🧑✈️
The two things that stood out to me was the 10.000 people that showed up. That ‘s about a third of Westport’s population! The other thing that stood out to me was how young everyone looks. Proportionally, 10,000 people makes Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding look like a “ nothing burger.” So in conclusion, Happy 4th and stay cool.
I grew up in Westport in the 1950’s and the fireworks then were spectacular….
Great shot of the cannons.
Wow. Could not be happier I skipped this year. Crowds, traffic, sweltering heat, drunks, noise (a car alarm going off throughout the show)… no thanks!
You were not missed.
Makes me proud to be a (former) Westporter.
Wow! It looks like fun for all! We had to stay home with the dog that is so scared of the fireworks, she was shaking. Looks beautiful. Thank you for sharing these wonderful pictures. I love the reflecting pool of guacamole 🥑. How creative and such a great presentation!
On the off chance Jennifer Shields reads this (or anyone else who can answer the question)…I love that Westport logo with the sailboat and fireworks! Anyone know where that can be purchased??
The guacamole reflecting pool is classic!