On the last Sunday morning in September, Compo Beach will look the way it has on that date for over 2 decades: bikes racked along the sand, wetsuits half-zipped, and a line of swimmers walking down to the jetty.
For many years it was the Kiwanis Westport Triathlon (“The Minuteman”). Money raised went back to the community.
Two years ago, Kiwanis handed the race to myTeam Triumph Connecticut. Entries still fund a local cause: mTT-CT puts athletes with disabilities into endurance events across the state, at no cost to the athlete or their family.
The course is the same. And it’s still a hometown race, run by neighbors, for anyone willing to show up.
The 2026 edition is Sunday, September 27. Registration is 7 a.m. The competition begins at 8:30.
The course is short: a 1/2-mile jetty-to-jetty swim, 5.5 miles on bikes through the flat Compo neighborhood, and a 2.2-mile run.
There are 3 ways to take part
Race it. Go solo, or split with 2 friends as a swim-bike-run relay. The field already runs from age 12 to 80. For many, this is their first triathlon. Register at active.com.
Race with myTeam Triumph. The organization pairs athletes with disabilities (“captains”) with volunteer athletes )”angels”) who push, pull and pace them through the course. Angels can cover 1, 2 or 3 legs. Sign up at runsignup.
Volunteer. A race this size needs people holding clipboards, pointing at corners, registering, marking bodies, at the transition area, course marshals, and at the finish line and cleanup. No athletic ability is required. Sign up at runsignup.
myTeam Triumph, at last year’s Triathlon.
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Harvest Fest is one of Westport’s best parties ever.
Wakeman Town Farm’s biggest fundraiser (and food & wine) event of the year includes tons of seasonal fare from local farmers and chefs, wine and signature cocktails, live music, an auction with culinary and travel experiences, and much more.
It’s the closest thing our town has to an old-fashioned barn-raising party. And proceeds help WTF provide education to folks of all ages, incomes and abilities.
This year’s event is September 26. Click here for tickets. Pro tip: They’re going fast!
Harvest Fest scenes
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Also cooking at Wakeman Town Farm: a Tuscan harvest cooking class with chef Laura Weinman (September 17, 6 p.m.).
WTF says, “Tuscan foods are simple, sun-drenched, and feature fresh herbs and extra virgin olive oil instead of heavy sauces. Delicious natural flavors shine through in a cuisine that is healthful, economical and celebrates its raw ingredients.”
BYO libation (they suggest a hearty Tuscan red wine). Click here for registration, and more information.
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It’s a “John” fest on Sunday September 6 (12:30 p.m., Saugatuck Rowing Club).
First Folk Sunday features the music of John Denver and John Prine. Two singer/songwriters — Westport’s Suzanne Sheridan and Northampton’s Dave Dersham — provide their interpretations of the iconic musicians. Both straddled the line between folk and traditional country music, relying heavily on acoustic guitar and narrative storytelling.
Tickets are $20, and are available online. For more information call Rozanne Gates: 203-984-7562.
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It was registration day yesterday, at Greens Farms Elementary School.
Judging by the line of cars on Center Street, everyone had the same idea, at the same time.
(Photo/Bob Weingarten)
Meanwhile: Happy first day of school today!
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Speaking of driving: It’s been a while since we’ve run an Entitled Parking photo.
The bar is usually quite high: something breathtakingly batshit crazy, or one that prevents a minimum of 2 other drivers from pulling in.
This is neither. But it makes the cut, because to pull this I-can’t-be-bothered-to-fix-this stunt, the driver had to already have come the wrong way down this 1-way section of Parker Harding Plaza.
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Serbian guitarist and composer Rale Micic fuses culture with timeless jazz.
Music lovers can enjoy his work at this Thursday’s Jazz at the Post (August 27, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner service at 6:45).
The bill includes pianist Davis Witfield, bassist Vince DuPont, drummer Ed Strickland and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall. Click here for tickets, and more information.
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Fun fact: The praying mantis is Connecticut’s official state insect. (Don’t ask …)
They’re common from late spring through the onset of cold weather.
And this one is the subject of today’s “Westport … Naturally” featured photo.
Sorry — according to Lou Weinberg, this is a katydid!
Still, it is pretty cool looking!
(Photo/Sunil Hirani)
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And finally … in honor of the first day of school in Westport:
(Another school year. Another “06880” Roundup. Another chance for us to remind you: This hyper-local blog relies on the support of readers. Please click here — it’s as easy as ABC Thank you!)
Great shot Sunil! Cool bug!
That insect is a Katydid. Herbivorous and the males rub their forewings together to make their mating call.
except that’s a Katydid, not a praying mantis