The 12th annual “06880″ party is just a week away.
And if you’re reading this: You’re invited.
Next Thursday (July 23, 6 p.m.) is the day and time. The far end of Compo’s South Beach — away from the cannons, near the boat and kayak launch — is the place. (Still confused? See the aerial view below.)
The blue arrow marks the “06880” party spot.
Every member of the “06880″ (as in, this website) community is invited.
We welcome frequent commenters and lurkers. Folks who have lived here all their lives, and those who moved here yesterday. People who want the Cribari bridge to stay the same, those who want a new one, and everyone in between. (Don’t worry: We keep the party a politics-free zone.)
The tagline for “06880″ is “Where Westport meets the world.” Next Thursday, that world comes to Compo.
Please bring your own food, beverages, beach chairs and blankets. (If you bring extras to share with others, we won’t say no). Then mix, mingle and enjoy the evening with the “06880″ crowd.
There’s no charge. It’s a “fun-raiser,” not a fundraiser.
A “blog party” — the “06880” version of a block party.
The Soundview Summer Stroll returns Sunday, July 26.
And this year’s Stroll will be bigger, more kid-friendly, more musical and more festive than ever.
The annual event — a gift to the town from “06880” and the Compo Beach Improvement Association — is a community-wide celebration.
From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Soundview Drive — the beach exit road — is closed to traffic.
The street will be filled with Westporters strolling, Rollerblading, jogging, biking — and meeting friends, eating, listening to music, and watching their kids have a blast.
The musical lineup includes Westport’s own Drew Angus, Weston favorite Owen Daniel, the fabulous Ethan Walmark, and the very popular “doctor” band DNR.
This year Earthplace will run the children’s activities, offering games and other fun, along with the traditional face painting and more.
New this year too: booths for non-profits. The Cub Scouts will have tattoos, stickers and beach games; Sunrise Rotary Club offers prizes for a “guess the ducks” contest; the Westport Woman’s Club provides snacks and kids’ items; Earthplace hosts seed bomb making and a “microscopic mystery.”
More than a dozen other organizations are on hand too, from the YMCA and Mo\CA CT to Sustainable Westport and the Levitt Pavilion.
There will be plenty of food, and some surprises.
Mark your calendar. Spend a few hours on Soundview on Sunday, July 26, See you at the Stroll!
If you’re reading this, you’re part of the great “06880” online community.
Which means you’re invited to our 11th annual “blog party.”
The date is Thursday, July 23. We’ll gather at 6 p.m. at Compo Beach — specifically, alcohol-is-okay South Beach, by the trees (the opposite end from the cannons).
Bring your own food, beverages (no glass bottles, though!), beach chairs and blankets.
The first 11 years were great successes*. They were true community gatherings – chances to meet and mingle with the diverse “06880” community (both online and real). It’s fun, un-fancy, and free!
We extend a special welcome to all our new “06880” readers. And those who have never come to our bash.
This year’s blog party will be better than ever.
I can’t give away any secrets, though. You’ll just have to show up, and see for yourself.
*Except for the rainout. And the heat. And COVID.
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Dennis Jackson)
Before the fireworks fade too far into memory, let’s light up the sky for all those who made Westport’s best party in town possible. Jonathan Alloy offers thanks to:
The teens and traffic pros who made arriving and departing Compo so smooth. They nailed it.
The team at The Sandbar who were fast and tasty, especially with their outdoor grill. The days of waiting 40 minutes for a burger are over. Now it’s 40 seconds.
The Sandbar added an outdoor grill for the fireworks.
The residents and guests of Westport who were a delight to celebrate with all across the beach.
Hanging out, with 10,000 friends.
We’ll add a few more:
The entire Parks & Recreation Department, led by director Erik Barbieri. It was all hands on deck — and we hand it to them, for their hard work, energy, enthusiasm, and all-around smiles. The entire beach staff,, lifeguards, maintenance crew — all were on top of everythng.
A special shout-out to everyone who worked all night. By dawn, there was no sign that just a few hours earlier, 10,000 people packed the place.
Our Police, Fire and Emergency Medical Service departments. There were officers, motorcycles, firefighters, fire trucks, EMTs, ambulances everywhere. Thankfully, they were not called upon. But seeing them on the scene — along with a SWAT team, mutual aid forces aid more — was both impressive and comforting.
1st Selectman Kevin Christie, with Emergency Medical Services crew. (Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
Every other town department that helped. Public Works was involved, and I’m sure others too. You rock!
And of course the couple who made it happen, with their generous sponsorship: Melissa and Doug Bernstein. They helped Westport PAL raise much-needed funds, for programs and scholarships that impact thousands of kids.
(From right): Doug and Melissa Bernstein, with fellow longtime Westporter Miggs Burroughs. (All photos/Dan Woog unless noted)
You are all Unsung Heroes. And if Jonathan or I have missed anyone (or any group), please click “Comments” below.
(Do you know an Unsung Hero? Email 06880blog@gmail.com. “06880” is proud to honor them — and tell many other tales of town too. Please click here to help us do that, by supporting this hyper-local blog.)
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)
Sporting a limited edition Westport Fireworks T-shirt by Pip Party Co. and Honey Pie Children’s Boutique. (Photo/Jennifer Shields)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
(Photo/Eric Bosch)
(Photo/Susan Garment)
The money shot — from the water. (Photo/Linda Mezzullo)
Tomorrow — 2 days ahead of the holiday — the annual PAL fireworks will light the sky over Compo Beach. It’s Westport’s biggest and best party of the year.
It also has a major impact on traffic.
The beach closes to the public at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging from their rearview mirrors can stay in the parking lot. The beach reopens to ticket holders no later than 5 p.m.
Access to the fireworks is through Compo Road South only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be closed to through traffic.
Uber, Lyft and taxi services will drop riders off where Soundview Drive runs into Compo Road South. However, return service will not be possible until 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach. There will be delays of an hour or so after the fireworks end (approximately 9:30 to 9:45) for residents return to the Compo Beach area from elsewhere, and for anyone picking up people at the beach.
Westport Police emphasize that parking restrictions in the Compo Beach area will be strictly enforce. No parking is allowed on Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road. Illegally parked vehicles will be ticketed, and towed to Longshore parking lot F.
The fireworks are sponsored by Melissa and Doug Bernstein, and are an important fundraiser for Westport PAL. A few tickets remain, at the Parks & Recreation Department office in Longshore (during business hours), and the police station.
Speaking of the fireworks: If you’re headed there via Hillspoint Road, you’ll see one less historic home.
The “Captain Allen” home fell to the wrecking ball this week. Named for the founder of the old Allen’s Clam House, it stood on Sherwood Mill Pond near Burnham Hill for over a century.
Speaking of old homes: Bob Weingarten launches his new book “Westport, Connecticut: The Old and New Historical Accounts, 1639–2025” with a special reception July 7 (6 p.m., Westport Book Shop). It’s a deep dive into Westport’s past — with a particular emphasis on homes, and the Greens Farms neighborhood.
The event is co-sponsored by MoCA\CT, in conjunction with their new exhibition, “Looking for History.”
The evening includes wine, light bites, a book signing, and Westport memories. Guests can purchase the book before it becomes available to the public the next day. RSVPs are required; click here.
Speaking of book launches: The Westport Library is the setting for “Ransom,” The latest Gabriel Allon thriller gets the star treatment July 14 (6:30 p.m.).
Silva will be joined in conversation by his wife, CNN correspondent Jamie Gangel — proving, the Library says, “he’s nearly as fearless as his iconic protagonist.”
And finally … speaking of Motown coming to the Westport Country Playhouse (above) — and the weather:
(As Westport swelters — and gets ready to celebrate America’s big birthday — “06880” is here with you. That’s how we roll. If you enjoy this hyper-local blog, please click here to support us. Thanks!)
The beach will be jammed. Folks will deck themselves out in red-white-and-blue. Get ready for cookouts, picnics and flags galore.
“06880” wants to show the world what a Westport July 4th 2nd celebration looks like. Please send photos — of your kids, your decorations, your dog — to 06880blog@gmail.com. The deadline is 10 p.m. tomorrow.
* NOTE: Please stay away from actual photos of fireworks. They pretty much all look the same.
Cat Malkin is both a longtime Westport resident and a lifelong animal lover.
For over 30 years she has given them a “voice,” as an animal communicator. She is also an animal Reiki master teacher and practitioner, pet meditation master teacher, and a pet loss and grief counselor.
As America gets set to celebrate Independence Day — with plenty of fireworks, of course — she worries about pyrotechnics’ effects on animals. Cat writes:
Many pets struggle over the 4th of July holiday. And more pets go missing now than at any other time of year.
My own Yogi Bear is not a fan of fireworks. It’s heartbreaking to watch him suffer over the long holiday.
Yogi Bear is not a fireworks fan. (Photo/Cat Malkin)
America’s 250th birthday fireworks have already started. They will get louder and more frequent throughout the weekend.
That’s bad news for pets who are sensitive to sound, and for the people who love them.
Animals have much sharper hearing than humans. Sudden loud noises like fireworks can trigger their fight-or-flight response, causing them to run for their lives and hide from the scary noises.
This can happen even if your animal hasn’t reacted to fireworks before. Their fear can come on suddenly.
It’s like someone turned the volume way up on a scary movie they don’t understand.
The worst part is that they might not hear your voice or respond to your usual calming techniques.
That’s why some pets end up chewing through crates, slipping out doors, jumping fences, or even breaking windows in their desperate attempt to escape the noise.
Here are some tips to create a safe, secure environment for your animal family during the 4th of July holiday:
Microchip and ID Checkup:
Make sure your pet’s tag and microchip are current.
Take a picture with your pet for easier identification at animal shelters should they go missing.
For an extra layer of security, consider attaching an AirTag or other GPS tracking device on their collar for real-time tracking.
Make sure your animal is wearing their ID.
Communication is Key: Let your animal family know what is in store for them, and reassure them that you will keep them safe. Talking with your pet during an animal communication session can reduce their fear and anxieties, and help you create a calming strategy together.
Create a Safe Haven: Keep your pet indoors in a quiet, secure room, with windows closed and shades drawn during fireworks displays. To reduce anxiety further, use a thundershirt, play calming music, or give your pet a rescue remedy for added comfort.
Project Calm: Your pet picks up on your emotions, so do your best to stay calm and reassuring. Meditating or sharing Reiki can help both of you stay grounded and present as fireworks explode.
Vet Talk Now: If your pet has noise phobias or you have any concerns, discuss your options with your vet today.
Don’t wait until the fireworks frenzy begins to reduce your pet’s stress and ensure everyone has a safe and, hopefully, enjoyable 4th of July.
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