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There’s a lot going on next Saturday.

But leave time for the Slice of Saugatuck. The 9th annual event runs September 25, from 2 to 5 p.m.

Over 50 restaurants and stores will participate. Over 2,000 people will stroll the streets, snack on samples, enjoy music and kids activities, and learn more about the joys of Westport’s original town center.

This year’s footprint expands to include Riverside Realty (with a band in the parking lot), and the VFW and Westport Paddle Club across the street.

The Maker Faire area will once again be in Luciano Park.

There’s live music at 7 locations: Outside Chance, Silver Steel, Otis & the Hurricanes, The Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi, Accidental Breakdown and School of Rock. Plus roving theatrical performances, and taekwando demonstrations.

New this year: boat rides, courtesy of Carefree Boat.

Two beer gardens (with wine — hey, this is Westport) are located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place. Many of restaurants will also offer specialty drinks indoors. Many will also hold special Saugatuck Happy Hours, with more food and drink after 5 p.m.

The price is again $15 per adult (with a two-for-$25 option). Kids under 13 remains $5; age 5 and under are free. Cash only!

The sponsoring Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce has donated over $30,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry, with proceeds from prior events.

For more information and a Slice of Saugatuck map, click here.

From Bridge Square to Railroad Place — and everywhere else — Slice of Saugatuck is packed. (Photo/Terry Cosgrave)

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With little fanfare, the Beachside Avenue bridge over I-95 has reopened. It took several months, but the new span should last for decades.

Speaking of decades: The Kings Highway project — which is such an itty-bitty thing, no one even knows it’s a bridge — continues its glacial pace.

Renovation began during the Coolidge administration. (Hat tip: Tom Lowrie)

The new Beachside Avenue bridge. (Photo/John Karrel)

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Dr. Scott Gottlieb’s new book will not be released until tomorrow. But — based on pre-orders — Uncontrolled Spread: Why COVID-19 Crushed Us and How We Can Defeat the Next Pandemic — is already a best-seller.

The book by the former FDA commissioner (and our Westport neighbor) describes how the coronavirus raced through our nation. Gottlieb had a front row seat: he was in regular contact with President Trump, key players in Congress, and the drug industry.

Meanwhile, new dangers lurk around every corner. Gottlieb addresses our preparations for the next virus. Are we ready?

Click here for more information, and to order his book.

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Save the Children is no longer headquartered in Westport. But it maintains strong ties here.

On September 30 (6:30 p.m., Westport Library), they’re sponsoring an evening with Christina Baker Kline. The best-selling author will join STC’s CEO Janti Soeripto and chief strategy officer Mark Shriver to discuss what the organization is doing for vulnerable children, here and abroad.

The evening includes wine and hors d’oeuvres. To purchase tickets, click here. Questions? Email mleffel@savethechildren.org.

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Our “Westport … Naturally” photos are usually serene. But I can’t recall a more peaceful, soothing image than this.

(Photo/Lawrence Weisman)

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And finally … Brook Benton was born 90 years ago today. He died in 1988 of pneumonia, just 56 years old.

Versatile in rock, R&B, pop and gospel, he had 49 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100. This is one of my all-time favorites, from any artist.