Tag Archives: 4th of July

Feliz 4 De Julio

Posted on July 3, 2010 | 7 comments

Bank of America tells its Westport customers — in Spanish — how it will celebrate America’s independence from the British.

We’re not living in 1776 any more.

Gracias a Dios.

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A Smash Birthday Bash

Posted on July 4, 2009 | Comments Off on A Smash Birthday Bash

What do fife and drum members do before marching at the Compo fireworks? Have intense discussions, apparently.

What do fife and drum members do before marching at the Compo fireworks? Have intense discussions, apparently.

It’s Westport’s best party of the year — by far.

Thousands of men, women and children — especially children — descend on Compo like Patton’s army:  well-organized, disciplined, fully in control.

They trudge off several hours later like Lee’s troops after Appomattox — carrying what they can, leaving the rest behind.

In between is a festival, a happening, an all-American event — with, of course, a Westport touch.  Flags and bunting fly from multimillion-dollar homes.  Sushi and champagne share picnic tables with hot dogs and soda.

Beachgoers enjoy the post-cloudburst sun and sky.

Beachgoers enjoy the post-cloudburst sun and sky.

For more than a month, Westport had been trapped in an endless “Annie” loop.  The sun would always come out tomorrow.  Yesterday, the sun really did come out — mostly.  It was a fine day — until 6:15, when a drenching rain blew in from nowhere.  The sun never stopped shining — it was an almost cartoonish cloudburst — but thousands of folks covered their sushi and hot dogs, then ran for shelter.

It was all over in 5 minutes, followed by the obligatory rainbow.  Five minutes later, everyone was dry.

The Balloon Man -- Steven Marcinuk -- wows young fireworks-goers.

The Balloon Man -- Steven Marcinuk -- wows young fireworks-goers.

Back in the day, the fireworks were simply that:  20 minutes of noise and color.  Over the years it’s morphed into a show.  There’s entertainment galore — including, this year, a group of teenagers singing show tunes.  They performed by the cannons, which is where long ago the fireworks were fired from.  That must have been before someone realized fireworks can be lethal, and moved them onto a barge.

The barge now bobs scenically offshore, surrounded by 5 or 6 squintillion boats.  It’s a lovely scene, joined this year by a lighted sign saying “Lydian.”  They’re the official fireworks sponsor, perhaps the least demanding sponsor in corporate history.  All they ask is 1 little sign.  All of Westport should say “thanks” to Lydian Asset Management.  I suppose it wouldn’t hurt if we handed all our investments to them either.

I’m not sure whether Lydian, Westport PAL or town officials were in charge of providing the spectacular near-full moon backdrop for the fireworks.  Some of the pyrotechnics seemed to actually frame the moon, or explode from within it.  Whoever took care of that — it was a great touch.

Andrew Lott and Riley Andrews fly patriotic colors on their Sportster.

Andrew Lott and Riley Andrews fly patriotic colors on their Sportster.

Then it was over, and the great migration began.  Thanks to that nearly full moon, it was clear to see the beach was a pig sty.  Polite people hauled their trash to the overflowing barrels.  The rest left blankets, umbrellas, tables, chairs and mountains of food right where they were.

But an amazing thing happens each year.  Parks and Rec immediately deploys an army of workers.  Patton-like, they get the job done.  And if you go down to Compo this morning, it will look like nothing at all happened last night.  The sand will be swept; the cans emptied.

And Westport can start partying all over again.

Happy 4th of July!

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A Westport 3rd

Posted on July 3, 2009 | 3 comments

These are not Westport fireworks. I found this image on the web. If I didn't tell you, though, you'd never have known.

These are not Westport fireworks. I found this image on the web. If I didn't tell you, though, you'd never have known.

Happy 3rd of July!

As Westport readies our own unique celebration — we shoot off fireworks any time between the 1st and the 6th, but never the 4th — here are a few thoughts, tips and reminders for tonight:

  • Plan ahead! Want a coveted South Beach picnic table?  Get there early.  A rule of thumb is a couple of hours earlier than whatever you think is reasonable.  Be a good do-be, and designate (or hire) an actual human being to hold the fort.  “Reserving tables” with ghost tablecloths, balloons and flower vases is not cool.
  • Be ready to move. In mid-afternoon, a well-choreographed vehicular ballet takes place.  All cars must vacate the beach at 4 p.m.; only folks holding fireworks tickets can drive back in at 5.  Some people try nefarious tricks to avoid paying the $30 per car fee.  That’s just wrong.  Fireworks cost money — these don’t come from some roadside stand in South Carolina — and all proceeds benefit the Westport PAL.  NOTE:  Tickets must be purchased in advance, at the Longshore Parks and Rec office during business hours, and at police headquarters any time.
  • Enjoy the show. And by “show” I mean entertainment and people-watching.  There is usually a marching band, and an imported fife-and-drum corps.  This year’s added attraction:  For the Heart, a group of show tune-singing teenagers, performs at the cannons at 6:45 p.m.  Wherever you plant yourself, take time to meander along the beach, seeing and being seen. The street scene on Soundview Drive is particularly lively. This is Westport “community” at its best.
  • Let your children go. Unless your kids are 2, don’t worry if they wander off with friends.  Independence Day is all about freedom.  There’s nothing better for a Westport child than to roam the beach with buddies, surrounded by (but blissfully apart from) other happy people of all ages.  And in today’s cellphone and GPS-enabled age, it’s not like anyone can get lost.  NOTE TO TEENAGERS:  When the fireworks start, sit down and watch.  Making cell calls — and texting — is not an appropriate way to honor our country.
  • Forget the weather. Face it:  Summer will arrive in June of 2010.  Pack an extra layer; throw some rain gear in with the watermelon and Pampers, and chill (ho ho).  A couple of years ago clouds rolled in at exactly 9:15, and the fireworks were less than fiery.  Most people took it in stride; a few boneheads demanded their money back.  After what we’ve been through the last year, a bit of rain on our 3rd of July parade is the least of our worries.
  • Stick around when it’s over. Yeah, leaving the beach makes I-95 look like the Indy 500.  But it lasts for only an hour.  Don’t race to your car as the last firework explodes.  Stay where you are; relax; enjoy the evening.  Your kids don’t need to get to bed (tomorrow’s the real 4th), and you don’t need to stress out in the parking lot.  If you’re not driving:  Open that extra bottle of wine!

Happy birthday, America.  At 233, you’re better than ever!

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