The Westport Downtown Association picked the perfect fall Saturday for their 9th annual Westoberfest. A large crowd enjoyed beer, food, beer, music, beer, kids’ activities, beer, non-profit giveaways and much more, all around Elm Street downtown.
On the other hand, the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce picked the wrong Saturday — last week — for their 14th annual Slice of Saugatuck.
It was rained out. But they pivoted to today. A similarly large crowd enjoyed food, music, food, bounce houses, food and merchant giveaways, in the “slice” of Saugatuck from Riverside Avenue and Railroad Place to Saugatuck Avenue.
Here are a few scenes. First, the Slice of Saugatuck:
Little guy with a big smile, and an even bigger fire truck.
Serving up samples at Tutti’s.
Beer and wine on Railroad Place, served up by local notables.
Patty Kondub passes out sliders — with a smile — at the VFW.
Who doesn’t love a bounce house?
And now, Westoberfest:
What’s a Westoberfest without lederhosen?
Dozens of beers, from a variety of brewers.
Unleashing her creativity, in the kids’ zone.
The stage is set for an afternoon of music.
Sure, Westoberfest is all about beer. But don’t forget pumpkins!
If you move fast, there’s still time to enjoy these great community events. Both run until 5 p.m.
PS: The Slice and Westoberfest were not all that’s going on.
Compass realtors showed off their new offices. They’ve reimagined the old Patagonia store.
For decades before that, it was Westport Bank & Trust. The huge vault and historic WPA murals are still there.
Meanwhile, this is the 2nd floor view from what was once the bank president’s office.
(All photos/Dan Woog)
(If something is happening in Westport, you’ll read about it — before, during and/or afterward — on “06880.” But we can’t do it without readers’ help. Please click here to support us. Thank you!)
In the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine nearly 4 years ago, our friends in Marigny suggested we both aid another town there.
With help from Ukraine Aid International — the boots-on-the-ground non-profit founded by Westporters Brian and Marshall Mayer — we now have a third sister city: Lyman.
Westporters have provided over $300,000 in contributions, which has paid for trash trucks, wood pellet stoves, building supplies, gifts, and much more. We’ve also sent electronic and other much-needed equipment to Lyman, which is very close to the front lines in the Donetsk region.
Meanwhile, for the third Christmas in a row, Marigny residents have sent presents to Lyman’s youngsters.
This year, UAI delivered 288 gifts to the town’s boys and girls. Many are spread across the country, evacuated to safety.
Nikita Shcherinskiy — UAI’s director of logistics) — reports, “their genuine smiles and heartwarming moments are always so touching. A big thank you to everyone who participated in this initiative, and in distributing gifts to children who need them so much today.”
The need for monetary donations to Lyman continues to be great. Just click here; click the “I want to support” box; then select “Support for the City of Lyman.” Scroll down on that page for other donation options (mail, wire transfer and Venmo).
Lyman children with gifts from Marigny-le-Louzon. (Photo courtesy of Ukraine Aid International)
A new year brings new programs to Wakeman Town Farm.
It begins with “Drop-In Little Farmers” sessions (January 7 and 9), where an adult and youngster hang out with alpacas, sheep, ducks and more.
An adaptive music/movement program — “Joyful Jitterbugs” — is designed for kids ages 3-7, with a caregiver.
Elementary schoolers can enjoy a January 19 MLK Day Camp; a Winter Farm Program with authentic farming experiences; a one-day after-school Chinese cooking class, and 2 weekly Kids’ Culinary Class series.
For adults, WTF offers a Winter Seed Sowing class, Whole Foods Healthy Cooking class, Thai Curry class, a romantic Valentine’s dinner with wine pairings, and a Choosing the Best Garden Tools class, before the garden season begins.
Little kids love going outdoors, at Wakeman Town Farm.
================================================
Where Westport Meets the World, random real estate category:
Joseph Deshane lived in central Connecticut for 15 years. He moved away in 1989.
He has no real connection to Westport. But he recently bought a home in Illinois. Possessions were included.
When he moved in, he found a metal cabinet in the cellar. Inside was a commemorative plate:
(Photo/Joseph Deshane)
His curiosity piqued, Joseph read the inscription on the bank. He learned it was part of 2 large murals, painted by local artist Robert Lambdin for the Westport Bank & Trust Company.
For decades they hung inside. When Patagonia took over — after WB&T had been absorbed by a series of larger banks — they retained the twin works.
The clothing store is now gone too. But the new tenants — Compass Real Estate — will keep the murals, when they move in soon. They’re large, historic, interesting, valuable — and a great way for potential home buyers to learn about Westport’s arts heritage.
Nearly a thousand miles away, Joseph learned details of the plate he found in his new cellar.
Much of the information came from “06880.” Which is why he sent us this very cool photo, and the equally intriguing back story.
And finally … today is the birthday of a ton of important musicians: Bo Diddley, Skeeter Davis, Del Shannon, John Hartford, Paul Stookey, Felix Pappalardi, two Monkees (Michael Nesmith and Davy Jones), Patti Smith and Jeff Lynne.
It’s hard to pick just one to showcase. But in the spirit of optimism — at the end of a tough year, and the dawn of a new one — I’ll go with this:
Click here to help support “06880” via credit card or PayPal. Any amount is welcome, appreciated — and tax-deductible! Reader contributions keep this blog going. (Alternate methods: Please send a check to “06880”: PO Box 744, Westport, CT 06881. Or use Venmo: @blog06880. Or Zelle: danwoog@gmail.com. Thanks!)
GET THE “06880” APP
The “06880” app (search for it on the Apple or Android store) is the easiest way to get “06880.” Choose notifications: whenever a new post is published, or once or twice a day. Click here for details.
