Okay, now we know summer is just around the corner.
The Westport Woman’s Club has announced the dates for the Yankee Doodle Fair.
The decades-in-fact-almost-a-century-old tradition returns Fathers Day weekend. From Thursday, June 15 through Sunday, June 18, the grounds and parking lot on Imperial Avenue will transform from a staid club into a carnival, for “kids” of all ages.
Profits support charities throughout Fairfield County, need-based scholarships to Staples High School students, and the Woman’s Club food closet.
Among the rides: a carousel, Flying Dumbo, Dizzy Dragon, Frog Hopper, Scrambler, Cliff Hanger, Zero Gravity and Expo Wheel. Unlimited ride wristbands make things easy (and inexpensive).
Entertainment includes rock and country/bluegrass bands. There are raffle prizes and a “take a chance” tent.
Plus of course a food court with hamburgers, hot dogs, Greek food, Good Humor ice cream, baked goods — and beer and wine.
Last year, proceeds helped the WWC fund $300,000 for a new Westport Volunteer Emergency Medical Services ambulance.
The greatest show on earth (or at least, in Westport). (Photo/Lee Scharfstein)
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Another sign of summer: The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand opens June 10.
Running every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through October 28, the stand features fresh organic produce and flower bouquets from the Farm, WTF honey and logo wear, plus local artisanal products like organic coffee, bread, pastries, extra virgin olive oils, gourmet balsamic vinegars and salsas.
BMW of Darien is the summer and fall sponsor of the Wakeman Town Farm farm stand. The dealership will also serve as a lead sponsor of WTF’s annual fundraiser, Harvest Fest.
The Wakeman Town Farm farm stand.
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Speaking of food: Westport pizza lovers (perhaps that’s a redundant phrase) salivated at news that Emmy Squared is coming to town.
The Brooklyn-based restaurant is known for its “Detroit-style pizza”: square, crisp bottom, fluffy dough, cheesy crust and sauce strpes.
Their double-stack burger — served on a pretzel bun — was named one of the “20 Best Burgers in New York” by The Infatuation.
There are 8 location in New York, Nashville, Philadelphia, Washington and Louisville. Number 9 will be …
… at the site of the now-closed Amis Trattoria.
That’s the center-of-town location next to Anthropologie, where Church Lane meets the Post Road near Main Street.
No word yet on an opening. The salivation continues.
Pizzas from Emmy Squared.
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gorjana comes to 74 Main Street on June 16.
And if you don’t know — as I did not — what is replacing the Sunglass Hut, read this breathless press release from the Laguna Beach-based jewelry brand (which for some reason does not use a capital letter in its name):
“When gorjana Westport officially opens its doors, shoppers will be immersed in a welcoming coastal bungalow inspired by co-founders Gorjana Reidel and Jason Griffin Reidel’s Southern California roots. Light wood finishes, a crystal quartz chandelier, three sparkling window pendants and a hand-dipped Lauren Williams Tapestry inspired by the iconic Laguna Beach coastline create the perfect backdrop to gorjana’s elevated yet effortless designs.
“Located in a beautifully restored historic building along bustling Main Street, the store will bring together the best of Southern California with the charming history of Westport right in the heart of the coastal city. gorjana Westport is the perfect shopping destination for out-of-towners and locals alike.
This is gorjana’s 49th location, but only the second in Connecticut. The first was in Greenwich.
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Two weeks ago, a college student named Emily posted a TikTok. She wanted to give a hand-painted romantic gift to a classmate she had a crush on, but needed her followers to give her confidence.
@wayn3sw0r1d both of our love languages are gift giving, and she’s also extremely crafty, so no i dont think this is too much #fyp#foryou#wlw#wlwtiktok help
The video went viral, with over a million views. She got more validation than she ever dreamed of.
Five days later, she shared an update. The woman she gave the gift to loved it.
Now they’re dating.
The woman is Samantha Webster — a 2021 Staples High School graduate.
As for Sam, she texted her parents that she had a new girlfriend.
And, she said, a million people knew before her parents did.
@wayn3sw0r1d Replying to @Mikala Walker the highly anticipated cupdate: I didnt get a chance to package it up all cute, but I was too excited I couldn’t wait any longer💛🌼#fyp#foryou#wlw#wlwtiktok#dandelions
♬ Dandelions (Originally Performed by Ruth B.) – Piano Karaoke Version – Sing2Piano
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MoCA Westport just hired its first-ever director of performing arts.
Kristen Young knows MoCA well. She’s worked there for 3 years, most recently as its music associate. She created the Music at MoCA concert series, bringing a diverse range of emerging and established artists to the museum.
In her expanded role Young will curate all performing arts experiences, fostering collaborations with music programs across the region, and providing music education opportunities.
Young holds a master’s in violin performance and a graduate certificate in arts management and entrepreneurship from the University of Oklahoma, and a bachelor’s in music management from the University of Delaware.
Kristen Young (Photo/Nina Capozzi Photography)
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Speaking of music: Jazz at the Post favorite Melissa Newman returns this Thursday (May 25; shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner begins at 7; VFW Joseph J. Clinton Post 399; $15 cover; reservations: JazzatthePost@gmail.com).
The Westporter will be joined by guitarist Tony Lombardozzi, bassist Phil Bowler and drummer Bobby Leonard.
Melissa Newman
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Speaking still of the performing arts:
Saugatuck Congregational Church song leader Anthony DeLuco hosts a recital at the church on June 10 (4 p.m.). It’s a fundraiser, to support his attendance at an intensive vocal workshop this summer in Salzburg, Austria.
DeLuco is a young Western Connecticut State University graduate (with many honors and awards). He’s in his second year as a high school teacher.
He’ll play works by Mozart, Schubert, Schumann and more. Donations can be made at the recital or by clicking on this GoFundMe link.
Anthony DeLuco
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It’s not graffiti, at the Post Road/Main Street intersection.
And they’re not hieroglyphics.
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
They’re markings for utility workers.
But what do all those symbols, arrows and colors mean?
If you know, please click “Comments” below.
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Understated yet colorful landscaping near Saugatuck Shores stands out in today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature.
(Photo/David Stone)
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And finally … on this day in 1829, Cyrill Demian was granted an Austrian patent for the accordion.
(“06880” is your home for accordion music — and much more. Please click here to support what we do. Thank you!)
