This Saturday marks the start of Memorial Day weekend.
And — thanks to Westport’s Parks & Recreation Department — it’s also the kickoff to summer.
Plus the grand reopening of the Compo Beach playground.
The full day at Compo begins with an “unveiling” at the playground, at 10:30 a.m. There’s a special invitation to all who helped renovate it. Wear your team shirts, for a group photo.
From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the family-friendly “Kickoff to Summer” includes:
- Touch-a-Truck, with vehicles from Westport Police, Fire, EMS, Public Works, and Parks & Recreation Maintenance
- Face painting
- Obstacle courses
- Program info and demonstrations
- Raffle prizes, with giveaways from Longshore Golf, Longshore Sailing School, and IST Camp
- Food trucks: Good Burger. The Parlor Pizza, The Milk Truck, LobsterCraft, Fork in the Road.
But wait! There’s more!
At 8:15 p.m., a bonus Movie Night at the Beach — “Trolls” — begins. Bring a blanket and chairs, for the grand finale of the Kickoff to Summer.
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The “06880” tagline is “Where Westport meets the world.”
It doesn’t get more worldly than the Olympics.
Saatva — the luxury mattress company whose made-to-order products are hand-delivered by white-glove teams; whose founder and CEO Ron Rudzin is a longtime Westporter, and which last summer opened a store across from the Sherwood Diner — will be the official provider of mattresses and bedding for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles.
The cardboard bed frames used in Tokyo in 2020 and Paris last year — selected for sustainability and, some reports said, to collapse under the weight of 2 people enjoying more than sleeping — did not win any medals. (Hat tip: Dave Briggs)
You can get the same bedding as Olympians, right next to Walgreens. (Photo/Bob Weingarten)
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It may rain tomorrow.
But the Westport Farmers’ Market is still on: Thursday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Imperial Avenue parking lot.
“Farmers don’t head inside when it rains,” the Market says. “Produce does not press pause — nor do we.
“While we might not have the perfect sunny day, we have the perfect array of food for your kitchen.”
In addition to 36 vendors, the market features “Get Growing” — educating kids on the value of shopping local through art projects and activities — plus music and more.
A little rain won’t stop the Farmers’ Market. (Photo/Quinn Fitts)
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Vibrant Health — the Westport-based Vibrant Health premium superfood formulas and dietary supplements company — will not officially launch its rebrand until January.
But the new logo design and assorted branding has already won 3 awards.
None of it would have happened though, without Startup Westport.
The town’s public/private organization for tech, innovators and entrepreneurs has a strong networking component.
At one meeting, Ted Schachter introduced Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker to CJ Yeh from Cinda Media, and their design team.
The design “conveys growth, innovation, and the synergy between science and holistic well-being.” It even includes a new typeface.
Many more success stories can be traced to StartUp Westport. Learn more about the organization — including upcoming events — here. (Hat tip: Jay Norris)
From left: Vibrant Health owners Ted and Paige Parker, and the Cinda Media design team, with the rebrand award.
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Speaking of awards: Congratulations to Chloe Robbin, Olivia Whee and Charlotte Naughton.
The Bedford Middle School 6th graders took 2nd place in the international World of 8 Billion student video contest.
More than 3,200 videos were created this year, from around the world. Students could choose to focus on Child Well-being, Rainforest Ecosystems or Sanitation, with at least one idea for a sustainable solution.
The BMS youngsters filmed “The Scoop on Poop.”
Olivia says, “We love animals, and we knew that deforestation was destroying a lot of their homes in the rainforest.”
Research was inspired by Chloe’s grandparents, who had a notebook from Thailand made from elephant feces.
Workshop instructor Sean Murphy helped his students bring their ideas to life. Click on the video below to see their work.
The 2nd place winners!
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Like anyone getting ready to move, longtime residents Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller are getting rid of some belongings.
Unlike many, that includes several large outdoor sculptures, by 1971 Staples High School graduate Kelley Spearen.
They’ve already donated one to Wakeman Town Farm.
There’s another for sale. It’s $5,000. If interested, email carladdisonswanson@yahoo.com.
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Yesterday’s Westport Rotary Club guest speaker was a familiar face: Westport Library executive diretor Bill Harmer.
He spoke about the effect of technology (research queries are up, because Google does not have all the answers), the success of Verso Studios and Verso University, and an exciting new creative project to be announced soon.
Westport Library director Bill Harmer, at the Rotary Club. (Photo/Alec Foege)
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” feature — a swallowtail butterfly — was found warming itself by the side of the Sherwood Diner.
(Photo/Clarence Hayes)
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And finally … in honor of the sculpture for sale by Carl Addison Swanson and JoAnn Miller (story above):
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