Yesterday — based on inaccurate information — our “06880” Roundup reported that the Board of Finance turned down a Public Works Department request for equipment for the Ned Dimes Marina renovation project.
Public Works director Larry Roberts clarifies: “We brought an appropriation request to the Board of Finance, but it was withdrawn due to inaccuracies in the accompanying materials.
“In any event, the work was not anticipated to begin until after the summer boating season.”
Ned Dimes Marina (Photo/DinkinESH Fotografix)
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Speaking of last Sunday’s flood: In 2021, the Westport Arts Advisory Committee partnered with landowner David Waldman. They installed 5 mini-murals in the alley behind Anthropologie.
This one depicts what Westport artist Rebecca Ross thought Westport would look like in 50 years.
As Miggs Burroughs notes: “She was off by only 45.”
Westoberfest is less than 2 weeks away.
The 9th annual craft beer and family fall event returns Saturday, October 3 (1 to 5 p.m., Elm Street. Among the highlights: craft beer, music, food, art, shopping, and family-fun activities.
Admission is free. Guests who want to sample more than 50 local and regional beers, from over 20 breweries, can purchase a tasting pass.
This year, Westoberfest introduces a collaboration with 3 local arts organizations for hands-on creativity in the family area.
MoCA\CT invites families to design tote bags using colorful stamps, patterns and doodles, then take them home. One River School of Art + Design offers a fall-inspired mandala activity, while Whimsy Works Atelier brings parent-child creative play.
The family area, sponsored by Gault Family Companies, will feature carnival games from Chris and Pete Amusements, pumpkin decorating, and more.
For friendly competition, the annual stein-holding competition, hosted by CBS News weather anchor and Westport resident Lonnie Quinn, will once again challenge participants to show off their strength and stamina.
One Bad Oyster takes the stage with their energetic ska-surf sound.
Food and treats will be served by Blind Rhino, Freshko by Krisia, Fryborg, LemoNate’s, Lovely Chocolate by Talita Dupin, Paradise Island Food, and Van Leeuwen Ice Cream.
Elm Street will also feature a shopping and services vendor area
A beer tasting pass is $50 now, $55 on-site. Click here to purchase. Beer tasting participants receive a Westoberfest tasting glass and koozie.
Westoberfest is produced by the Westport Downtown Association, in collaboration with The Grapevine and Castle Wine & Spirits. For more information, click here.
A portion of the proceeds support downtown beautification projects, local nonprofit organizations, and events that strengthen the Westport community.
Westoberfest returns October 3.
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Wakeman Town Farm’s “Fantastic Farmhands” welcomed a special guest last week: monarch watch conservation specialist Alice Ely.
She helped the youngsters release Petey, a monarch butterfly, and provided a fascinating peek into the science behind monarch migration.
Before Petey took off, Alice attached a tiny radio tag to his back using eyelash adhesive. The transmitter weighs no more than a grain of rice, so it’s light enough for Petey to fly freely.
Petey wasted no time.
In 2 days, the feisty butterfly traveled 109 miles, heading southwest toward Mexico.
To follow his journey, download the Project Monarch app, then search for Petey2026. You can track his migration in real time as he flies south.
Once they arrive in Mexico, the butterflies stay there until late winter. As temperatures warm and the days get longer, they receive their cue to head north, where they mate and lay eggs on the first milkweed they find — often in Texas.
The tiny tags are powered by solar cells, so Petey may occasionally disappear from the radar while his tag recharges. The WTF butterfly — the first monarch ever released from Connecticut with this type of radio tag — could make it all the way to Mexico.
Alice Ely, with monarch butterfly and Wakeman Town Farm “farmhands.”
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Sure, it’s another Sunday with rain in the forecast. (Though nowhere near as much as last week … knock wood.)
But the Staples High School girls swim and dive team is washing cars today, rain or (fingers crossed) shine.
They’ll be at 176 Post Road West — the old Carvana spot, opposite Kings Highway Elementary School — from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
A suggested donation is $20. Stop in for a wash. If these girls can spend hours a day in the pool, the least you can do is get wet, while supporting the squad.
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For years, couples have gotten married at Compo Beach.
But this may be the first wedding ever at Westport’s newest park: Riverside.
We don’t know the lucky bride and groom, or anything else about yesterday’s ceremony.
But if their marriage will be anything like the weather on the they chose — and the stunning site — they’ll be smiling for years to come.
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Also yesterday: a Garden Conservancy tour.
This was the scene at an old sea captain’s home, on Sylvan Routh South:
(Photo/Susan Garment)
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Actors have to flexible.
So does their entire company.
Westport Community Theatre had an unexpected change in their season lineup just a few weeks before opening.
“Vintage Hitchcock: A Live Radio Play” moved into the first slot.
It showcases a talented cast of Fairfield County actors, as well as Fairfield playwright Joe Landry.
The show — featuring suspense, intrigue, murder and touch of dark humor — runs through October 4, in the basement level of Town Hall.
Landry transforms 3 Hitchcock thrillers – “The Lodger,” “Sabotage” and “The 39 Steps” – into a 1940s-style radio broadcast performed before a live audience.
The 7-member cast moves among multiple roles, voices and characters as the stories unfold, creating the world of Hitchcock with microphones, scripts, music, and an elaborate soundscape.
Remaining performances are at 2 p.m. Sundays (today, and September 27 and October 4), and 7:30 p.m. on September 24, 25, 26, and October 2 and 3.
Tickets are $35 ($30 for seniors.Click here to reserve, or call 203-226-1983.
A 6-play subscription for the year is available for $140. WCT’s 69th season includes “Betrayal” by Harold Pinter; “Summer, 1976” by David Auburn; “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck; “Catch-22” by Joseph Heller, and “Happy Days” by Samuel Beckett.
Tom Rusen and John Bachelder in “Vintage Hitchcock.”
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Looking for a fun afternoon, with competition, food, camaraderie — and a chance to help support a new initiative?
A Better Chance of Westport’s inaugural Cornhole Tournament is set for Saturday, October 3 (11:30 to 3 p.m., Longshore’s Evan Harding Point).
Proceeds will help launch ABC’s College Scholarship Fund. It’s a way to expand their commitment to the scholars they sponsor and support during their time at Staples High School, as they move on to the next chapter of their educational journeys.
Spectators are welcome. Click here for more information, and to register. You can donate to the scholarship fund without attending too, at the same link. To learn more about A Better Chance of Westport, click here.
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Today’s “Westport … Naturally” photo shows a fish out of water.
Literally.
This poor guy was left behind last Sunday, after Muddy Brook overflowed its banks, then receded.
(Photo/Paul Liistro)
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And finally … on this day in 1973, Jim Croce and 5 others died when their light plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Natchitoches Airport in Louisiana.
(It’s been a week since a huge “rain bomb” hit Westport. “06880” reported that story all day, and every day since. If you appreciate our coverage, please click here to support this blog. Thanks!)
