Over 2,000 Westporters (and out-of-towners) of all ages (especially kids) filled downtown yesterday afternoon (and evening).
They posed for photos with Santa (and Buddy and his elves) (and in a photo booth), roasted s’mores, petted piglets, caroled with the Orphenians, sent letters to Santa, dropped off toys for the Police drive, got face paint, shopped and enjoyed store giveaways, met neighbors and friends — and did it all in perfect almost-winter weather.
The 5th annual Holiday Stroll was by far the biggest and best yet.
S’mores by Nômade, elves and more. (Photo/John Walker)
Co-sponsored by the Westport Downtown Association and “06880,” it’s our gift to the town. And the town embraced it.
Thanks to all who made it happen — especially the hard-working WDA crew (Maxx Crowley, Beth Meyer, Huong Belpedio, Brian Spurr and others). Thanks to Santa; the fabulous Staples Orphenians, characters and face painters; the retailers and restaurants and non-profits who welcomed all and handed out “stuff” — and everyone who strolled.
Staples Orphenians’ first stop, above Brandy Melville. Other caroling spots: the clock, “Tunnel of Love,” and Bedford Square courtyard. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Westport sure rocked around the Christmas tree.
And the brand-new, but looks-like-its-been-there-forever, Main Street clock.
At the clock: 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Westport Downtown Association president Maxx Crowley, “06880” founder Dan Woog. The WDA donated the clock to the town; the WDA and “06880” co-sponsor the Holiday Stroll. (Photo/John Walker)
A classic shot. (Photo/John Walker)
Staples Players Scarlett Shope, Claire Kresser, Ellis Maroney and Seamus Brannigan are all in character. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Riverside Realty’s piglets were favorites. (Photo/Thomas Samaranayake)
Senior Cat Betit conducts the Orphenians. The day before, they sang at Radio City Music Hall. . (Photo/Dan Woog)
Orphenians singing at the clock. (Photo/John Walker)
Listening to the Orphenians. (Photo/John Walker)
(Photo/John Walker)
Annette Norton’s Savvy + Grace mailbox was filled with dozens of letters to Santa. The popular downtown store also sponsored the photo booth. (Photo/Dan Woog)
A much-needed mid-winter touch of Hawaii came to the Westport Library Sunday night.
The Staples High School Orphenians put on an aloha-themed cabaret, as part of their fundraising efforts for their summer trip to the Aloha State.
Longtime Staples music aficionado — and former Fairfield music teacher — Ellen Kuroghlian was there. She writes:
“The benefit was outstanding. The singers were better than I have ever heard at Staples. The program included individual singers, with Broadway star Kelli O’Hara singing the last number — “You’ll Never Walk Alone” — with all Orphenians.
“David Pogue was the emcee. He worked on Broadway for 10 years, and is an expert at the piano, so he used it to emphasize a story or point. What a wonderfully dedicated father of a current Staples student, and 2 college age ones. And what wonderful gifts from these 2 pros.
“Choral director Luke Rosenberg sang too. He is a terrific performer. ‘Excellent modeling,’ as we educators say.
“Staples culinary instructor Chef Cecily Gans deserves ‘extra credit’ for the wonderful and bounteous ‘aloha-themed bites’ (which were large ones). Aliso Milwe Grace was there too, helping out.
“The performance, and the whole evening, was totally special.”
If you missed it — or just want to add something to the Orphs’ fund — click here.
Two of the many performers. James Dobin-Smith sang “My Way,” while Ethan Walmark played “Piano Man.”
Yesterday’ Roundup item about the regular weekend pop-up clean-up projects around town led several readers to ask: When is the next one?
It’s Saturday, February 5, at the Imperial Avenue parking lot (11 a.m.). Bring gloves and trash bags, and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty in.
There will be more than enough garbage to go around!
Questions? Email acolabellartm4@gmail.com
This past weekend’s trash pick-up on Greens Farms Road. Next up on February 5: the imperial Avenue parking lot.
Today’s Kings Highway Elementary School students have no clue about the 1980s. Some of their parents may be too young to remember it too.
But the KHS PTA hosts a “totally tubular ’80s-themed prom fundraiser” on Saturday, February 4 (7 to 10 p.m., Norwalk Inn). All KHS parents – past, present and future are invited. So is everyone else in town, no matter what you though about (or did during) that decade.
It’s a fundraiser for the school’s Outdoor Learning Center. Money is needed for raised planter beds, special bat-watching cameras, a greenhouse and more.
There will be dancing to ’80s tunes, and auction items from places like Modern Dermatology, Splatterbox, and Wakeman Town Farm, plus field passes to a Mets game, and a chance to have kids driven to school in a police cruiser.
While satin prom dresses, shoulder pads and “Miami Vice”-inspired pastel suits are encouraged. Tickets include a full open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and charcuterie, crudité and pasta stations. Click here for tickets, and more information.
Artists’ rendering of Kings Highway Outdoor Learning Center.
For 60 years, Weston Emergency Medical Service has provided free care to town residents — and mutual aid to Westport, Wilton, Fairfield, Redding, Norwalk, Easton and Georgetown.
On March 25 (6:30 p.m., Rolling Hills Country Club, Wilton), the 100%-volunteer organization celebrates those 6 decades in a very Weston way.
Tony Award-winning director/longtime TV and movie star/proud Weston resident James Naughton will emcee.
Dan Micciche — music director of “Wicked” — will perform, along with other Broadway stars.
Weston EMS hopes to raise $100,000 to continue their mission of neighbors helping neighbors with the highest level of emergency care services and state-of- the-art equipment — all free.
An online raffle begins March 10. Tickets will also be available at the gala, plus silent and live auctions.
To become a sponsor, advertise in the program, or donate a product or service to the raffle or auctions, email abelport@westonems.com
Tickets are on sale now. To purchase tickets, click here and scroll down. Questions? Email gala@westonems.com.
Sarah Jane Cion returns to Jazz at the Post this Thursday (January 26, shows at 7:30 and 8:45 p.m.; dinner at 7).
First place winner of the 17th annual Great American Jazz Piano Competition, and a thoughtful composer, her songs “Cat in the Hat” and “Golden Song” were featured respectively in “The Mule” and “Thor: The Dark World.”
Joining Sarah Jane are bassist Peter Brendler, drummer Michael Camacho and saxophonist Greg “The Jazz Rabbi” Wall.
The cover charge is $15. Reservations are strongly recommended: JazzatthePost@gmail.com.
And finally … if you’re ready for the ’80s (as in, the Kings Highway Elementary School fundraiser — story above), then you must get up and dance to this:
(“06880” hasn’t been around since the 1980s. But we’ve covered Westport — and have not missed a day — since 2009. Please click here to support your hyper-local blog.)
Sure, it’s become an overly commercialized, hopelessly hyped holiday — one that, Jon Stewart hilariously points out, has morphed from celebrating some guy’s “birthday,” on through “12 days,” and now threatens to gobble up Thanksgiving.
But in many ways this is still the most won-der-ful time of the year. Warm gatherings ’round fires, brightly lit windows, wreaths up the wazoo — Westport glows and dazzles during December.
Still, some of our celebrations can’t hold a candle to Christmases past.
Back in the day — at least, this is how I dimly remember it — dozens of decorated trees stood atop Compo Shopping Center.
In the middle of Main Street, Gene Hallowell lowered the hydraulic lifts at his downtown Mobil station. He covered them with tablecloths, cooked up meatballs and other comfort food, and hosted everyone for a day-long feast. You didn’t have to be a customer to share in the Hallowell holiday cheer.
At least one downtown Christmas tradition remains. Tomorrow (Saturday), Staples’ Orphenians will carol downtown. Their joyful music more than makes up for the fact that Main Street has not yet fully recovered from Hurricane Sandy.
George Weigle conducts the Orphenians on Main Street, circa 1981.
If you want to see this great a cappella group, they start at 2 p.m. in front of Gene Hallowell’s old Mobil station.
Or, as we now call it: Vineyard Vines.
(Do you remember an old Westport holiday tradition? Click “Comments” to share.)
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