Westport’s Independence Day celebration is always special.
But this year — as our nation turns 250 — our fireworks will be off the charts.
Longtime residents Melissa and Doug Bernstein, the Police Athletic League and Parks & Recreation Department have teamed up to create Westport’s most spectacular celebration since our forefathers chased the British back to ships off (appropriately) Compo Beach.
The July 2 event includes brand new, never-before-seen fireworks effects, unveiled by Grucci over Long Island Sound, plus an extended, extraordinary finale.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein, at last year’s fireworks. This year’s will be even more spectacular, they promise.
But wait! There’s more!
The Bernsteins are giving free “FlowArt Guided Art Pads” to every family that buys a ticket to get into Compo Beach. (Ticket proceeds benefit Westport PAL, and their programs and scholarships that serve thousands of youngsters.).
FlowArt Guided Art Pads are the latest product from the Bernsteins’ new venture Lifelines — and the most popular item in their 35 years making products.
Every family gets this free custom-for-Westport gift with a fireworks ticket, courtesy of Melissa and Doug Bernstein.
But wait! There’s more!
This is not any old art pad. Melissa and Doug have designed a special limited edition custom, just for Westport.
The Bernsteins say, “This is our favorite time of year, seeing this amazing community gather together for such a joy-filled event.
“Knowing we waited 250 years for this very special anniversary, we pulled out all the stops to make this year’s celebration the best ever.”
Tickets are on sale now, at Police headquarters on Jesup Green (24 hours a day, 7 days a week) and the Parks & Recreation office at Longshore, near the first tee (during business hours).
But wait! There’s more! Get those tickets early. They always sell out!
Westport PAL president Craig Bergamo (4th from right) hands the first 2026 fireworks ticket to Melissa Bernstein. Also at the historic Compo Beach cannons for the ceremony (from left) Police Chief Dave Farrell, Parks & Recreation officials Jamie Boone, Ryan Burke, Carm Roda and Nick Quatrano, 1st Selectman Kevin Christie, Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation’s Michael Giunta and director Erik Barbieri, Deputy Police Chief Ryan Paulsson. (Photo/Dan Woog)
They’ve partnered with Westport PAL, sponsors of the July 2 event. The Swag Lab is donating wristbands. Parents can write emergency contact information on them, then fasten them around their children’s wrists.
They’ll be available free at the Westport Police station and Parks & Recreation Department office, where fireworks tickets can be purchased beginning June 1 and June 3, respectively. You can contact email stacey@theswaglab.com for them too.
Levkoff will eave some at the lifeguard station too, the afternoon and evening of the big event.
Meanwhile, watch “06880” for more fireworks news!
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Today is World Hunger Day.
It’s a global event. But it hits home, right here in Westport.
Every single week. Homes with Hope’s Gillespie Center food pantry serves over 300 households facing food insecurity.
That’s not an abstraction. Those are neighbors in need.
But the work can’t happen without help.
Many Westporters donate food, and help stock shelves. But on World Hunger Day you can help right now, right here.
Homes with Hope’s Amazon Wishlist allows you to browse what’s needed most. Just click here, and pick your items. Your donation ships right to the Gillespie Center.
Homes with Hope, Westport Rotary Club and Westport Police members unpack food, at the Gillespie Center. You can send supplies directly there, through Homes with Hope’s Amazons Wishlist.
The 2026-27 Westport Country Playhouse season features 6 shows — and 2 are world premieres.
Artistic director Mark Shanahan introduced the plays yesterday, before an enthusiastic Sheffer Barn crown.
Speaking passionately about the importance of live theater, as the historic Playhouse enters its 96th year, he praised the variety of the upcoming offerings. In a “dour world,” he said, all 6 productions will be “filled with possibilities, and lift people up.”
Three will be 3 weeks in length; the others will be shorter runs. They are:
“Ken Ludwig’s Pride and Prejudice Part 2: Napoleon at Pemberley” (world premiere; October 20-November 7)
“A Sherlock Carol” (written and directed by Shanahan, returning for a 4th season: December 12-20)
“Murder For Two” (musical comedy mystery; March 4-7)
“The Pancake Club” (world premiere; a Script in Hand selection, now staged by popular demand; April 20-May 8)
“The Goldsmith” (another Script in Hand selection; May 19-22)
Mark Shanahan introduces the 2026-27 season. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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“Unvaccinated Under God” is the title of a compelling book just published by Dr. Kira Ganga Kieffer.
It’s also the focus of a special Westport Library discussion on June 4 (7 p.m.).
The event — part of the “Saugatuck Scribes” series spotlighting Westport authors — features aconversation with primary care physician Dr. Caroline Andrew.
Both graduated from Staples High School and Brown University.
Vaccine hesitancy in America is not new. In her book, Kieffer ties debates over vaccine safety and mandatory vaccinations with “existential concerns about justice and morality.” She says that vaccine hesitancy here is a religious expression — not the product of scientific misinformation.
Kieffer is a scholar of American religions, history, culture and politics. She is a visiting assistant professor of religious studies at Fairfield University, after teaching at Boston University, the University of Vermont and Wesleyan University. The Brown University graduate now lives in Westport with her husband and daughter.
Sure, the Levitt Pavilion (Tedeschi Trucks, Cyndi Lauper) and Westport Library (Wyclef Jean, The Wallflowers)) rock the music world.
And the Westport Country Playhouse regularly showcases stars like Audra McDonald and Judy Collins.
But don’t overlook the VFW. Post 399 — on the river, at the Riverside/Saugatuck Avenue split — hosts some legendary names too. (Most recently: Corky Laing, former Mountain drummer.)
On June 27 (6:30 p.m. doors, 7:30 music), it’s Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Mark Naftalin.
The Paul Butterfield Band keyboardist — and longtime Westport resident — joins Connecticut Blues Hall of Famer Paul Gabriel, Connecticut Blues Challenge winner Mark Zaretsky, and bassist Paul Opalach, drummer Nick Longo and singer Washboard Slim, in a must-see show.
Tickets are $20 (cash only), at the door.
Mark Naftalin (Photo copyright DinkinESH Fotografix)
Westport Police made 1 custodial arrest between May 13 and 26.
A 19-year-old Trumbull man was charged with reckless driving, engaging police in pursuit, interfering with an officer, improper passing, failure to drive right and failure to display plates, following a May 19 incident. The motorcyclist cut in front of an officer on Post Road East, past a vehicle in a no-passing area, then cut between traffic when signaled to stop. The officer provided a description; a Westport detective observed the biker at Sasco Beach in Fairfield. He attempted to flee, but dropped the motorcycle in the sand. He was released on a $6,000 bond.
Westport Police also issued these citations:
Failure to obey state traffic commission regulations: 16 citations
Traveling unreasonably fast: 13
Failure to obey stop sign: 9
Failure to renew registration: 7
Texting while driving: 6
Distracted driving: 2
School zone violation: 3
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle: 2
Failure to insure motor vehicle: 2
School zone violation, 2nd offense: 2
Improper passing: 2
Failure to drive in the proper lane: 2
Improper turn: 2
Improper use of markers: 2
Speeding: 1
Following too closely: 1
Failure to grant right of way: 1
Failure to obey traffic control signals: 1
Operating a motor vehicle under suspension: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without a license: 1
Operating a motor vehicle without minimum insurance: 1
Failure to carry registration: 1
It’s not a good idea to cut in front of a police officer.
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Every dog has its days.
And these (at least 6) had theirs — a “Westport … Naturally” day — recently, in Greens Farms.
And finally … happy 82nd birthday to Gladys Knight, and 81st to John Fogerty!
(Another day, another Roundup, another chance to learn all about Westport — what to do, how to help. If you appreciate our 24/7/365 work, please click here to support this hyper-local blog. Thank you!)
We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: Westport’s fireworks are the best party of the year.
But — like any party — it doesn’t happen without tons of work.
Planning takes months. The day of the event is long, hard and very stressful.
And even when the party is over, the clean-up work continues.
Our annual celebration seems to run like clockwork. This year’s was especially flawless. (A record may have been set: only 2 lost children.)
So how did it happen?
A lot of groups worked a lot of hours. With a lot of collaboration.
Thanks go to:
Parks & Recreation Department. They’re the front lines — and the back room (and everything and everywhere in between). The fireworks are an all-hands-on-deck event, and everyone from director Erik Barbieri (overseeing his first one), deputies Rick Giunta and Carm Roda (definitely not their first rodeos), down to the lifeguards and newest summer employees, pitched in.
From parking assistance and emptying trash all day long, to reuniting those 2 lost kids with their parents, Parks & Rec did it all. Special thanks to the clean-up crews, who went to work the moment the first revelers left after the last firework, leaving behind mammoth piles of chairs, tables, towels, flip-flops, food and other garbage.
By dawn the next morning, it was all gone. A kerfuffle ensued on Westport Front Porch, when a Westporter wondered why the clean-up had been so efficient that when she went back the next day to retrieve her stuff, it was gone. I’m paraphrasing here, but you get the idea. No good dead — or pristine beach — goes unpunished.
An early trash pick-up, long before the big crowds arrive. (Photo/Dan Woog)
Police Department. This was Dave Farrell’s first fireworks as chief, and his men and women nailed it. They too were everwhere — in cars, on bicycles, on foot and on the water — with constant smiles, and an eagerness to help. They were assisted by officers from other towns. And, it seems safe to say, they returned the favor on other days, for those colleagues’ pyrotechnics.
Fire Department. You never know what might happen, at an event that draws 10,000 people. But the presence of so many firefighters — with all their equipment — was reassuring to all. They were not called on for anything major, so they had plenty of time to offer little kids up-close look at their gleaming trucks, and toots on the (very) loud sirens.
Emergency Medical Services.Our paid and volunteer staffs were all over the place too. They are sometimes overlooked — particularly on a day that was as incident-free as possible — but we would be nowhere without them (and their ambulances, parked strategically and ready for everything).
First responders, smiling but ready if needed. (Photo/Laurie Sorensen)
Westport PAL. They’re the beneficiaries of the parking permits. The money they raise helps fund sports and scholarship programs that impact thousands of youngsters. But PAL volunteers work hard, before and during the fireworks, to earn their donations. Congratulations to PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo, and his crew, for their part in the party.
Melissa and Doug Bernstein.They’ve sold their toy company. But as devoted Westporters, they continue to pay for the show — out of their own, personal pockets. If there’s a better way to show your love for this town, I’d like to hear it.
Thanks to all I’ve mentioned (and I sure hope I haven’t missed anyone).
The 2025 fireworks are now now just a memory. But we would not have that memory — or the smiles on our faces — without you.
Doug and Melissa Bernstein. (Photo/Dan Woog)
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Students design an app using any programming language on any platform, with no limits on topic or function. Winners from each congressional district have their apps featured online — and in the US Capitol.
And the winners this year for Connecticut’s 4th Congressional District are … Rohan Sareen and Sahil Vora.
The Staples High School sophomores’ app — “Neighborly Impact” — was selected by Representative Jim Himes, for its innovation, design and real-worldl impact.
The app allows neighbors to connect, and get items, medicine, and services.
Rohan and Sahil — the first Staples students to win the contest — are finalizing several safety features. It will then be released to the public.
Himes honored the enterprising pair last month in Washington, at the #HouseofCode ceremony.
Sahil Vora, Rohan Sareen and Congressman Jim Himes, in Washington.
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Saturday was “Clean Up Westport Day.”
To celebrate, members of Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399, and the VFW Auxiliary, picked up litter and beautified nearby Riverside Avenue.
“Our members are proud to give back to Westport,” says VFW quartermaster Phil Delgado. “Events like this allow us to stay connected to the town, and each other.”
Cleaning up at the VFW (from left): Bob Rogers, Janice Veno, Frank Veno, Steve Jenkins, Buyile Rani, Betsy Shoupm Phil Delgado. Photo/ Patty Kondub)
On the other side of the river, the Democratic Women of Westport (and one Democratic Man) cleaned up Grace Salmon Park.
Rear, from left: Nancy Axthelm, Tracy Porosoff, Allyson Stollenwerck, Becky Martin, Abby Tolan. Front: Sal Liccione. Not pictured: Candace Banks, Jessica Hill, Joan Gillman.
Speaking of clean-ups: Josh Berkowsky wants to organize another one.
He and the Saugatuck Congregational Church usually help out at Riverside Park. However, there’s a (good) problem: It’s improved dramatically over the past few years. There’s considereably less trash there. (Thanks, Parks & Rec Department!)
Josh has been checking out new spots. But he doesn’t know every place in Westport. So he asked “06880” to help find “trash-covered waterways or shorelines.”
If you know of one for Josh, the Church (and others — maybe you?) to tackle, email jberkowsky1@gmail.com. Put “Trash” in the subject line.
Speaking of the environment: Bike Westport sends along news of the Drive-Less Challenge.
Sponsored by CTRides, the event promotes alternatives to driving. There are more than most people realize: train, bus, scooter, carpool, vanpool, bike, walk, telecommute.
And, in Westport, Wheels2U.
For every 17 car trips eliminated, CTRides will plant 1 tree.
Need an incentive beyond helping the environment? Just download the “CTRides” app, or click here. Record your non-car trips, from now through May 31.
For every 1+ trips, you’re eligible to win 1 of 10 $25 gift cards. For 20 or more trips, you can win 1 of 4 $100 cards. For 30+ trips, you can win 1 of 2 $250 gift cards — and for 50 or more trips, you’re eligible for a $500 card.
As of yesterday, CTRides recorded 9,518 car trips eliminated; 149,953 miles, $104,967 and 6,606 gallons of gas saved. So far too, 559 trees will be planted.
Speaking of the beach: It’s not too early to think about the fireworks.
And to worry about them.
Alert reader Sunil Hirani sent a news article about President Trump’s tariffs. It notes that over 90% of fireworks used in the US are imported — and 95% of those imports come from China.
“06880” reached out to Corporal Craig Bergamo, president of the Independence Day’s longtime sponsor, Westport PAL.
He replied quickly. He’s checked with his fireworks guy, who says everything is okay.
Party on!
(Photo/Elissa Moses)
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Over 225 people enjoyed the next best thing to Creedence Clearwater Revival Saturday night, at the Westport Library.
Green River — the CCR/John Fogerty tribute band — rocked all their hits.
It was part of “Supper & Soul,” the Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce’s ongoing series that combines dinner at one of 11 restaurants, a concert, and after-party drinks.
Next up for the Chamber: the much-loved Dog Festival, May 18 at Winslow Park.
Green River, at Supper & Soul. (Photo/Matthew Mandell)
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For a cemetery, there’s a lot of life at Willowbrook.
JC Martin offers today’s lively “Westport … Naturally” shot, of a mallard in the water just off Main Street:
(Another Monday, another week of “06880” Roundups. They’re informative and fun … but they don’t just fall from the sky. Please click here to support our work. Thank you!)
Spectacular weather, a great vibe on a crowded beach, enough food to feed an army (though far better than any mess hall), and a sea of red, white and blue provided a perfect backdrop for last night’s 2-days-early 4th of July fireworks.
Westport PAL, Melissa and Doug Bernstein, Parks & Recreation — and everyone else who helped — threw what is always our town’s best party of the year.
And this one was right up there with the best of the best.
Here are some images from the day. Stay tuned for a second set later today.
Compo Beach, from the air. Can you find yourself? (Drone photo/Charlie Scott)
A small part of the large crowd. (Photo/Amy Saperstein)
Young families already know the drill ,,,
… and so do those who have been here a while.
Relaxing, a bit away from the crowd.
Stacie Curran and Jim Izzo.
Lifeguards had a long day. Downtime was always welcome.
Cornhole was fun too, at Old Mill Beach.
Camp Compo artwork. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Mom and daughter: red, white and blue.
Westport PAL president Corporal Craig Bergamo. flanked by PAL representatives Duke Saltus (left) and Andrew Colabella.
… and the view from the water. (Photo courtesy of Linda Mezzullo)
Cool stuff for sale. (Photo/Dinkin Fotografix)
Flags and guns, for sale. (All photos/Dan Woog unless otherwise noted)
The view from Longshore. (Photo/Amy Buckman)
The finale! (Photo/Matt Murray)
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The final ticket was just taken for tonight’s fireworks.
Don’t even think of heading to Compo Beach without one.
Folks with tickets, meanwhile, began preparing early for tonight’s fun.
This was Compo Beach at 8 a.m.:
(Photo/Amy Schneider)
Not far away was this scene. (Photo/Abby Gordon-Tolan)
Meanwhile, “06880” reader James Morgan offered these thoughts, in a comment posted earlier today:
“Here we go again, the yearly whine fest from people who assume everybody that doesn’t behave like them is somehow an entitled interloper with no sense of community mindfulness.
“I’m not going this year, but can’t help but feel compelled to share a few observations:
“It’s a Tuesday ahead of what is going to be a long weekend. There are not going to be hordes of people trying to enjoy the beach such that any of these set ups are going to prevent them from doing so. In fact, because of Westport’s decision to schedule away from busy weekend days, this is never an issue.
“Also, because it’s a Tuesday, the world around us is in full swing, with parents working and kids in camp. Preventing people from setting up early would only create more chaos for a major part of our community that don’t have the luxury of sauntering over later in the afternoon
“If you doubt the community spirit of the groups that set up early, come back in the late afternoon. The best of Westport is on display when the beach is full, and I’ve never heard a single story of people fighting over territory or crossing boundaries, or anything else. Instead, it’s sharing drinks and snacks, catching up, making new friends, and appreciating how lucky we are to live in this town
“Oh, and if you are able to make it down to the beach in some capacity during the day today, I’d recommend spending less time worrying about what other people are doing, and more time grateful that life has afforded you the ability to do that.
“That’s certainly my plan when I head over for a run and quick dip later this morning.”
At 6 a.m., the first spots were already reserved for tonight’s fireworks.
(Photo/Pam Kesselman)
This was the scene at 6:30:
(Photo/Jonathan Alloy)
At 6:40, there was this:
(Photo/Susie Kowalsky)
Ghost encampments will continue to sprout all morning long.
Some will be normal, considerate-of-neighbor-sized. Others will be the Compo Beach equivalent of McMansions.
The upside: The trend of setting up for a party ahead of time has lessened the traffic trying to enter the beach the moment it opens to ticket-holders, at around 4:30 or 5.
NOTE: As of 7:30 a.m., only 15 tickets for tonight’s show remained. They’re being sold today at police headquarters on Jesup Road only.
Organic Krush — the property they were replacing — vociferously said “not true!”
It was. But it took 2 years for it to happen.
The sign is now up. The targeted opening date is the end of this month.
(Photo courtesy of WestportMoms)
As “06880” reported in early June — and WestportMoms alluded to yesterday, in the Sweetgreen announcement — Just Salad is likely to replace Salsa Fresca “before the end of the year.”
Brooks Corner — the 23,945-square foot retail and office complex in the heart of downtown Westport — has been sold.
ARC — a Concord, Massachusetts-based real estate acquisition, development and management firm — bought the property from Westfair Inc., the Brooks family company.
The purchase price was $12,750,000.
Brooks Corner is anchored by Brooks Brothers (no relation to the family that built it), and Lux Bond & Green.
Brooks Corner
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There was no wind, rain or any other precipitating factor.
But a large tree fell just before 9 a.m. yesterday on Easton Road, near Coleytown Elementary School.
Branches hit a car driving past. The driver veered into a stone wall. There were no reported injuries.
More than 50 Eversource customers lost power.
(Photo/Mark Mathias)
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The Residence at Westport is a senior living community.
But they’ve adopted our town’s youngsters as a cause.
From now through August 31, they’re collecting backpacks and school supplies, to support students in need.
Items can be dropped off in the lobby. The Residence is at 1141 Post Road East, opposite Greens Farms Elementary School.
Westport Rotary Club outgoing president Kenny Epstein passed the gavel to new president Goldie James at the annual traditional dinner on Friday, at Ned Dimes Marina.
Over 70 members ate lobsters, watched the new board sworn in, and enjoyed awards and gifts, as Rotary rang in its 101st year.
Kenny Epstein passes the gavel to Goldie James. (Photo/Dave Matlow)
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Ewen Rainer grew up in New Jersey. Jennifer Leigh is from the Branford area. They now live in Charleston, South Carolina.
They planned a religious wedding in Italy. But they wanted a civil one in the US, before heading overseas.
What better place than Westport?
But where? And who would perform it?
They got a list of justices of the peace from Town Hall. They chose Andrew Colabella, based on his close associations with Westport.
In May, the Representative Town Meeting member performed the ceremony on Veterans Green. A dinner, with family members who could not travel overseas, followed at Saugatuck Rowing Club.
The couple is back in the States. They’ve got great memories of Italy — and Westport.
Justice of the peace Andrew Colabella (left), with Ewen Rainer and Jennifer Leigh.
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Wondering how space environments threaten exoplanet habitability?
Dr. Ofer Cohen — an associate professor at the University of Massaschusetts -Lowell Center for Space Science & Technology — answers that question July 16 (8 p.m.), in a free Westport Astronomical Society webinar.
Tomorrow’s (Tuesday) PAL fireworks display is one of the best days of the year.
And also the one with the heaviest amount of (planned) traffic.
All roads south of Greens Farms Road, between Compo Road South and Hillspoint Road, are affected.
Westport Police recommend that attendees plan to arrive early. Traffic delays are inevitable.
The beach will close at 4 p.m. Only vehicles with fireworks passes hanging on rearview mirrors can remain. All others will be ticketed or towed.
The beach should reopen to ticket holders by 5 p.m.
Parks & Recreation staff make entry to the fireworks easy.
For ticket holders:
Access to the fireworks is through South Compo Road only. Hillspoint Road south of Greens Farms Road will be only to residents south of that intersection.
Attendees should display their ticket on the rearview mirror.
All ticket holders must be inside Compo Beach by 9 p.m. No vehicular beach traffic will be allowed south of the Minute Man monument after that time.
Handicap parking is available between the cannons and the pavilion, on a first-come, first-served basis.
If you do not have a ticket:
Vehicles without a ticket will not be able to go any further towards Compo Beach than the Minute Man monument.
Anyone using Uber, Lyft or taxi services will be directed straight past the Minute Man, on Compo Road South. Visitors can walk from Compo Road South and Soundview Drive to the beach.
NOTE: If you use this method of transportation, return service will not be available until after 11 p.m., due to one-way traffic exiting the beach area.
IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR POST-FIREWORKS TRAFFIC
Just prior to the conclusion of the fireworks display, 2-way traffic will be suspended on Compo Beach Road and South Compo Road to the intersection of Greens Farms Road. There will be 2 lanes of northbound traffic until the beach is cleared.
Residents of this area will encounter delays getting home for approximately one hour, or until traffic has cleared from the beach area.
Anyone planning to pick up people in the beach area should also plan for delays.
There are lots of people at the fireworks (even if they’re not there all afternoon). But after everyone arrives — and the final firework is shot — getting home takes awhile. (Photos/Dan Woog)
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