2025 Westport Holiday Stroll Better Than Ever!
Dan Woog’s annual 06880 Holiday Stroll, the 5th year for this much anticipated holiday event had something for everyone to help get into the holiday spirit. Headlining the entertainment was the Staples Orphenians sharing their beautiful voices in multiple locations, including next to the new, old looking clock which was recently installed and was inspired by the famous Grand Central Station clock in NYC. Adorable pigs with antlers took their place in the center of it all to the amusement of many of the more than estimated 1500 or more attendees helping make the night a big success.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Folks gathered around a pair of fire pits not just to get warm, but to make the tasty Smores that everyone loves.
The Elm & Main shopping plaza, formerly known as Brooks Corner was the site of several fun stops for visitors with activities galore. A long line formed at the Photo Booth which was housed in a small trailer. The Clubhouse, on Post Road East provided a chance for competitors to channel their inner UConn Husky and see how many baskets they could sink in a set period of time. A pair of booths including Dunkin Donuts helped folks warm up with hot chocolate.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The Staples Orphenians drew a big crowd to Main St. near The Gap as they sang holiday favorites before they made other stops to entertain visitors.
Also at the plaza, excited children waited to give Santa their wish list for what they will find under the tree on Christmas morning. And of course, Yogi Bear, the Mayor Of Westport made sure he go in on the fun and grabbed another pic for his collection.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of the most fun and entertaining stops on the stroll, courtesy of Riverside Realty was a chance to get up close and personal with a pair of adorable and very friendly (if you had popcorn handy) pigs. One brave group of girls had a chance to take a turn at “pig yoga” with the pig’s owner sprinkling popcorn all over the girls which the eager pigs wasted no time in scarfing down.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
West Elm was a great place to visit to see their beautifully decorated Christmas Trees. Ten week old Poppy became a little tired from all the excitement and snuggled up with Dad, Mike. She perked up quickly when Mom Leona came back and the family took a moment to celebrate Poppy’s first Christmas event with a quick photo by the tree.
Savy & Grace made it much easier for kids to get their wish list for presents to Santa with a direct mail connection to the North Pole.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Downtown Westport Sparkles For The Holidays
Church Street looks especially warm and inviting despite the chilly temperatures.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge.
Main Street and Church Street are glowing more than usual with the holiday lights welcoming shoppers.
Saturday Westport will host Dan Woog’s 06880 Holiday Stroll once again this year, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM.
End Of An Era: Democrat Kevin Christie Elected First Selectman
U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal swearing in Kevin Christie as First Selectman along with his wife Gina and their twin children, son Ethan and daughter Skye.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
The election for Selectman this year saw Democrats Kevin Christie and Amy Wistreich defeat Don O’Day and Andrea Moore, and Independent David Rosenwaks to become the first Democratic leadership team in Town Hall in twelve years. O’Day had been a lifelong Democrat prior to changing parties to run on the ticket with Republican Moore. As a result of his vote tally, O’Day is not the town’s Third Selectman.
Christie and Wistreich replace First Selectwoman Jen Tooker and Second Selectwoman Andrea Moore whom barely defeated Democrat State Representative Jonathan Steinberg and Candice Savin in 2021 by less than 70 votes. Savin served as Second Selectwoman after that election. Tooker, who served as Second Selectwoman along with Republican First Selectman Jim Marpe since their 2017 victory, opted not to run for a second term as First Selectwoman instead choosing to attempt a run as CT Governor which never really materialized.
Above: Senator Blumenthal congratulates First Selectman Kevin Christie while his family enjoy the exciting moment, while wife Gina, son Ethan and daughter Skye look on. Christie then addressed the packed town hall auditorium describing his gratitude for the honor and laying out some of his vision for the leadership of the town of Westport.
Above: Following the oath of office by Christie and Wistreich, Town Clerk Jeffrey M. Dunkerton takes a selfie. U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal speaks on behalf to the new team, then takes a selfie with Christie. At right, Secretary of State Stephanie Thomas, is photographed along with RTM district 9 member Addison Moore, Christie and Senator Bleumenthal.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Spooky, Scary, Cute & Cuddly - Westport Halloween Parade Had It All!
The Westport Halloween Parade last month was, as always a delight for children and their parents, many of whom went all out in the creativity department looking their best to celebrate the much loved annual event. Here are some of the many trick-or-treaters who strolled up Main Street stopping at merchant after merchant to fill their bags, sacks or buckets with lots of candy.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Each year the partnership between Westport P.A.L, Westport Parks & Recreation and the Downtown Merchants Association come together to create this fun-filled Halloween tradition.
Westport canines are always a welcome addition with some getting into the Halloween spirit with some creative costumes while others just take in the sights and sounds.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Above, right, Westport PD Deputy Chief Ryan Paulson and Chief David Farrell joined the festivities as they walked up Main St. while Westport PD officers were happy to pose for photos with the excited trick-or-treatersand share candy and PD swag. Planning & Zoning Commission Chair Danielle Dobin (bottom, right) wasn’t an actual policewoman, but was happy to do her part as she does each year.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.