J.C. Martin 8/5/26 J.C. Martin 8/5/26

Hopalong Andrew Says "Howdy Pardners" At The Levitt Pavilion Children's Show

On Wednesday July 29th Westport families enjoyed a real treat when New York City’s famous singing cowboy Hopalong Andrew returned once again to the Levitt Pavilion with his five-piece band.
Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍**Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.**

Singing clever and whimsical cowboy songs about city life performed in the great tradition of the American West, Hopalong Andrew pays homage to the singing cowboys and folk singers of yesteryear. It is high-spirited music meant for the all ages to enjoy, and enjoy they did, on a summer night which got off to a rough start with rain which fortunately ended just as Hopalong Andrew took the stage.

Andrew punctuated his performance with hijinks that delighted his young audience. He showed off his ropin' skills at one point lassoing a plush taxi cab perched on a stand. He loves to interact with his audience going into the crowd to sing and show off his cowboying skills.

More about Andrew:

Hopalong Andrew is a folk and western music artist from New York City who performs original and traditional songs, and often tapped by presenters for his “family music” appeal. His recordings include his multi-award-winning debut album “Howdy Do!” (2018) which celebrates city life and it’s inspirational “Can-Do Spirit.” His long-awaited follow-up release, “Everybody’s Invited to the Party,” is coming soon.

Everybody’s Invited to the Party is a richly produced, Americana-inspired album that brings the incredible-but-true multicultural heritage of the American West to life through the voice of the cowboy. Blending storytelling, humor, and history, the songs invite listeners of all ages into a shared musical experience—one that feels equally at home in the living room, the car, or out on the dusty trail.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

He often invites members of the audience to join him on stage to enhance their show experience. Here, the kids were invited to do their “buffalo dance”.

The new album features members of Bob Dylan’s band, Lake Street Dive, Bonny Light Horseman, and JRAD—along with a remarkable group of collaborators, including 19 GRAMMY winners and nominees—the album showcases a wide-ranging musical palette, from cinematic Western arrangements to folk, funk, Latin, and roots-inspired grooves. The album recognizes the cowboy as a co-created cultural icon—shaped and shared by the many voices and traditions within the interwoven tapestry of peoples that have comprised the American West. It celebrates this common heritage and the enduring “can-do spirit” that continues to bring people together across time and place.

Hopalong Andrew performs large concerts with a full band for major events and renowned national venues such as Wolf Trap National Park (VA), Levitt Pavilion (CT), State Theatre (NJ), Lancaster Fair (NH), New York Public Library, Central Park, Bryant Park, Oldtone Music Festival, Brooklyn Folk Festival, and many more. He also performs very a popular weekday morning concert series — as a one-man band in his hometown of New York City as chronicled in the May 2023 New York Magazine feature: “Hopalong Andrew Is the Hardest Working Cowboy Musician in Brooklyn”.

To find other performances and to stream his award-winning music online visit HopalongAndrew.

J.C. Martin 8/3/26 J.C. Martin 8/3/26

Soundview Stroll Another Big Hit Of Summer In Westport

Soundview Drive, a very happy place on any day was even happier last Sunday, July 26, 2026 when the 3rd annual Soundview Stroll turned one of Westport’s favorite places to walk, jog or cycle into a pedestrian only street fair. There was great food and great music as well as many activities for kids to enjoy on a beautiful summer day.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

There were four bands including the Drew Angus band (above), and Westport Pride was out in force with Harris & Liz Falk and Sal Liccione manning the booth promoting the many events the organization sponsors. One of Romanacci's pizza artisans was busy trying to keep up with the high demand as more than two thousand Westporters and neighbors came to enjoy the event.

The event began in 2024 by 06880 and Dan Woog who joined with the Compo Beach Improvement Association, the Hirani family and Westport Parks & Recreation Department as a way for folks in town to gather, chat and enjoy a fun-filled street fair alongside the backdrop of one of the towns favorite most beautiful vistas, Compo Beach. This 3rd year was more popular than ever.

There were multiple booths from more than a dozen various organizations from the Westport Weston YMCA, Pink Aid, the group bringing awareness about the fight against breast cancer and the Westport Rotary promoting their upcoming signature event, Lobsterfest.

Katherine Murray representing Westport-based nonprofit organization Homes With Hope was joined by volunteers to inform visitors about their mission to prevent and end homelessness in Fairfield County. With the election a few months away, The League Of Women voters was on hand to help with all things election related and the local chapter of the Alzheimer's Association was promoting their annual WalkTo End Alzheimer's at Sherwood Island State Park in October.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Westport Cub Scouts invited visitors to indicate on their map the answer to the question, “What Do You Love About Westport?” showing some of their favorite spots in town. This was a favorite stop for the kids who loved interactivity “in real life” as opposed to on-screen options.

The Drew Angus Band pictured above and below, a well-know group started by a Staples grad Drew Angus performed along with Ethan Walmark, Owen Daniel, and Westport's mostly physician band DNR.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The warm, sunny day made for a great stop at Oggi Gelato, an international brand founded by master gelato maker Carmelo Chiaramida who partnered with Romanacci founders Maurizio and Graziano Ricci who own the U.S. operations and opened the first store in Norwalk next to one of the brothers’ restaurant.

Old Mill Grocery & Deli by Romanacci staff was kept quite busy serving hungry visitors who often followed the brother’s delicious pizza offering with their mouth watering gelato.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

It is hard to find an event in town where you don’t see great dogs and beautiful women including this proud Yorkie owner and two ladies of the Westport Women’s Club.

There were many activities for kids this fine day and one of the most popular was a chance to demonstrate their skill at throwing small “water balloons”

First, they loaded up from the white bucket of water and then it was time to give their throwing arms a workout.

As always, face painting was one of the stops for kids as were various arts and crafts stations.

Some Soundview Strollers brought their beach chairs to get comfortable and listen to the music. Others found a seat on the wall along Soundview Drive.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

(top row) The Special Education Network, the parent and community advocacy group which is trying to bring attention to the needs of special education students in Westport schools provided info on their mission as did Earthplace, one of our town’s true gems, and also present was Sustainable Westport and the Westport Swim Club.

J.C. Martin 7/30/26 J.C. Martin 7/30/26

Quack! Quack! It Was A GREAT Duck Race!

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Each year the Westport Sunrise Rotary holds an event to raise much needed funds for a great many charitable and non profit organizations know as The Great Duck Race. Each year the Sunrise Rotary's small army of dedicated volunteers works tirelessly to bring this cherished Westport tradition to life once again to Jesup Green alongside the Saugatuck river.

Above, volunteers take a minute for a quick snap and First Selectman Kevin Christie is joined by Sunrise Rotarian Charlie Haberstroh, a former town official who has helped run the event for several years. Among the onlookers were long-time sponsor Roger Leifer and wife Beryl.

There was a brief, light shower which brought out a sea of umbrellas but did nothing to dampen the spirits of Duck Race fans, especially those who are hoping for a share of the $10,000. prize money for the first 10 little ducks to cross the “finish line”.

The big moment draws near as the front loader filled with more than 3,000 rubber duckies is ready to head to the starting line.

This year, thanks to the generosity of Westport and area families, The 17th Annual Great Duck Race was able to generate more than $100,000 in proceeds selling 3,262 ducks, eclipsing last year where 3,233 tickets were sold. Each ticket entitles the purchaser to their little rubber duck which races down the flume toward the finish line in a thrilling competition to see which ones will grab some of the $10,000 in prize money.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Charlie announces to the audience that they are ready to go, and the ducks are brought to the starting line and slowly dumped into to sluice where the “dam” is lifted launching the thousands toward the finish line.

First Selectman Kevin Christie provides the “play-by-play” as the duckies jockey for the lead as they head to the finish line.

All eyes are on the ducks as they approach the point where, one-by-one the numbered ducks will squeeze through the “funnel” and be plucked by a volunteer and lucky ducks will earn the winners their prize money.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Everything was gong according to plan until it wasn't! Two or three of the lead ducks all tried to squeeze through the "funnel" at the same time, causing a jam which caused the race to screech to a halt until quick thinking volunteers decided to grab a stake and stir the "pond" a bit until the strongest finisher fought its way through the "funnel", and the selection of the winners continued after a brief delay until all ten were finally chosen and the race was concluded.

This year's big winner was Lindley Maglio whose duck finished first grabbing the $5,000 first prize. Jeb Epstein took the second prize of $1,000. The 3rd through 10th place finishers were awarded $500 and included Ann Wortman, Terry Eldh, David Press, Gary Munowitz, Rober Mullany, Ginger Propper, Lindsay Wheeler and Stacey Goodwin.

Always a highlight for younger race fans when the race concludes is the opportunity for them to jump into the flume and help the volunteers gather up the thousands of ducks and splash around, cooling off from the warm temperature of the day.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

One of the Sunrise Rotary volunteers was inspired by the music and enthusiastically his dance moves.

With the results in it was time for the volunteers break down all things Duck Race as visitors took a last look at some of the offerings. The last task was deflating ”Sunny” the iconic Duck Race symbol and packing up to await next year’s event.

J.C. Martin 7/6/26 J.C. Martin 7/6/26

Story Update: Spectacular Melissa & Doug & Westport PAL Fireworks

Read WestportLocal’s interview of Grucci Fireworks CEO Phil Grucci of America’s First Family Of Fireworks here and learn how they have been providing exceptional pyrotechnic programs to Westport for 23 years.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Westporters have celebrated the Independence Day holiday each year at Compo Beach where they have enjoyed spectacular fireworks displays with the beautiful backdrop of Long Island sound. What they may not be aware of is that these always thrilling shows originated just across the sound in Bellport, Long Island.

Fireworks by Grucci, a sixth-generation family enterprise that began in Italy in 1850, has been providing Westport audiences state of the art pyrotechnics for 23 years straight, with the exception of 2020 due to COVID. Westport is lucky to have had this long term relationship with Grucci Fireworks which has been dubbed "America’s First Family of Fireworks".

Phil Grucci, CEO and Creative Director of the company that has been certified to hold 14 Guinness World Records, was gracious enough to grant Westport Local a 30-minute interview where he discussed the details of the Compo Beach and other shows, sharing fascinating facts about this innovative company. A 23 year run is impressive and is one of many long term relationships the Grucci family has built over their 176 year history, and Mr. Grucci told us he cherishes their relationship with Westport, now in its third decade saying, he was “honored” to have been their choice year after year.

Always a thrilling show, this year’s July 2nd, 2026 spectacular was bigger than ever! Longtime sponsors Melissa & Doug Bernstein and Westport PAL the expanded the show to celebrate the sesquicentennial of the signing of the Declaration Of Independence. Doug Bernstein told WestportLocalPress the display would run about five or six minutes longer than most previous years and the longer show clearly delighted the thousands who attended.

Grucci, aware of the significance of the Nation’s 250 year anniversary of the signing of the Declaration Of Independence, has created several new effects for their 2026 shows worldwide, including a few specifically for our Westport show. They created an effect producing the PAL logo, one of the sponsors, and spelled out the letters USA in one burst, a complicated technical accomplishment which required a 6” shell to produce. They also created the “golden willows” effect, which appears to be a slow, continuously flowing shower of gold.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Their team knew that they needed a home run for this year’s programs for their loyal customers, including Westport, and this year, they performed 65 shows, including 15 rooftop performances in Las Vegas. The plan to accomplish that goal was in part to deploy a “double finale,” which is termed their “Monte Carlo Finale” as this was first done there by Grucci at an international competition for which they won a gold medal in large part for that “double finale” in their first international performance. They then became know as America’s First Family of Fireworks.

What appeared to be a thirty second finale, was followed by a pause giving the impression that the show ended, but then surprising the audience with a second 90 second finale. This program extended the usual run time from of about twenty-two minutes to more than twenty-five and one-half minutes.

Fireworks lovers are impressed by what they see happening in the sky but usually don’t think much about all the creativity and hard work that provides the stunning visuals they enjoy at a Grucci Fireworks show. It takes two and one-half days to set up the Westport show, with a six person pyrotechnic team headed by ten-year Grucci veteran Chief Pyrotechnician Mike Wassemer, including loading up the barge with equipment, testing on the day of show, and another day to strike the set-up.

They produce many of the designs and products here in the US and have recently been taking note incorporating Japanese designs which create the illusion of a spinning “disco ball”, a highly technical feat which causes burning particles to change color giving the appearance that the ball is spinning. Many of their products are created in their upstate NY facility, however they also import some of their high-end products from Spain and Italy from the port city of Bari, on the Adriatic where the Grucci family has roots dating back to 1850. They source only the finest products internationally for use in their many epic performances.

The design of the Grucci show incorporates a variation of intense bursts with a more subtle display to effect the audience emotions. The large shells used for the dramatic, gigantic bursts is an 8” in diameter shell which is fired 700-800 feet into the sky and will create an 800 to 900 foot in diameter effect.

Their most epic product ever was developed recently: a aerial shell which weighs 3500 pounds, is 66” in diameter and is fired from a mortar that is 20 feet high, with steel walls that are more than 2 inches thick, which will be fired at midnight on New Year’s Eve in the United Arab Emirates. That shell has been phased tested and will receive a final test possibly later this summer. Phil described it as “the most nerve-wracking single button you’ll ever push in your life” as he laughed.

A key member of the team on show day is the show producer who operates in the “control room” which Mr. Grucci described as a mini-NASA who sets everything into motion from the arming of the systems to the actual launching.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Always seeking to maintain their standing at the pinnacle of the competitive world of pyrotechnic entertainment and staying on the cutting edge of technical achievement, Grucci began using drones a few years back and set the first certified world record for deploying 220 drones in a show. They now have made a large investment in their drone fleet now numbering more than 500 UAV’s. They can even deploy the fleet to create a QR code of the organization that is sponsoring the event. They have now adapted their drone capability to lift pyrotechnics for use in their programs and can trigger them without damaging the drone.

We were fortunate enough to enjoy one of their larger performances a few years back for the New London Sailfest, which was a truly spectacular 3-barge program on the Thames River. We saw the Grucci caravan of 4 Black Suburbans resembling a presidential motorcade arrive, each bearing the license plates, Grucci 1, Grucci 2, etc. Phil joked that it was sometimes for show logistics than it was to move the entire extensive Grucci family!

A visit to Grucci.com is a must see for any lover of spectacular fireworks, especially their Portfolio pages where you can see incredible shows for both pyrotechnic, drone and pyrodrone performances

Above, Phil Grucci at the controls of a recent program in the United Arab Emirates. (photo courtesy of Grucci Fireworks)

Long before the evening’s spectacular display, there was barely a patch of sand to plunk down your beach chair.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

The weekend’s heatwave continued and Westporters found respite in the water, with temperatures around 70º.

Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Photos By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com‍ ‍Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.

Fireworks by Gucci, America's first family of pyrotechnics and current holders of the Guinness World Record for the "Largest Fireworks Display" ever recorded gave Compo Beach the kind of thrilling show we have come to expect every July. They know how to light up the night sky, having done so worldwide for more than 150 years and there were reportedly new effects which debuted this year at the Compo Beach display.