New Neighbors: Sir Knottingham the Opossum joins Earthplace
Earthplace announced yesterday the arrival of a new member to their Animal Hall: Sir Knottingham, a Virginia Opossum. Sir Knottingham was taken in by the local non-profit nature center due to a tail injury, which prevents him from being able to balance while climbing trees - critical to his independence in the wild. The wide-eyed new neighbor will join over 30 other animals, from frogs to American Eagles, and will continue the center’s tradition in education the public and its preschool students through discovery and nature. Community members are welcomed to visit Sit Knottingham and his neighbors during the center’s museum hours, which reopened after a long hiatus to to COVID-19 precautions.
Westporter Drew Angus to Sing National Anthem at Mets v. Giants Game this Afternoon
Musician Drew Angus will be at Oracle Park this afternoon to sing the National Anthem ahead of the MLB game between the San Francisco Giants and the New York Mets. Angus, a Staples High School class of 2007 graduate, has traveled the country for his music - appearing on shows like Saturday Night Life and becoming a finalist on American Idol. The San Fransisco home game begins at 3:45 today.
Photo by WestportLocal.com, Westport Fine Arts Festival Beautiful End to Westport’s Sunday
A brilliant sunset ended the day over the Saugatuck Rowing and Fitness Club boat house. Photo by JD Dworkow for WestportLocal.com
Local Kids’ “Crumby But Yummy” Lemonade and Bake Sale Benefits Animals in Need
Westporters Jack Steel (10) and Lucas Robinson (10) behind their stand. WestportLocal.com photoDuring the hottest hours of the day today, drivers heading down Hillandale Road could find cool refuge with a cup of iced lemonade and a bit of afternoon pep with homemade energy bites. Westporters Jack Steel and Lucas Robinson, both ten, put up a lemonade and bake sale stand at 3 Hillandale Road - recreating a classic scene of Americana as the local kids learned the ropes of business while raising funds for charity.
Animal Control Officer Peter Reid introduced Jack and Lucas to the dachshund in his care after a cool drink of lemonade. With a plan they’ve wanted to launch for months, Robinson described that he’s been learning about business, and knew that his friend Jack was great at baking - so the two joined together to sell Jack’s energy bites with Lucas’ lemonade. As parents watched nearby, the boys waved at everyone who passed the blue table - even grabbing the attention of Westport Animal Control Officer Peter Reid on his way to the Westport Animal Shelter. The boys were excited to meet the local ACO, and the dachshund in his care, as one half of all of their profits are being donated to the ASPCA.
The boys said that business was slow yesterday, but quickly picked up today in their first hour. “Business is booming!” exclaimed Robinson as more cars pulled over for the afternoon treat. The little Westporters are selling their lemonade and energy bites for $1 each, and will be out front of 3 Hillandale Road again tomorrow during what’s forecast to be another beautiful Summer day in Westport.
A community comes together over a cup of lemonade on Hillandale Road. Something Remarkable visits Soundview Drive
Westport’s Remarkable Bookcycle, a mobile library that offers free novels and children’s books, found its way back to Soundview Drive this week. Designed and gifted by bestselling novelist Jane Green and her husband Ian Warburg, the couple brought in the help of Ryan Peterson to build the bike, working with local celebrated artist Miggs Burroughs to paint its recognizable signage - just as he did for the original Remarkable Bookshop sign, which now sits behind glass at Cold Fusion Gelato on Main Street. The bookcycle is maintained by volunteer librarians and travels the community - allowing neighbors the chance to find their next great read as the old bike waits for its next move.
Hanging Out with Cedar Point’s Gemini Crew
The crew of Gemini relaxed with light winds and calm waters this evening during the Wednesday night sailing regatta off of Compo Beach. Dozens of boats participated in the weekly tradition for the cruising class from various local yacht clubs. WestportLocal.com photo
Two Bucks on a Firefly Filled Evening on Mayflower Parkway
Two bucks grazed their supper off of Mayflower Parkway late tonight as fireflies lit up the lawn surrounding the large-antlered boys. WestportLocal.com photo
Puppet Parade Marches through SoNo Arts Festival
In a traditional celebration of the South Norwalk Arts Festival, homemade puppets and their puppeteers marched through SoNo Sunday afternoon to the beat of the brass band The Funky Dawgs. The parade is described as “a magnificent parade that marches through the Arts Festival in South Norwalk in a blaze of color, music and creativity.” by its organizers. This year’s theme was “Art-Sea” and Jellyfish, which - left up to the artists’ interpretation - created a sea of colorful puppets as music lifted the damp air. Photo by JC Martin for WestportLocal.com
Easton Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival Celebrates 80 Years, Ends Tomorrow
Open from 6:00 - 11:00 tonight and tomorrow night, the Easton Volunteer Fireman’s Carnival returned this year with the classic sites and sounds of a traditional country fair filling the warm night air - just as it has for 80 years, and generations of community members. (click to read more and see full photo gallery on WestportLocal.com)
The carnival, with amusement park rides from Stewart Amusement and games and food from volunteers, raises funds for the rural fire company’s operations. The carnival has been well known for its thrills, homemade dinner and desserts, deep fried oreos, and cash bingo tent for generations - and was packed Thursday night with families and teens enjoying the warm country air. With gaggles of teenagers roaming the grounds with burgers and fries in-hand, and small children patiently waiting their turn at stepping onto their next ride - the quiet Center Road triangle was alive with excitement.
Personnel working at the event said that Tuesday’s opening-night ticket lines were as long as they could have ever remembered, with many families returning to this summer tradition after their 2020 hiatus due to COVID-19 concerns. Although outdoors, many families and volunteers opted to wear a mask in light of the rise in COVID-19 cases in the region - with all food and game tents remaining open-air.
Westporters can easily find the fairground by driving up Route 136 (Easton Road), then turning right onto Center Road, left onto Adams Road, and then another right onto Sport Hill Road - a serene drive through the forest until the ferris wheel lights draw one’s attention. The carnival is located at 1 Center Road, with parking available at Silverman’s Farms, Helen Keller Middle School, and surrounding the Easton Village Store. A shuttle bus is available to those parking at the middle school, with drop off directly at the fairgrounds.
Volunteers recommend visitors bring cash for purchasing ride tickets or wristbands, as well as to purchase dinner, desserts, or to join the bingo tent. With rides for both young children and teenagers, and games for all ages - the carnival has been a tradition for many area families, all while supporting the volunteer firefighter’s mission. More information and live updates can be found at their Facebook page. More information on supporting the Easton Volunteer Fire Company can be found on their website.
Hopalong Andrew Brings Fiddles and Fun to Levitt Family Night
Kids and parents “partied in place” tonight as Hopalong Andrew, a former NYC Urban Park Ranger, brought the feels of the Wild West to Westport. The Levitt Pavilion free children’s series concert was sold out tonight, with all families reminded to remain in their reserved space as COVID-19 cases are on the rise in the community. WestportLocal.com photo