You're Invited: The 18th Annual Westport-Weston Touch-A-Truck On Saturday May 3rd
Photos from 2024 Touch-A-Truck by J.C. Martin for Westport Local Press.
Come and see up close, everything from fire trucks and a Westport EMS ambulance, police cars, heavy duty cranes. There will be dump trucks, big rigs, and much more for children of all ages, including the grown-up ones to climb on and inspect. The lot will be bustling with family-friendly activities, including magicians, craft stations, face painting, a variety of food trucks, and live music to entertain all ages.
For those those who are uncomfortable in noisy environments, from 9:00 am to 9:30 am will be the event's quiet hour ensuring a serene environment free of sirens or horns. This event promises to be an exciting and inclusive experience for everyone.
The event begins at 9:00 AM and runs until 1:30PM.
About The Westport-Weston Cooperative Nursery School:
From their website: We are a NAEYC-accredited, nature-certified preschool focused on play-based learning. Located in Fairfield county, The Co-op offers part-day preschool programs for children ages 1 - 5. Our approach integrates the Bank Street philosophy, emphasizing self-discovery and hands-on learning. We believe in the power of play, creating a safe space where children can explore and grow. We are proud to be NAEYC-accredited and have a Certified Nature Explore Classroom, reflecting our commitment to high-quality early childhood education and a nurturing environment for all children.
2025 Touch-A-Truck lead sponsor, Interstate Lumber, 760 Post Rd East & Interstate Design Center, 800 Post Road East, Westport, CT, 06880
Flowering Pear Trees Add To The Spring Sparkle In Downtown Westport
Photos by J.C. Martin For Westport Local Press.
Ornamental Flowering Pear Trees, bring a beautiful spring scene each year to the Saugatuck Riverwalk, the corner of Main and Elm streets and other Westport locations and are frequently seen at many homes in town. They are known for their striking upright, pyramidal shape and abundant white blooms that grace the landscape in early spring.
This cultivar is a top choice among urban planners and landscapers due to its year-round appeal; its glossy green leaves transform into vibrant red and purple hues in the fall, providing additional seasonal interest. The narrow growth habit of varietal makes it particularly suitable for street plantings, avenues, and compact gardens.
This beautiful specimen was probably chosen for these downtown locations as well as others as they are perfect for environments where space is at a premium, allowing it to thrive in a variety of settings while adding beauty and elegance to the environment.
Oystercatcher Pair Returns Again to Compo's South Beach
The Oystercatchers pair which has nested at Compo Beach for the last few years (at least we think they are the same) have returned and will hopefully successfully breed and have young as they have in the past. They are protected by a wire fence erected by CT Audubon and CT DEEP. The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection encourages people to share the shore with migratory birds by limiting disturbance to feeding and resting shorebird flocks. Keeping kids, kites, and bicycles away from the protected area, as well as not fishing near where they are searching for food will help a great deal to help these birds be safe and hopefully raise a little family. Migratory shorebirds are protected by Federal law. If you observe anyone disturbing them, please contact CT Audubon: 203 259-6305 ext 119, smartin@ctaudubon.org, or CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection: 860-424-3000.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Wonderful Willowbrook's Spectacular Spring Flower Show
This couple takes their little ones for a ride past "Daffodil Mile" at Willowbrook Cemetery. The blooms are faded now, but last week they were at peak, providing a very special scene at 395 Main St in Westport, just south of the Merritt Parkway.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Historic Willowbrook Cemetery, established in 1847 by several local farmers and businessmen is an important part of the town's history, with many town founding fathers buried here. To many locals and visitors who pass by each day in mid-April it is home to the spectacular display of daffodils which has come to be known as "Daffodil Mile".
The "Mile" is a favorite location for passers-by photographing themselves, and their friends. Willowbrook's beautiful grounds which feature specimen trees and shrubs can be enjoyed anytime, especially in spring.
There are more than 25,000 daffodils throughout the grounds however most people only see the massive linear display which borders the pond and stream alongside Main Street/Route 57. Part of the beauty of this Westport gem can be attributed to possibly the most well known landscape architect of all time, Frederick Law Olmstead known as the “Father of American Landscape Architecture”, who as many will know, is the architect of San Francisco's Golden Gate Park and of course, New York's Central Park.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
Olmstead who also worked on Bridgeport's Beardsley Park came on board when he met Willowbrook's founder, Ambrose Hurlbutt while working on Hurlbutt's friend Morris Ketchum's Westport property today known as Hockanum Park.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.
One of Willowbrook's living residents is a pair of Mallards which can usually be found enjoying the safe space afforded by the lovely brook which flows alongside Daffodil Mile" On this day, the hen was absent, but she is often there, swimming alongside the drake.
For more on the interesting history and property visit the history tab at WillowbrookCemetery.com