Boat Rides and Beer Gardens all Part of the Slice of Saugatuck Next Saturday
Westport Weston Chamber of CommerceThe Westport Weston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 9th Annual Slice of Saugatuck Festival will once again be taking over the streets of Saugatuck on Saturday September 25th from 2pm – 5pm. (Rain date Sunday September 26th).
The highly successful food tasting and retail experience will have over 50 businesses participating. Each year over 2000 people have come to see what Westport’s Saugatuck section has to offer by going venue to venue and sampling all the restaurants, merchants and activities that this mom and pop driven area has created.
“We’re back and Saugatuck is stronger than ever,” said Matthew Mandell Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce. “Everyone embraces this event, from the merchants and restaurateurs right down to the residents who come out to see what’s up. Where else can you just walk the streets with friends and neighbors and enjoy what a community has to offer.”
This year the footprint expands to include Riverside Realty with a band in their parking lot and both the VFW and Westport Paddle Club just across the street. The Maker Faire area, put together by Remarkable Steam, will once again be on Luciano Park. Due to Covid precautions, there will be no bouncy houses, but hopefully will be back next year. All attendees are encouraged to wear masks when unable to remain socially distant. Hand sanitizer will be available at all ticket booths.
There will be live music located at seven different locations all playing at the same time, with notable local bands: Outside Chance, Silver Steel, Otis and the Hurricanes, The Howling Barncats, Elana Zarabi, Accidental Breakdown and The School of Rock. There will also be roving theatrical performances and Tai Kwan Do demonstrations. New this year will be boat rides provided by Carefree Boat.
The event will also have two “Beer Gardens” with wine as well, located on Bridge Square and Railroad Place which will allow adult eventgoers to enjoy a cold one and watch the bands. Many of the restaurants will also be offering specialty drinks inside their venues. The 2pm to 5pm time slot has proven to be a winner and stays the same this year. Many of the participating venues will be holding a special Saugatuck Happy Hour offering festival attendees the opportunity to return to enjoy more food and libations after the event.
The price will again be $15 per adult, but with a two for $25 option, kids under 13 remains $5, with age 5 and under free. Cash only.
The Chamber has donated over $30,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry from the proceeds from the prior events. “The Slice of Saugatuck is a unique event that helps fill our pantry and supports the most vulnerable with food insecurity in our community,” said Helen McAlinden Executive Director of Homes with Hope. “We thank the Chamber and all the merchants for their support in putting on this wonderful festival that highlights a gem of Westport.”
For more information on the event and see participants a map go to www.westportwestonchamber.com/saugatuck - Tickets go on sale onsite only at 1:50pm day of the event, cash only.