Westoberfest Craft Beer and Fall Festival made its return on Saturday, September 21st, marking its seventh year of celebration in downtown Westport. The event ran from 2 to 5 PM, attracting beer enthusiasts with a wide array of over 50 local and regional beers. Attendees had the opportunity to sample a variety of styles including crisp lagers, bold IPAs, rich stouts, and refreshing non-alcoholic options, catering to diverse tastes. In addition to the beer offerings, live music contributed to the festive atmosphere, fostering community camaraderie among participants.

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

WestoberFest offered an array of attractions beyond its remarkable selection of craft brews. Attendees indulged in a variety of culinary delights from local favorites, ensuring that there was something to please every palate. The atmosphere was further enlivened by live performances from One Bad Oyster, encouraging guests to dance and enjoy the vibrant sounds.

The beer tasting tables had lots of visitors getting an education as well as quenching their thirst. Attendees included many families including journalist and anchor at NBC News and MSNBC, and Today Show co-anchor Craig Melvin and wife Lindsay Czarniak, an EMMY-Award winning sportscaster along with their two children and their handsome family dog.

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

Two separate areas adjacent to the beer festival were designated for family activities and on-site shopping. Families to to participate in a variety of activities, including face painting, hair tinsel application, pumpkin decorating, and flower crown making, ensuring an enjoyable experience for children of all ages. In addition to the family-friendly options, a selection of vendors were on-site, offering unique products and gifts for attendees to browse and purchase. Westoberfest had lots to offer everyone, making it a perfect destination for a fun-filled day. And not festival would be complete without some very nice looking dogs.

Westport’s Best Pumpkin Chunkers Rose To The Challenge

Pumpkin Chunkin' also took place on Saturday, attracting a diverse group of competitors eager to showcase their skills in pumpkin launching. Contestants included men, women and a few of eager children in hopes of achieving maximum distance with their pumpkins.
Above, Lonnie Quinn, CBS News Weather Anchor and a proud Westport resident, emceed the event, energizing the crowd with his lively commentary. He gathered the contestants before the competition began, outlining the rules and sharing words of encouragement to help them get in the zone. Pumpkins flew through the air prompting cheers from spectators who applauded the contestant’s competitive spirit.
Photos and Story By J.C. Martin For WestportLocalPress.com **Click on an image to enlarge and open gallery.**

Contestants started off by being assigned a numbered pumpkin which was determined by young assistants pulling numbers from a jar. Then the competitors demonstrated their skill with a variety of styles of “chunkin”. The contestant above commited a “foot fault”, crossing the limiting line.

Despite a mighty heave, pumpkin number 13 was quite lucky and was not shattered upon hitting the target zone.

This competitor lost the “handle” on her toss, and although the rules allowed just one attempt, she was given a Mulligan and did much better.

Pumpkins were at the ready before the start of the big event.

The kids had a chance to fling their pumpkins as well, giving it an enthusiastic try. Lonnie Quinn gave it a shot as well after the competition had finished.

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

Above left, Don Sheldon puts his back in to it so to speak. Center, Lonnie raises the hand of the runner-up, Alex Westwood, then the winner Don Sheldon who is holding his basket of goodies.