Food, Fun & Entertainment

The commuter parking lot, just off exit 17 of I95, is once again undergoing its annual transformation, which can only mean that the Westport Festival Italiano is getting set to open.  Festivities will begin on Thursday, July 6, at 6:00 P.M. , so bring the family down for an evening of food, games and rides.  Plan on being there for the parade, at 7:30 and entertainment from the Staples Players, at 9:00.  Get a birdseye view, of Westport, from the top of the Giant Ferris Wheel.  Or, if you prefer to go in horizontal circles, take a spin on the Carousel.  Returning, this year, is the Petting Farm, which will offer pony rides for the youngsters.  The festival will run through Sunday, July 9

The festival was conceived in 1984 as a fun, family, charity event.  It soon became a Westport summer highlight, raising more than $1.6 million, over the years, which has been distributed to more than 40 charities by the Westport Sons of Italy and Westport Festival Italiano, Inc.  Over 100 volunteers help setup, run and teardown the festival site, but more help is always welcome.

The festival will be open Thursday and Friday, from 6-11 P.M.,  Saturday, from Noon-11 P.M. and Sunday, from Noon-10 P.M.  For more information, go to http://www.festivalitaliano.info/