
Westport, CT - It was recently announced that Westport’s beloved First Night Celebration had been canceled for this New Year’s Eve. Responding to the community’s desire for a family friendly celebration, Westport Historical Society has stepped up and will deliver the first annual First Light Festival. Buzz up and down Main Street is that Westport Historical Society has “saved the annual New Year’s Eve celebration."
The Fest is set for Monday, December 31, 2018 from 4pm to 9pm and will include many of the beloved activities that Westporters and visitors have enjoyed in years past including:
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Face painting
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Digital Caricaturist
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Crafts
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Performances
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Henna artist
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Food Trucks
Additional events to be announced!
Events will be held at Westport Historical Society at 25 Avery Place, TD BANK on Main Street and additional locations to be announced after Christmas. TD Bank, Westport is sponsoring the event and tickets can be purchased at Westport Historical Society or online at www.westporthistory.org - tickets are $10 online or $15 at the door. No charge for children 2 years old and under.
“New Year’s Eve was such a special evening for our family. We especially love the bonfire and carriage rides. We’re hoping that another festivity can take its place so New Year’s can remain a family affair,” said Amelia Holl, Westporter and mom of three.
Westport Historical Society Executive Director Ramin Ganeshram said that feedback from the community is what encouraged the nonprofit to create a New Year’s event with a family-friendly focus. “Westport has long enjoyed a reputation as a family-friendly town with plenty to do for kids of all ages— especially on New Year’s Eve. WHS is proud to offer Westporters and the many visitors who come to our beautiful town lots to do on this special evening,” she said. “Our mission is to serve our community and to do that we take their suggestions for programming very seriously. Creating a fun family event for New Year’s Eve is something Westporters want—and we’re delighted to give it to them.”
First Selectman Jim Marpe said, “I am very happy that Westport Historical Society and TD Bank are hosting this family-friendly New Year’s Eve Festival. I appreciate and support all that the Historical Society provides throughout the year, and am delighted that they are organizing this new event. I wish them much success and encourage all Westport families to take part in this fun evening.”
Tara Hartigan, Store Manager, for TD Bank, Downtown Westport said, “TD bank is proud to partner with Westport Historical Society on this event. Supporting the communities in which we live, work, and play has always been an important part of who we are."
Ganeshram has said that the support of organizations like TD Bank and the various town agencies has streamlined the planning process. Along with the round-the-clock work of the Historical Society’s staff, a simple idea has become a reality in a matter of a few days.
“We encourage folks to stay tuned because we hope to announce some major additions to the event in the days after Christmas,” said Ganeshram.