SHARE

Fairfield County Kicks Off New Year At Westport's First Night

WESTPORT, Conn. -- Freezing temperatures didn't stop hundreds of residents from Westport, Weston and beyond from heading to Main Street on New Year’s Even to celebrate the 21st annual First Night.

Horse-drawn carriages offer rides to revelers at the Westport Weston First Night.

Horse-drawn carriages offer rides to revelers at the Westport Weston First Night.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
The Groove Trip offers up an evening performance of jazz.

The Groove Trip offers up an evening performance of jazz.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Volunteers keep things running at First Night.

Volunteers keep things running at First Night.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
The family-friendly event kicked off before dusk in downtown Westport.

The family-friendly event kicked off before dusk in downtown Westport.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Kettle corn is one of the tasty treats for sale at First Night.

Kettle corn is one of the tasty treats for sale at First Night.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Audience members of all ages enjoy the show at First Night.

Audience members of all ages enjoy the show at First Night.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Batman and his family pose for the caricature artist.

Batman and his family pose for the caricature artist.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio
Decorating -- and eating -- cupcakes is a great way to celebrate the New Year.

Decorating -- and eating -- cupcakes is a great way to celebrate the New Year.

Photo Credit: Salvatore Trifilio

Westport’s downtown was crawling with families Wednesday night, as cars choose other routes in hopes of avoiding foot traffic, horse-drawn carriages and shuttle buses of revelers.

Saugatuck Elementary School stole the show early on, provided three big attractions for the kids, including a three-piece children’s band, a ventriloquist and a caricature artist.

Families took turns decorating cupcakes at the Westport Public Library as aspiring astronomers brought out their high-powered telescopes for a great view of the nearly full moon on an almost totally clear night.

And while all waited in anticipation of the town bonfire and pyrotechnics grand finale display, many funneled into the small Christ and Holy Trinity Church where The Groove Trip played smooth jazz.

First Night is one of Westport’s largest community events of the year and ran from 3 to 10 p.m.

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE