Everything is in place for Weston’s traditional Independence Day celebration on July 4^th. It all happens on the Weston Middle School field. Gates open at 4:30 pm.

It’s not a bad idea to get there before a rush that typically occurs around 8:00, shortly before the fireworks begin, and there is plenty of food, treats, and entertainment for the whole family.

Admission and parking

At 7:00 pm the Lords Highway entrance to the campus closes, so entry is only possible on School Road from Weston Road (Route 57).

Admission and parking — cash only, no checks or cards — is $20 per vehicle or $5 for walk-ins. There is no admission charge for children age five and under.

At press time, a few preferred parking passes are still available at the Parks and Recreation office for $30 (cash) per car.

Food and entertainment

Four food trucks are on hand this year from 5:00 to 9:00 with pizza, barbecue, tacos, hot dogs, and more. The town’s Democratic Town Committee runs an ice cream cart and the Republican Town Committee offers glow necklaces.

For entertainment, the Westport Community Band performs from 6:00 to 7:00, a magic show starts at 6:15, and at 7:15 Big Deal Rock takes the stage, performing hits from the 70s, 80s, 90s and today. They play until 9:20, when the fireworks go off.

Most who take in the July 4^th celebration bring blankets and chairs, but the Parks and Recreation team notes that seating is not allowed on the artificial turf fields. In the event of unpleasant weather, the rain date is Wednesday, July 5, same time, same place.

From previous years …

Big Deal Rock

Westport Community Band