Westport Rings In New Year With 'Sweet 16' First Night Celebration

WESTPORT, Conn. — Some towns like to ring in the New Year with a distinctive bang, and Westport once again proved it knows how to throw a party, hosting its 'Sweet 16' First Night festivities Thursday afternoon and evening at various locations around town.

A street vendor sells her goods at the First Night celebration in Westport on Thursday evening.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A horse-drawn carriage made its way around the streets of Westport.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Families came out to enjoy Westport's First Night 2016 celebration.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Dennis the Train Man punches a ticket for a child at the Westport Library Thursday.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Children of all ages love a great train exhibit.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

The horse-drawn carriage ride was a popular ticket.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

There was lots to do for kids at Westport and Weston's First Night celebration.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Getting the Kettle Corn ready.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Kids of all ages were out to party Thursday night in Westport.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Members of the Westport Astronomical Society get one of their telescopes ready for viewing the night sky.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

First Night volunteers at the Saugatuck Elementary School.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

At the inflatable park at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Having a blast on the big slide.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Making balloon animals.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Kids with painted faces.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A girl gets her face painted.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A woman and a child with a painted face enjoying the activities.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A ventriloquist entertains at Saugatuck Elementary School.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Kids watch the ventriloquist show at Saugatuck Elementary.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A family watches a show at Saugatuck Elementary.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Kids enjoy the ventriloquist show.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

A boys enjoys the show at Saugatuck Elementary.
Photo Credit: *Skip Pearlman*

Skip Pearlman

01/01/2016 5:30 a.m.

It was the 22nd anniversary for the First Night celebration for Weston and Westport, as people from across Fairfield County pulled out the stops to welcome 2016.

Activities around Westport started with music and a train display at the library, and included a children's inflatable park, a puppet show, ventriloquist Jonathan Geffner and much more at the Saugatuck Elementary School, as well as stargazing activities, horse-drawn carriage rides, an outdoor warming fire, fireworks — and more – around town.

Fairfield's School of Rock performed for the teenagers, and there was Latin rock from the Silver Steel Band, as well as many other types of live music.

"This is the second year we're doing this, I think it's great," Danielle Mittleman of Weston, told Daily Voice as she enjoyed the festivities and prepared to welcome 2016 with her family. "It's great for families with young kids, we don't have to worry about a sitter, and get to go out on New Year's Eve.

"We're headed over to Saugatuck for the bouncy house, and for the shows, and we'll come back for the bonfire, popcorn and a carriage ride. I have a 5-year-old and a 2-year-old, and they both love it."

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