A Toast to Longshore '60s-Style

It's almost here.

This month marks Westport's 50th anniversary of one of the smartest things it ever did – purchase a private country club and convert it into the Longshore Park— opened to all town residents.  How many other towns can claim a public golf course,  clay tennis courts overlooking the water, an ice skating rink, three swimming pools, free outdoor music summer weekends, a nationally recognized sailing school — all available in a breathtaking setting?

Longshore Park  is the brightest jewel in the multi-jeweled diadem that constitutes the exceptional place we call Westport.  Lest we all take it for granted, it should be remembered that when our former prescient town leaders voted to purchase it in May 1960, it made national headlines, even warranting a story about it by the International Herald Tribune, which commented how lucky we Westporters were to have a private country club for a town park. 

This presents a wonderful opportunity to celebrate, and that is just what Westport is doing. The First Selectman has appointed a committee of 11 members who have planned celebratory events and fundraisers to raise money for an historical  book and a video, that tell the 150-year long history of Longshore.  And the 50th anniversary of Westport's purchase of Longshore in 1960 is being celebrated on May 20 with a 1960s-themed  cocktail party and dance.  Attendees will dress in 1960s attire and there will be awards for best 1960s dance, attire and hairdo. 

"The excitement for the event has been wonderful," said Kristan Peters-Hamlin, the Longshore 50^th Anniversary Committee's Events Chairperson. "There is  real nostalgic enthusiasm for that crazy, roller-coaster-ride of a decade we call the '60s, and this event affords the opportunity to celebrate one of its highpoints and the great music that came out of that decade."

Best of all, a spectacular band known as Cracked Ice will play Motown, Beatles, Elvis and many '60s favorites.  Band leader, Crispin Cioe, in fact has a special connection to a famous band that got its start in the Sixties —the Rolling Stones—with whom he toured for eighteen months.  For those interested in attending and purchasing tickets, the deadline for purchasing tickets is May 17. 

Details and tickets are available online  at http://www.westporthistory.org/longshore50/calendar/danceparty/ or call  Treasurer Mike Pettee at 203-227-0473 or email him at  mopettee@optonline.net. 

"It promises to be the fun event of the season," Peters-Hamlin said, "so folks need to make sure they get their names on the attendee list!"