Karen Smith of Westport waits to try the offering at Black Duck Cafe. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

WESTPORT — Literally thousands of people visited Saugatuck Saturday afternoon to enjoy the neighborhood’s many restaurants and food stores at the ninth Slice of Saugatuck Festival, sponsored by the Westport Chamber of Commerce.

Ashley Boucaud, executive chef of the Mystic Market, lays out some food for visitors. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

There were 50 vendors participating, the majority of which also sponsored the event, helping to raise funds for Homes With Hope and inviting the public to experience the historic area.

Eileen Imparato of Ridgefield was among many visitors who enjoyed a taste of — and look around — the historic Saugatuck neighborhood Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Visitors paid for a “passport” ticket, which included a map of the many places and strolled the neighborhood sampling foods and listening to a wide range of live music at the various venues.

A sign of sponsors posted under the I-95 bridge over the Saugatuck River. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Last year, owing to COVID, the event had to be cancelled, but this year more people than ever looked to make up the difference.

Enjoying the festival were, from left, First Selectman Jim Marpe, Matthew Mandell, Westport Chamber of Commerce president, Mary Ellen Marpe, and Police Chief Foti Koskinas. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“Normally we figure on 2,000 people,” said Matthew Mandell, chamber president, “but with the pent up demand of people to come out and do things,” even more were expected.

Board of Education Chair Candice Savin pitches in with ticket sales at Saturday’s fest. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“It’s a great thing to look forward to each year,” First Selectman Jim Marpe said.

The crew at The Whelk could hardly plate fast enough to feed the long line of visitors. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Mike and Deb Yeager of Westport chat with the staff at Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Ashley Lancer of Westport helps her daughter Emma, 4, with a button she made herself at the Westport Maker Faire tent set up at Luciano Park. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Saugatuck’s newest restaurant, Allium Eatery on Railroad Place, isn’t due to open until next month, but received special permission to participate in Saturday’s festival. The market rotisserie and “bubette” will feature a changing menu with French-inspired small-plate dishes. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Courtney and Matthew Edvardsen of Fairfield think about what foods to try next. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Volunteers tend to a long line of visitors to the Slice of Saugatuck Festival Saturday afternoon. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)