WESTPORT–Thousands of adults, children and leashed dogs will stroll, eat, drink, dance and gather for the Slice of Saugatuck on Saturday, Sept. 6 from 2pm – 5pm.

Over 40 businesses will participate, supported by a wide array of local sponsors (including Westport Journal). 

Attendees will stroll through the geographic triangle inside Riverside Avenue, Saugatuck Avenue and Railroad Place, going from venue to venue and sampling the restaurants, merchants and activities on offer.

New this year will be an area where a dozen of Westport’s local support and charitable organizations will be on hand to promote what they do. 

“It’s always exciting to see this event come together for the community,” said Matthew Mandell, Executive Director of the Chamber of Commerce and an RTM member, representing District 1. “This is many people’s favorite event of the year. Where else can you just walk the streets with your kids, friends and neighbors and enjoy what an entire neighborhood has to offer?”

Kid activities will include bouncy houses, this year with the big slide on Luciano Park, a balloon bender and a face painter for the kids. 

Bands will play at seven different locations, with notable local artists: 

• Otis and the Hurricanes
• Silver Steel
• Mill River Band
• The Howling Barncats
• Elana Zabari
• Accidental Breakdown
• The Outsyders

Bridge Square and Railroad Place will host “Beer Gardens,” with beer and wine available. According to Mandell, many of the restaurants will also be offering specialty drinks inside their venues.

Though “Slice” will end at 5 p.m., many of the venues will host a special “Saugatuck Happy Hour,” offering attendees the opportunity to enjoy more food and libations.

Tickets sales are onsite only, by cash or card: $15 per adult, $5 per kid under 13, age 5 and under free. Rain date is the following Saturday, Sept. 13.

In its first 12 years, the chamber has donated $54,000 to the Gillespie Center’s food pantry. This year will push towards the $60,000 mark, according to Mandell.

“The Slice of Saugatuck is a unique event that helps fill our pantry and supports the most vulnerable with food insecurity in our community,” said Helen McAlinden, Executive Director of Homes with Hope. “We thank the Chamber and all the merchants for their support in putting on this wonderful festival that highlights a gem of Westport.”

More information from the Chamber of Commerce here.