Kara Enslin of Westport and her son Axel, 18 months, enjoy the merry-go-round. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

WESTPORT — Despite being held in September this year, the Yankee Doodle Fair appears to be more popular than ever.

Crowds line up to ride the Rock Star. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

Hundreds came out Friday evening to enjoy the rides, play the games, buy raffle tickets and participate in the bake sale — all part of the Westport Woman’s Club’s biggest annual fundraiser.

Dominique Vranos of Weston helps her daughter Charlotte, 6, with her ride wrist band, as sister Michelle, 4, looks on. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

But it hasn’t been annual for the past two years, as COVID cost the fair its last two Junes, in 2020 and 2021.

Carol Brezovec poses with a raffle bear. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

As a consequence the club decided to organize it this weekend.

Eager participants at the Whac-a-Mole game. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“It’s the one and only time it’s going to be in September,” said Christina McVaney, longtime chair of the fair, assuring that come next June, 2022, it will again be taking place on its usual weekend.

Cole Swenson, 6, of Westport, gets some fuel before hitting the rides. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

“We’re just really excited to see our community together again,” she said.

Maddie Stiber, 11, of Westport takes a ride with her brother Ben, 3. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)

The Yankee Doodle Fair will be on Saturday, 1-10 p.m., and then Sunday 1-5 p.m.

A group of friends enjoy the fair. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Teri Klein tends to the bake sale. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
The Ferris Wheel is a familiar site along Imperial Avenue each year when the fair comes to town. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Clayton Melo of Westport and his daughter Melissa, 8, enjoy the fair. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Christina McVaney, longtime chair of the fair, at right, was all smiles Friday evening. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
Ticket lines were long when the fair opened Friday evening. (Photo by Jarret Liotta)
(Photo by Jarret Liotta)