Westport Famers Market to Host Party in the Parking Lot, Sept. 14

Westport, Ct. – Picture this: It’s a late summer evening, the sun is about to set, and familiar faces around town begin to trickle in to a magical scene featuring music, café lighting, and the almost-unbearable aroma of local food. As if in a trance you are drawn to the scenario – a party, yes – a party in a parking lot!

That is the backdrop for the Westport Farmers’ Market’s biggest and not-to-be-missed party and fundraiser ever to celebrate the Westport community and the bounty of the season. The party will be held on Thursday evening, September 14^th from 6:30 to 9:00 in the Imperial Avenue parking lot – the same lot that houses the market each Thursday.

Why a “Party in the Parking Lot!” you might ask? Lori Cochran-Dougall, executive director and market manager of the WFM, explains: “The Westport Farmers’ Market is fortunate to host our weekly market in the Imperial lot. This location we call home provides a welcoming space for shoppers, eaters, and vendors alike. When we considered a location to host a party, it simply seemed logical to celebrate our home.”

Logical perhaps, however, this party promises to be like no other. Cask Republic will welcome guests with seasonal cocktails, and Aspetuck Brew Lab will ensure the flow of wine and beer throughout the evening – all served from a 1952 mobile bar truck provided by Shake & Stir Vintage Beverage Company of Monroe.

The following chefs from favorite Westport-area restaurants will serve all-you-can-eat signature dishes in a cocktail-party atmosphere, while music by Hot Club of Black Rock will set the tone.

Bill Taibe, The Whelk, Jesup Hall, Kawa Ni

Brian Lewis, The Cottage

Christian Petroni, Fortina

Christine Cote, Huckleberries Artisan Pastries

Jessica Bengston, Terrain Garden Café

Kevin Lalli, Barcelona

Matt Stanczak, Eggz

The Party in the Parking Lot! will be this year’s largest fundraiser in support of the Westport Farmers’ Market, a 501c3 organization that reaches 30,000 eaters per year throughout Fairfield County. Folks are encouraged to mingle and take their chances on drawings that highlight items featuring dinners, music, travel, home goods, and lots of surprises.

“How many organizations do you know that can take an empty parking lot and turn it into a community hub with a quaint atmosphere once a week in a six-hour period of time?” asks Cochran-Dougall. “Not only do we reach more than 30,000 eaters a year in the lot, the WFM operates numerous educational and impactful programs that influence chefs, farmers, adults, and children through a commitment to the Westport and surrounding communities.

This party and fundraiser will reflect all that the WFM organization stands for by celebrating chef, farmers, eaters and one another. It’s going to be a beautiful and fun evening!”

Tickets for the event are $80 per person and may be purchased at the following link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/3077906

The Westport Farmers Market is committed to providing fresh, local, healthy and seasonal food. We aspire to create a fun, safe and healthy community environment for education and socialization. Our mission is to increase awareness, knowledge and support for local producers focused on sustainable and healthy growing practices.

For more information, visit www.westportfarmersmarket.com, or email director@westportfarmersmarket.com. Find the WFM on FB, Instagram, and Twitter, too!