David Sepulveda Photo
The July Fourth celebration arrives a day early each year on Richmond Avenue, a quiet, Westville cul-de-sac whose neighbors are “all in” when it comes to their Third of July annual event.
Every year for the past 15 years, Westville residents Jaime and Tim Kane, have hosted the block party barbecue, pot-luck picnic, concert, and mini-fireworks display that is, for many, the highlight of the summer.
From garden to rooftop, patriotic-themed decorations abound.
The Kane home and grounds were festooned Wednesday with red, white and blue decorations, standard equipment for Jaime, who has a long history as a party planner and organizer dating back to her years as student at Southern Connecticut State University. It was there that she met her husband and party collaborator, Tim, better known, perhaps, for his trumpet playing and ubiquitous presence at all things community.
Lewis Strauss of Madison prepares to hand off his vegetable skewers to Chef Harold (left).
Numerous tent and umbrella canopies, tables, a makeshift stage area, and various food and desert stations, were only part of the picture. Grills sizzled with ribs, chicken and traditional burgers and hotdogs, and other specialties throughout the evening. Responding to the Kane’s Evite were the Houstons, who wrote, “Celebrity chef Harold will happily make his return to the most anticipated event of the Summer. Rest assured he will be creating many wonderful grilled treats on the most widely watched and attended grilling show of the year.”
Pinch-shucking for the absent Ed Kane, is Jim Brangi, no stranger to the clam station.
A first-aid station included mosquito repellant and potions in ample supply. Nearby bins were set up to receive recyclables, while one of the more popular stations, usually manned by Ed Kane, Tim Kane’s age-defying father with a vice-grip handshake, was the clam-shucking station. Grandpa Kane was out of the country on this rare occasion, so others worked to fill his big shoes. His soulful crooning was also missed.
The Kanes have opened their doors (and windows) to 3rd of July guests for 15 years.
As of late Wednesday afternoon, around 350 guests had responded in the affirmative to Jaime and Tim Kane’s online Evite invitations. That number did not include the extended family of friends who drop in, or happen to be friends of friends and find their way to the legendary celebration. A recent third of July party at the Kane’s drew over 500 celebrants over the course of the evening. Wednesday’s event was pretty close to that, according to some calculations.
A young and hungry Katherine Tombaugh enjoys an all-American classic hot dog.
While the crowd was predominantly comprised of Westville neighbors, friends poured in from all parts of the city and state and beyond. It was a time to renew old acquaintances, indulge the holiday, and build community connections like few events do. Author Marc Wortman, who lives across from the Kanes and has participated in many of the parties, noted that “over the years the party has grown to an unfathomable number of people, yet the party remains neighborly, warm and welcoming — a grand celebration.” Westville’s Barbara Shiller, president of CT Folk, said the gathering makes you “feel like you are part of something.”
The party is official with John Loxsom’s rendition of the Star Spangled Banner.
After 15 years, many traditions within the tradition of the party itself have emerged. Neighbor John Loxsom once again stepped up to the microphone with his a capella version of “The Star Spangled Banner.” The crowd was attentive, aware of the patriotic implications of the song, and a palpable sense of community arose with the robust crescendo. It is a slice of Americana one usually associates with ball games or other parts of the country where the flag and patriotic symbolism seem incorporated into life’s daily fabric.
Steve Asetta and friends bring on the brass. Tim Kane on trumpet, third from left.
The few musical acts in the early days of the celebration have given way to an active roster of multi-generational musicians, including both solo and band performances across a broad spectrum of musical genres. It was a showcase for local talent with occasional regional performers taking to the stage.
The crowd maintains a safe distance from the kid-friendly fireworks.
A range of activities and a neighbor’s green lawn kept youngsters engaged as they awaited the kid-friendly fireworks.
Artists of all ages and sizes found modes of expression.
Tattoo-making and driveway chalk drawing proved especially popular this year.
After an evening of feasting on the freshly prepared foods and deserts and a wide variety of drinks, the evidence of a good time could be seen in the empty dishes and the loaded bins of bottles and cans awaiting recycling. On the following day of the party each year, the actual Fourth of July, a crew of volunteers arrives early to help the Kanes with clean-up.
Emily Kane hangs a large red star on the second floor.
Jamie Kane noted that the annual event is made possible “because of the people we are surrounded with — from the cooks to the musicians to the core of friends who have been there from the beginning.” She said she was proud of the way the next generation has embraced the event with her children and their friends all pitching in to help.
For daughter Emily Kane, whose July 5th birthday actually inspired the first couple of July 3rd parties, the annual celebration “Means the world — it’s like Christmas.”