WestFest is an upcoming community festival in West Haven co-sponsored by the UNH Mayor’s Advisory Commission, the Office of Mayor Edward O’Brien, the University of New Haven, UNH Welcome Week, and Frontier Communications. WestFest will take place on the West Haven Green on Saturday, Aug. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Intended to bring the community of West Haven and the University of New Haven together, WestFest will feature local businesses and artists showcasing what West Haven has to offer culturally. Restaurants such as Andy’s Pizza, Louise’s Bakery, and several food trucks will showcase their local eats, available for sale to all attendees. Other businesses in attendance range from hair salons to auto shops.
Also present will be several performing groups including the UNH Chargers Marching Band and Fully Charged, the UNH acapella choir. West Haven High School’s own cheerleaders and West Steppers will perform as well. Several other local West Haven bands are also expected.
Nonmusical entertainment includes a pie-eating contest, sponsored by Louise’s Bakery, as well as a dunk tank where attendees can dunk Mayor O’Brien, UNH Dean Alvarez and many more, will be run all day.
The West Haven fire department will be giving demonstrations throughout the day, providing UNH students an experiential education opportunity to see future career paths in action. A number of UNH clubs and organizations, such as Alpha Lambda Delta and Model UN, will be running activities that range from face painting to live Trivia Crack.
Transportation will be provided from the University of New Haven to the West Haven Green. Church Street will be closed for the day for the event. Parking will be available on the streets.
Admission is free, though there will be commemorative t-shirts available for sale.