Westport Fair Traffic Was Tough, But These Officers Never Stopped

Anyone who made the trip to the Westport Fair this year probably has one thing in common besides fried dough and tractor pulls: they spent some quality time sitting in traffic.

Every year, Pine Hill Road backs up, cars spill onto Old County Road and thousands of people patiently inch their way toward one of Westport's favorite summer traditions. This year, at least from where I was sitting, Friday's traffic felt heavier than I've ever experienced. The gorgeous (and hot) weather very well could have played a role in the abundance of fairgoers, and it took plenty of patience just to get to the fairgrounds.

Once you finally found a parking spot, another sight greeted you: a long line stretching toward the entrance. Thankfully, unlike the traffic outside, that line almost always moves surprisingly fast. Twenty minutes later, you're inside wondering why you ever worried in the first place. This is nothing new.

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The Ones Who Rarely Get Mentioned

Every year, I make it a point to recognize the incredible volunteers who dedicate countless hours to making the Westport Fair happen. From the people working admissions to those helping in the barn, food booths and exhibits, the fair simply wouldn't exist without them.

This year, though, another group caught my attention: The officers from the Westport Police Department were everywhere keeping traffic flowing in and out of the parking lot, helping pedestrians safely cross the busy roadway and remained visible throughout the fairgrounds. It wasn't glamorous work, and it certainly wasn't easy work, but someone had to do it.

Standing in the Heat So We Could Have Fun

While the rest of us wandered through the animal tents, grabbed blooming onions, watched the tractor pulls or took a spin on the carnival rides, those officers remained outside in the heat. Hour after hour, they directed traffic, answered questions from confused drivers and kept everyone moving as efficiently and safely as possible.

READ MORE: Westport Deputy Chief’s Sweet Gesture For 5-Year-Old Birthday Girl

It's one of those jobs most people don't think about until they're stuck in traffic. Ironically, they're the very people working to get everyone through it.

A Well-Deserved Thank You

When people think about the Westport Fair, they'll remember the rides, the racing pigs and paddling porkers, the music and the food. I'll remember the officers standing in the middle of busy intersections, waving thousands of vehicles through with as much patience as possible. So while the volunteers absolutely deserve every bit of recognition they receive each year, I'd also like to tip my hat to the Westport Police Department.

The Westport Fair Traffic Was Tough, But Westport Police Officers Never Stopped

Their long hours, constant focus and willingness to stand in the summer heat helped keep one of the SouthCoast's biggest annual events running safely from start to finish.