Randy Herbertson, president of the Downtown Merchants Association, sponsor of the Westport Fine Arts Festival, today greets artist Janey Harrington of Fredericksburg, Virginia, a specialist in hand painted silks. “This is the first time I’ve been in Westport,” said Harrington. “I came here because an artist friend told me about the annual art show.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Scenes from the first hour of the Westport Library summer book sale. The first on line said he arrived shortly before midnight and slept there awaiting the 9 a.m. opening. Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Within moments of the 9 a.m. opening, hundreds of book enthusiasts crowded the main tent today of the Westport Library’s summer book sale. According to a library counter, 640 persons entered in the first half hour. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

The Westport Kline sisters—Halliwell, 9, fourth grade and Addison, 8, third grade students at Greens Farms Academy—selecting books together at today’s opening of the Westport Library summer book sale. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Newtown resident and private book dealer Ryan Knaggs, 54, enters the Westport Library summer book sale today at 9 a.m. as first in line of 460 waiting book enthusiasts. “I got here at 11:47 p.m. last night and slept here,” he said. Knaggs said he specializes in autographed books, noting that “foreign authors sign on the dedication page and English speaking authors sign on the title page.”  He said he has been dealing in this specialty for over 30 years. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Despite the heat, about 460 book enthusiasts were on line early today awaiting the 9 a.m. opening of the Westport Library summer book sale. It runs through Tuesday noon. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Low Cut Connie, a popular rock and roll band from Philadelphia, entertained an enthusiastic audience tonight at the Levitt Pavilion. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo

Contemporary mixed media artist Nina Mickelsen and her husband Don, residents of Lewes Beach, Delaware, set up on Main Street today for the weekend Fine Arts Festival. They said it is the third time they exhibited at the festival. “We came to Westport because we’ve been successful here,” said Nina. “There were several purchases on prior visits here, and I’ve been commissioned to create other pieces too.”  Don added, “We love this town. After we set up, I like to walk around and see as much of Westport as I can.” (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Artists took over Westport’s Main Street late today to set up for the weekend’s Fine Arts Festival. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com

Workers today erect a tent on Taylor Place for the weekend Westport Fine Arts Festival. Thousands are expected to turn out for the event, which coincides with the Westport Library’s annual book sale. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com