ANSONIA— The city’s annual Harvest Festival will make its fall return downtown this weekend.
The festival, organized by the Cultural Commission of Ansonia, will occupy Carrer Major from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday (September 24). Admission is free and there will be free parking on East and West Main streets, as well as in the old Big Y parking lot.
Event coordinator Rich DiCarlo said with Saturday’s forecast calling for sunny skies and fall-like temperatures, it’s sure to be a fun day.
“We have a nice mix of food and craft vendors, live music on two stages, a kids zone and more,” said DiCarlo.
DiCarlo said this year’s festival will feature in part more than 125 food and craft vendors, selling everything from traditional American fare like hamburgers and hot dogs and seafood to barbecuealong with jewelry, artwork, fall decor, handmade soaps, candles and more.
There will also be live music courtesy of Peter Roditis, Tyrell Lee and the Silver Steel Band, as well as a kids’ zone with a free petting zoo, pony rides, bounce houses, kids’ crafts and more. Local restaurants lining Main Street will also be open during the festival, and the Valley Art Council’s Main Street Gallery will also be open for people to browse and purchase local artwork. Local organizations will also be manning the stands, including the Derby Historical Society, who will be holding weaving and doll-making demonstrations, a photo booth and a tour from the 6th. CT Regiment, as well as offering colonial-era goods for sale.
DiCarlo, who credited Ansonia Cultural Commission Chairwoman Irene Krom-Kirby with her tireless efforts to ensure the festival is a success, said the event is the biggest event of the year of the commission
“It’s our official start to the fall season and a great way to end the summer,” DiCarlo said.
