Friday, May 4, 2012

Ansonia's ethnic mix, history make life interesting

With the warm weather approaching, life seems to be getting busier, with lots of outdoor events planned in the Valley.
Two “firsts” planned for downtown Ansonia have sparked my interest.

On Saturday, Libby Meissner, owner of Crave, a popular Caribbean fusion restaurant situated in the historic Ansonia Opera House, is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration.

The event will run from “noon to 11:59 p.m.,” Meissner said this week. It will be held in the Doyle Senior Center parking lot adjacent to the restaurant at 102 Main St.

Meissner said Latin food (burritos, fajitas, refried beans), live music featuring three bands, and a festive atmosphere will be the order of the day.
For those who prefer a quieter meal, the restaurant will be open for dining.

I’m looking forward to it! I must admit I’ve never been to a Cinco de Mayo fiesta. Do I need a sombrero?

And four weeks from now, on June 3, a street festival honoring Pierre Lallement, inventor of the bicycle, is scheduled to start at about 11 a.m.

Lallement lived in Ansonia in 1865 when he pedaled his invention from Ansonia to New Haven.
Bicyclists will be making the approximately 11-mile trek from the New Haven Green (where there is a plaque in honor of Lallement) through Woodbridge and Seymour to downtown Ansonia. 

There will be a brief speaking program about Lallement, followed by a festival featuring everything from a tricycle race to bike safety information and free bike helmets for kids to food offered outside at downtown restaurants.  

I won’t be biking, but I’ll be there. Will you?

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