Rock the Valley 2022 in Ansonia was bittersweet for this writer

Singer/songwriter Riley Johnson entertains  at the start of the festival Saturday afternoon.

ANSONIA - Rock the Valley 2022 returned to Nolan Field Saturday after a two-year absence.

Ansonia Events Coordinator and Cultural Commission member Rich DiCarlo spoke this week about the festival. He said about 2,500 people strolled the venue featuring craft and food vendors and a kids' zone.

"This year we decided to return to the roots of Rock 'n Roll with a musical lineup to match," DiCarlo said. "We premiered our new larger stage which we named the Road Ready stage, after the event's sponsor.

"I'd like to thank Irene Krom-Kirby for taking the reins from our beloved Ralph Villers.

"They were really big shoes to fill but she persevered. I'd also like to extend my thanks to George and Pat and the rest of the Ansonia Cultural Commission and Mayor Dave Cassetti for making Rock the Valley happen.

DiCarlo and Krom-Kirby visit vendors

"We already started negotiating with next year's headliner and promise to have the best show set for next year. Details to be announced soon."

Rich is a good friend and he and my late husband Ralph were the main organizers of Rock the Valley in the past - with much help from city officials, Cultural Commission members and other volunteers.

As someone who observed first-hand the months of planning involved I can attest to how well Rich and Ralph complemented each other in working to make Rock the Valley a success!

Some sights from the day:

Kids enjoying the petting zoo.

Vendors galore.

Friends Laura Willoughby, creator of Gabriella Candles, LLC and her husband Alonza pose  with samples of their products.

Jen Durkin's Steal Your Funk band rocks the crowd Saturday night.

Congratulations to my friends in the Ansonia Cultural Commission for putting on another great Rock the Valley!