Kara Rochelle

State Representative Kara Rochelle (D – Ansonia/Derby) is bringing Future Fair back on Saturday, October 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. outside in the Ansonia High School parking lot, 20 Pulaski Hwy! After a hiatus last year, the event is back for a second year and will connect Valley residents to helpful resources and opportunities to build a stronger future for themselves, their family, and the community.

There will be activities for kids, food trucks, hands-on exhibits, free raffle prizes from local businesses including The Hops Company, Pooch Pizazz, Copper City Bar and Grill, Chifrijo, Palma Restaurant, Riverwalk Social, Angel Tip Nail Salon, Cindy & Co. Hair Salon, and more. Rep. Rochelle will also present citations recognizing this year's winners of an essay contest for eighth grade students. This year's topic centered on the importance of civic engagement and asked students to share their vision about how they can better their community.

The event will feature several activities for kids, including a Touch-a-Truck with the Ansonia Fire Department, free family photos from the Life, Health and Wellness Center, pumpkin painting from Walnut Hill Community Church, and more. Griffin Hospital will host vaccine clinics for residents to get their COVID-19 or flu shot. Staff will also conduct blood pressure screenings and provide information about bicycle safety for children. Individuals who get the COVID-19 vaccine will receive a ticket for a free ice cream sundae from Ice Cream Emergency. The first 200 attendees will also receive a free ice cream sundae.

Many state and local community organizations and nonprofits will participate in Future Fair including Team Inc., Valley United Way, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, the Valley YMCA, Ansonia and Derby police departments, BH Care, the Valley Arts Council, the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Service After Service, and more. Housatonic Community College and the WorkPlace will provide information about job training and career opportunities. The American Job Center Career Coach bus will be onsite with staff and a mobile computer lab to provide career services, job search assistance, a resume workshop and more. The WorkPlace will also help attendees learn about the UniteCT rental and utility assistance program.

“I’m proud to bring together this fun and helpful event to build a stronger community and brighter future for the residents of Ansonia, Derby and the Lower Valley,” said Rep. Rochelle. “Future Fair will have a lot to offer for residents of every age, like engaging activities for kids, family resources, job resources, health and safety information, and more. Whatever your goals are, you'll be able to access a wealth of information to help you get closer to reaching them. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or get more involved with a nonprofit or the arts, are curious about services in our community, or just want to have a fun afternoon out with the kids, there will be something for everyone at Future Fair. I hope our community will attend the event.”

The event is free and open to the public. Any additional Valley organizations that are interested in getting involved with the event should email Kara.Rochelle@cga.ct.gov.