Mayor David Chess hosted his first Mayor’s Ball for All: A Community Inaugural Celebration. The event was free, and included contributions from local restaurants and community centers, like the South End Community Center who led STEAM Activities for kids of all ages.
The mayor put out an open invitation to all residents who call Stratford home. There were over 750 people, from young kids to seniors gathered in the Great Ballroom of the Baldwin Center from 1pm-5pm. With a schedule of speeches, songs, music, and acknowledgements, the Sister Cities Chorus kept the tunes flowing until Mayor Chess welcomed all to the ball. In his remarks, he thanked his staff, and also shared, “I am two months into my role as your mayor, and I wanted to have a celebratory party. I did not want an invite only party, I wanted the entire community there.” And that they were!
The array of food options ranged from shrimp cocktail to Haitian Fish Balls, and restaurants from Pikly’s serving up Caribbean Fusion with passionfruit punch, potato and beet slaw, and fish balls, to sushi served by the Station House Wine Bar & Grill, and pork carnitas served up by Little Pub, and there was even much more to choose from! Local restaurants generously donated their food, time, and services.
There with her family, Farrah, whom I caught mid-bite, shared with me what she thought about the event: “It’s a great thing for the community with all the restaurants who came together to provide food. I think we should do this again. Since, I am still new to Stratford and it’s great to see all of the things that the town has to offer.” Farrah moved to Stratford in 2022 with her children, and is still getting to know the town. This event helped in that it brought out diverse restaurants, and an array of community members.
Volunteers and staff from the Stratford Animal Control Department were there, along with our fire and police department, and Sterling Community Center’s executive director, Amanda Meeson, with her daughter. It was indeed a community coming together, no matter one’s age or political affiliation or religion or housing situation. Marina, who’s lived in Stratford for over twenty years, dressed festively for her photo booth experience with her friends—with a boa, cowboy hat, and fake mustache, she was all smiles, and while she waited, we chatted. Marina told me that the event, “Is a great representation of the restaurants we have in town. It’s absolutely great!”
It was indeed a memorable afternoon activity filled with joy, fun, and connection. Senator Blumenthal even made an appearance, and urged us to “In this gathering, I still see that there is joy in democracy.”
Having lived in Stratford for five years, as a resident and small business owner of The Cassagnol Agency, dedicated to helping seniors age in a place of dignity and comfort, Ernscie Cassagnol said, “This event brings meaningful value to our community, while giving small businesses the opportunity to grow and serve more families.”
In all, eight restaurants, three entertainers (chorus, jazz band, and DJ), three community organizations (YMCA, South End Community Center, and Music Together), politicians, families, all shared one room, and recognized that in community, we can support and get to know one another, with good food, conversation, and a shared hope in humanity.
Had a wonderful time at the event! Much thanks to all who offered delicious food, beautiful music and the blessings of good company.