Amphitheater ribbon cutting, concerts Saturday

There are lots of good things happening in Norwalk and Saturday provided another example of that. A ribbon cutting was held at the city's new amphitheater at the Norwalk reservoir followed by a concert. There was a food truck and a coffee station and people were encouraged to bring lawn chairs. Hundreds turned out to enjoy the nice sunny afternoon. Before the ribbon was cut, a group of officials each spoke about how the project came to fruition. Park and rec superintendent Lynden Ramsey was the first to speak. She said one of the goals of the park and rec department is to encourage wellness, healthy lifestyles, and bringing people together. She also thanked her predecessors Joe Lindenberger and Ken Leber for helping to make the project a reality. "Thank you for coming out and celebrating this new adventure for the city of Norwalk," Ramsey told the crowd. Norwalk Mayor Dave Light was next to speak. He thanked State Rep. Dick Stein, R-Norwalk, for going to bat for the city in helping to secure a $300,000 grant to get the project completed. He also thanked Lindenberger, who he said applied for the amphitheater grant before retiring. Additionally, Light thanked the Lion's Club, which donated $10,000 to the project, along with D.L. Smith Concrete, WLKR radio, and the city's general services department. In an interview, Light said he was thrilled with the amphitheater project. "I'm very excited about this project and what it will bring for our community," Light said. "It provides an amazing place for performing arts, weddings, special events and the return of the concert in the park series." Stein was the one to cut the ribbon. After the ribbon cutting, the cast of Norwalk Arts Center's Seussical Jr. performed several songs. That play is coming up at the arts center on Nov. 15, 16, and 17. After the Suessical Jr. performances, singer-songwriter Haley Heyman took the stage. She was followed by country-Americana singer-songwriter Chris Castle. Also performing was indie-folk singer Emily Keener.