There’s no better way to shine a spotlight on a neighborhood quite like a festival.
For four days starting tomorrow in Bloomfield, it’s all-Italian-all-the time! Expect lots of music and food, games and activities for the kids, more food and other fun things to do amidst Bloomfield’s unique shops and fine restaurants during Little Italy Days.
For the past 20 years, Bloomfield has been hosting Little Italy Days as a way to promote the community and pay homage to its Italian roots.
As the largest heritage event in the tri-state area, Little Italy Days was modeled after New York City’s Italian Festival. It was created as a way not only to celebrate Bloomfield’s Italian heritage but to help the local merchants as well by creating a destination spot for their businesses.
Photo courtesy of Little Italy Days Facebook Page
The festival features more than 30 performances across three stages with Italian-themed entertainment, a celebrity bocce tournament, and more. The celebrity bocce tournament between the Italians and Irish always draws a crowd. In the past, local celebrities included former Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, Chief Executive of Allegheny County, Rich Fitzgerald, Paul Martino, Jon Burnett, Robert Mangino, Kevin Benson, Donnie Iris, and Franco Harris.
The food is another huge draw. You can find plenty of vendors selling pizza, strombolis, pasta, and cannolis.
The event is free to attend and is located along Liberty Ave. The center of the festival is near First National Bank at 4724 Liberty Avenue.
Photo courtesy of Little Italy Days Facebook Page
