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Bloomfield's Little Italy Days to return with food, bocce and safety in mind
Liberty Avenue in Bloomfield will once again be filled with Italian food, music and, of course, bocce.
The 19th annual Little Italy Days returns after being canceled last year because of the pandemic. Known as the region’s largest heritage festival, it will take place this year from Aug. 19 through Aug. 22.
“We are so happy to be back,” said Bloomfield native Sal Richetti, the event’s producer on Thursday. “There will be meatballs and pasta and cannoli and hot sausage and more. Everyone is Italian during Little Italy Days.”
Richetti said he’s been receiving calls from businesses to see if the event is happening. Last year, it was first postponed until October 2020. Richetti then decided to cancel the October date because covid-19 cases were still rising.
He said they will follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and state guidelines. The festival’s footprint reaches across Liberty Avenue from Taylor Street to Gross Street. In past years between 40,000-80,000 people have attended. Masks are recommended for people who are not vaccinated.
Some vendors are having trouble with staffing issues like many businesses, Richetti said. But there will definitely be plenty of vendors on site.
There will be more than 30 acts across three stages throughout the four days A Little Miss Italy contest will be held at noon on Aug. 22. It is for contestants ages 4-17 years old.
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days’ producer Sal Richetti (right) poses with former KDKA-TV news anchor Paul Martino on Aug. 12 to discuss the event which is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 along Liberty Avenue.Paul Martino, a Bloomfield resident, and former KDKA-TV news anchor will emcee the event which kicks off with a celebrity bocce tournament.
“Little Italy Days is coming back with good Italian food and great music and bocce,” said Martino who was holding a trophy. “This trophy right here will be up for grabs. The Italians versus the Irish. The Italians won last year. Who will get the trophy this year?”
JoAnne Klimovich Harrop | Tribune-Review Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days’ producer Sal Richetti holds the trophy for the annual celebrity bocce tournament at a press event on Aug. 12. The annual event is scheduled for Aug. 19-22 along Liberty Avenue.On Aug. 19, starting at 6 p.m. Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto who is Italian will form a team to compete against Allegheny County Executive Rich Fitzgerald’s Irish squad in bocce.
The event is free. There is a VIP experience for $19.95 which includes a T-shirt, a bottle of water, slice of pizza from Caliente Pizza and a seat in a tent near the main stage.
“I grew up in Bloomfield,” Richetti said. “This is a chance to celebrate our heritage. Last year, covid canceled pretty much everything. We are happy to be back. It should be a great time.”
Hours are 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Aug. 19, noon to 10 p.m. Aug. 20-21 and noon to 6 p.m. Aug. 22.
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