Pittsfield Ethnic Fair Returns to North Street
 Last year's Pittsfield Ethnic Fair included Italian sausage and music by the Akwaaba Ensemble (top) and bagpipers (below). |
The street will be closed from noon to 6, rain or shine, on Sunday, Aug. 2, to be filled with thousands of pedestrians enjoying tantalizing aromas, captivating rhythms and colorful costumes. (See map and listings below)
Free and open to all, the fair features dozens of international food and craft vendors and two stages of music and dance including African music and dance, salsa rhythms, Irish fiddles, Scottish bagpipes, and much more. In addition, the popular Raptor Project "Birds of Prey" show and exhibit will look at the region's avian variety.
Two stages will feature dancing music from the recording artists Mark VI Polka Orchestra; the return of Boston-based dancing sensation Veronica Robles and her mariachi ensemble; the Akwaaba Traditional African Drum and Dance Ensemble; the Puerto Rican folkloric music group Taineri, traditional Irish tunes from Daniels, McManus and Guests; the Albany (N.Y.) Berkshire Ballet, Youth Alive Step Dance and Drum Line, performances from the Michael Farrell School of Irish Dance, Celtic bagpipes from Ruari Layton and Gaia Roots performing African and Caribbean drumming.
"As the grandson of Italian immigrants I believe it is important for our community to celebrate its cultural heritage and to welcome and celebrate new immigrants and cultures as well," said Mayor James M. Ruberto. "That's why we have made Pittsfield a 'Welcoming Community' for new immigrants and why each year we help sponsor the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair, to highlight and enjoy the many contributions that both old and new immigrants have made to our community."
This year's fair committee is chaired by Downtown Inc. Executive Director Yvonne Pearson and Mario DeMartino, a longtime community leader. "The Pittsfield Ethnic Fair highlights and celebrates the best of our community. I'm glad my children and grandchildren are able to attend and enjoy the rich diversity found here and the wonderful music, dance, food and craft that is featured every year," said DeMartino. "Please bring your kids and grand kids to the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair so they can learn about and experience different cultures — and have fun, too!"
The fair spills onto Dunham Mall, Fenn Street and in front of City Hall. Plentiful and free parking is available at the McKay Street parking garage, the First Street parking lot and the Columbus Avenue parking lot. Local vendors will be offering treats from Colombia, Italy, Brazil, India, Ireland, Greece, Africa, Ecuador, the Caribbean and more, as well as wine and beer tents for those over 21 years old.
Food vendors include La Fogata Colombian Restaurant, Papa Joe's Ristorante, House of India, Corinne's Greek Restaurant, Flavours Malaysian Restaurant, Manhattan Pizza & Brazilian Grill, the Dancing Vegan, the German-American Club, The Italian-American Club, UNICO of Pittsfield, the Irish-American Club, Hot Harry's Fresh Burritos, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Guido's Fresh Marketplace, Sons of Italy Itam Lodge, Irish Sister City Committee, Pepe's 100th Anniversary Sicilian Heritage, CIAO, Civitan, Kiwanis, the Pittsfield High School cheerleaders, and more. Craft booths will feature handicrafts, jewelry, clothing, and more from around the world.
The fair is sponsored by Berkshire Bank, Greylock Federal Credit Union, General Systems Inc., Hillcrest Commons, Berkshire Healthcare, Downtown Inc. and the Pittsfield Office of Cultural Development. For more information, call 413-443-6501.
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