The Pittsfield Ethnic Fair
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| Pittsfield Ethnic Fair celebrates the many cultures that make up our region. |
Free and open to all, the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair will be held, rain or shine, from noon to 6 p.m. with 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, Indian dance, and much more from around the world. In addition, a veritable United Nations of birds will be featured in the immensely popular Raptor Project Birds of Prey show and exhibit at the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair.
Mayor James Ruberto is a big fan of the Fair. “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. 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.”
The Pittsfield Ethnic Fair committee is chaired by Mario DeMartino, a longtime community leader. He noted, “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. 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 stretches over the first two blocks of North Street, which will be closed to traffic, as well as 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.
Vendors from around the world will be offering mouthwatering treats from Colombia, Italy, Brazil, India, Ireland, Poland, 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, the Polish Falcons, the Brazilian Restaurant & Pub, the German-American Club, The Italian-American Club, UNICO of Pittsfield, the Irish-American Club, Berkshire Amistad, Sabor Restaurante, Hot Harry’s Fresh Burritos, the Crowne Plaza, St. Nicholas Orthodox Church, Guido’s Fresh Marketplace, Sons of Italy Itam Lodge, and more. Craft booths will feature Kenyan handicrafts, international jewelry, Indian clothing, Russian and Greek items, and other products.
The Pittsfield Ethnic Fair is generously underwritten by the Berkshire Bank Foundation, Greylock Federal Credit Union, and General Systems, and cosponsored by the City of Pittsfield and Downtown Inc. Hillcrest Commons is the sponsor for the Birds of Prey exhibit and performances. For more information, please visit www.culturalpittsfield.com or call 413-499-9348.
2008 Ethnic Fair Performance Schedule
Main Stage: North Street at West Street
Noon Welcome
12:15 to 12:45 p.m. Berkshire Highlanders
12:45 to 1:15 p.m. Albany Berkshire Ballet
1:15 to 2:15 p.m. Jimmy McCardle & Irish Country
2:15 to 2:45 p.m. Flamenco dance with Maria Bermudez
2:45 to 3:30 p.m. Jimmy McCardle & Irish Country
3:30 to 4 p.m. Gayathri traditional Indian dance
4 to 5 p.m. Akwaaba Ensemble African dance and drumming
5 to 6 p.m. Afonso Lopez y Orchestra La Perfecta
Second Stage: North Street at Columbus Avenue
12:30 to 1 p.m. Youth Alive Step Dance & Drum Line
1 to 2 p.m. Mark VI Polka Orchestra
2 to 2:30 p.m. Gayathri traditional Indian dance
2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Mark VI Polka Orchestra
3:30 to 4 p.m. Michael Farrell School of Irish Dance
4 to 6 p.m. Mark VI Polka Orchestra
