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Little Italy prepares for wet weather

    SCHENECTADY — The Little Italy Streetfest scheduled for Saturday will go forward rain or shine, according to organizers.
    The merchants involved in the third annual Festa are all in favor of having it despite dismal weather predictions of rain.
    The Festa will run from noon to 9 p.m. Saturday. Opening entertainment is the Good Times followed by Nick Tripoli at 3 p.m. Benny Cannavo and the Accents will begin at 6 p.m.

Quoted from Salvatore

that is a shame and they need to reschedule. typical bad luck for the Italian people.

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SCHENECTADY
Drizzle fails to dampen Italian pride
Little Italy Streetfest visitors break out umbrellas, enjoy day
BY TATIANA ZARNOWSKI Gazette Reporter
Reach Gazette reporter Tatiana Zarnowski at 587-1780 or tzarnowski@dailygazette.net.

Forecast-savvy people swamped the Little Italy Streetfest when it opened at noon on Saturday. “Every alleyway, every corner — all these people were coming toward us,” said Maureen Gebert, Schenectady Heritage Area coordinator. After that initial rush from people hoping to beat the rain, attendance was spotty as a steady drizzle fell all afternoon. But people still stopped for takeout dinners, noted Doreen Ditoro of Rossi & Ditoro Funeral Home. “People are just parking, coming and going.” A few others strolled with umbrellas, taking in the smells of homemade food, chatting with friends and neighbors or listening to the live music. Entertainer Nick Tripoli took his singing act into the street. “He went through the street and sang to the older ladies,” said Ray Liszewski of Schenectady. After three years, people are putting the festa on their calendars and planning for it, Gebert said. Second- or thirdgeneration Italian-Americans have called her to ask about the festival because they want to bring their grandparents. Some diners at Civitello’s on Saturday had traveled from Florida or New York City to spend time with friends and family and attend the festival, she said. Families who live in the neighborhood use the festival as an excuse to have their own parties, Ditoro said. “Everybody’s friends and relatives come and make it a day, like the old times when everybody used to sit on the front porch and drink wine.” The event was started after North Jay Street’s beautification project four years ago. “It seemed like everybody down here really wanted to do something,” Gebert said. “These families and businesses have been here for generations.” So a little rain wasn’t going to stop them. “I give them a lot of credit, especially the Italians; they know how to stick it out till the end,” said Donna Casey of East Greenbush as she and her 10-year-old daughter, Rachel Baker, shared an umbrella and listened to Tivoli sing. Though she’s not Italian, Casey enjoys Italian food with the best of them, she said. “We frequent a lot of Italian restaurants in Schenectady.”
Liszewski, who is half Italian, said celebrating the heritage of city residents is key to promoting Schenectady pride. He said he grew up in the city, moved away and then came back five years ago.
“When I came back, I was depressed about what was happening in the city,” he said.
But now, the city and its neighborhoods are rebounding. Mayor Brian U. Stratton stopped by to purchase some raffle tickets.
“I apologize for the rain today,” Stratton told Gebert, joking he takes credit when there is nice weather for festivals.
    In case Stratton fails to deliver sun next year as well, organizers want to raise enough money to have a tent to cover vendors. On Saturday, vendors used their own tents to keep merchandise, food and other items dry. “Next year we hope to plan ahead,” Gebert said.
    Despite the wet weather, Juan Ramos reported his sales of jewelry made from copper and recycled products were doing well.
    “Surprisingly, it was good. I didn’t expect a lot of people to come out,” said Ramos, who came to Schenectady two months ago from Los Angeles, Calif., to sell his wares.


BARRY SLOAN/FOR THE DAILY GAZETTE Despite rain, festival-goers mill around North Jay Street during the the third annual Little Italy Streetfest in Schenectady Saturday afternoon.

Quoted from MobileTerminal

Ya, like failed birth control with your mother.

Quoted from MobileTerminal

Ya, like failed birth control with your mother.

Quoted from bumblethru

Now THAT was the best!!! Here's a high five comin at cha!!