Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony on Saturday, May 9, Marked Official Opening of Mulberry Street Pedestrian Mall

The 2008 Summer in Little Italy festival, presented by the Little Italy Merchants Association (LIMA), began on the weekend of May 9/10/11 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony marking the opening of the Mulberry Street Pedestrian Mall and a free concert featuring Tre Bella and The Red Mike Festival Band, Little Italy’s renowned traditional Italian brass band.

The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and concert was held on Saturday, May 10, at 1:00 PM at the corner of Mulberry Street and Canal Street. Local community and civic leaders took part in the opening weekend festivities. The ceremony was highlighted by a musical performance by Tre Bella, a well-known group of Italian-American singers – JoAnne Robertozzi, Theresa Sareo and Lorraine Ferro.

Summer in Little Italy is celebrated every Friday evening, Saturday and Sunday through the Labor Day Weekend – August 29/30/31 and September 1 on the Mulberry Street Pedestrian Mall (Mulberry Street between Canal and Broome Streets).

On Saturday, May 24 LIMA presented a Patriotic Concert Patriotic Concert by the Onstage Italian American Artists (OSIAA), composed of Joann Robotuzzi, Theresa Sareo, James Adamo, Allison Scola, Dan Ferrari, Laura Monaco, Anthony Piranio, Dimitri Minucci, Christopher Machio, and Deborah Longino, from 7:00 to 9:00 PM in the Mulberry Street outdoor parking lot between Canal and Hester Streets. Prior to the Concert, LIMA will present a Memorial celebration from 5:30 to 7:00 PM honoring deceased Italian-American veterans of past wars whose names will be read aloud.

On Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day), a ceremony honoring Italian-American veterans from current and past wars was held in the outdoor Patio of Most Precious Blood Church, 109 Mulberry Street, between Canal and Hester Streets. Father Fabian Grifone conducted the religious service which was attended by members of the United States Marine Corps. The Red Mike Festival Band performed.

Special events during the summer include the 6th Annual Pasta Eating Contest on Saturday, July 5, at 4 PM in front of Sal Anthony’s S.P.Q.R. Restaurant on Mulberry Street; 3rd Annual Little Italy Vocalists Competition on Saturday, July 26, at 3 PM; 2nd Annual Little Italy Clam Shucking Competition on Saturday, August 2, at 3 PM; a one-hour concert by renowned soprano Cristina Fontanelli on Saturday, August 16, at 3 PM; 5th Annual Little Italy Mario Lanza Vocal Competition on Labor Day, Monday, September 1, at 3 PM; and 6th Annual Little Italy Columbus Day Parade on Mulberry Street on Saturday, October 11 at 2 PM.

Presented by the Little Italy Merchants Association (LIMA), an organization representing restaurants, cafes and other businesses in Little Italy, Summer in Little Italy, which attracts more than one-million visitors annually, began in 2002. During the festival weekends, Mulberry Street is closed to vehicular traffic creating a Pedestrian Mall as well as New York City’s most exciting al fresco dining area. Most of the area’s more than 35 restaurant and cafes obtain permits to operate sidewalk cafes during Mall hours where visitors can have a leisurely lunch or dinner, cappuccino and desserts, while watching people from all over the world stroll through this historic neighborhood.

Sponsors of 2008 Summer in Little Italy include returning supporters Bolla Wines, ‘The Official Wine of Little Italy,’ Peroni Beer, ‘The Official Beer of Little Italy,’ and the Italian Tribune, and new sponsors Colavita Virgin Olive Oil,® ‘The Official Olive Oil of New York City’s Little Italy,’ Gabriella of Italy,™ ‘The Official Artisan Cheeses of New York City’s Little Italy’, Carmelina…e’ San Marzano® Tomatoes, ‘The Official Tomato of New York City’s Little Italy,’ Pepsi Cola/Schweppes/Seven Up, ‘The Official Soft Drinks of New York City’s Little Italy.’