Little Italy Fest brings Bronx to suburbs
Whether your ancestors come from Italy or hail from another part of the globe, you can experience a little bit of the Bronx's Italian culture this weekend in Addison during Little Italy Fest-West.
The festival celebrates the lifestyle, traditions and culture of Italian-American neighborhoods in New York and similar communities in Chicago, says organizer Ron Onesti, president and CEO of Onesti Entertainment.
The Italian-inspired traditions can be seen at Little Italy Fest-West through Sunday, Aug. 21, behind the Marcus Theatre on Lake Street in Addison.
Part of the inspiration behind the festival's theme, Onesti says, is to honor his and many other families' immigration by way of Ellis Island into the Bronx. Onesti's grandparents came to America from Italy in 1911.
"It's a big source of pride for me," he said.
Onesti, a fan of the 1993 movie "A Bronx Tale," visits the borough every year. The festival aims to bring the cultural experience to the suburbs.
"We're celebrating the rich history," he said.
Guests are being brought to Addison from New York for the festival, with the Bronx Wanders headlining Saturday and Sunday nights. Sonny Averona Jr. and Johnny Bones will perform a tribute to the music of Dean Martin, Jerry Lewis and Frank Sinatra.
"We're honored to be able to be out there in Chicago to perform for the Chicago people," Averona said.
Also, a first-responder from New York will be honored for his rescue efforts in response to the Sept. 11 terror attacks.
"Meatball" wrestling, pizza-making for kids, a cannoli eating contest, and a charity grape stomp competition are some of the events planned to highlight Italian culture.
Foods such as Italian beef, sausage, and fresh mozzarella Onesti says they're making "right there" will add Italian flavor as well.
"This whole thing is a celebration of Italian-American neighborhoods," he said. "There's so many Italian-Americans and those of us who appreciate Italian culture (in the suburbs)."
Though the fest will feature aspects familiar to Italian-Americans around the suburbs, the event will be enjoyable for everyone, Onesti said.
"This isn't really geared toward strictly Italian-Americans," Onesti says. "Who doesn't love pasta? Who doesn't love Frank Sinatra? If you love pasta, if you love meatballs, if you love (Luciano) Pavarotti or Frank Sinatra or Dean Martin, who wouldn't want to come to this?"
About 25,000 people are expected to attend. Admission is free before 3 p.m. and $8 after.
"It's like a party," Onesti said. "Everybody can come and celebrate the opening of the festival and have a good time."
If you go
What: Little Italy Fest-West
When: Noon to 11 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20; noon to 9 p.m. Sunday Aug. 21
Where: Lake Street east of Route 53; parking at the Marcus Theatre on Lake Street
Admission: $8 after 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday
Info: arcadalive.com/little-italy-fest