By Zoe Vongtau-11th Grade, Baldwin High School

For Pittsburghers who didn’t get to travel far this summer, Bloomfield’s Little Italy Days was the perfect opportunity to experience some culture. From August 18th to the 21st, the city’s largest Italian heritage festival closed down streets from Elma to Gross.

The free celebration, in its 15th year, was alive with vendors, performers and people of all cultures celebrating Italy.

The many vendors included a variety of people offering foods from local restaurants, jewelry, clothing and more, leaving no desire or taste left out. Food along the streets ranged from traditional Italian cuisine like pasta and gelato to summer carnival favorites like funnel cake and deep-fried oreos.  Additionally, items like clothing and home decoration were available to purchase from vendors of open stores along side the street.

To accompany the sounds of families and laughter, the event featured local artists including Italian singer John Lupone and a Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons tribute band alled Jersey 4.

For those not interested in the food and shops, a bocce tournament welcomed players, onlookers and Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto.

The festival name stems from neighborhood Bloomfield’s nickname as the Little Italy of Pittsburgh, due to its once majority Italian population. Although the population has changed over time, Bloomfield remains a welcoming neighborhood rich with history and fun.

Zoe Vongtau is a 16 year old resident of Baldwin and Baldwin Whitehall High School. She will serve as a Design Editor this year on her school newspaper, The Purbalite. She is interested in photography, poetry and believes Alright by Kendrick Lamar is actually a spiritual song.