BALTIMORE, Md. — This weekend, Little Italy is alive with excitement as the community welcomes both residents and visitors to the expanded Light Up Little Italy and Feast of St. Gabriel festivals. Organizers are proud to proclaim that this year’s event is the largest to date.
“Last year, the festival covered just a block and a half with a single stage, but this year we’re proud to announce it stretches over six blocks, featuring multiple stages and an array of vendors,” said Kimber Goodwin, one of the festival coordinators.
The celebrations aim to honor one of Baltimore’s most venerable neighborhoods while fostering connections among long-term residents, local businesses, and new community members alike.
Baltimore community unites for expanded Light Up Little Italy Feast of St. Gabriel celebration
Light Up Little Italy, Feast of St. Gabriel return with expanded festival
“Our goal is to revitalize Little Italy and bring back the charm of yesteryears,” explained Russ Cipolla, who chairs the festival. “We aim to blend aspects of both the new and the old. This is truly a community-driven event organized by local residents, businesses, and those who cherish Little Italy.”
This marks the second year for the Light Up Little Italy festival, and the team has collaborated to resurrect the Feast of St. Gabriel.
“For four decades, families have laid the groundwork for this event, but it disappeared during the pandemic. We felt it was essential to help revive it by partnering with them, and we are doing this for four noble causes,” Cipolla noted.
Taylor Epps
The festival’s proceeds will benefit various organizations, including GILD, Oriole Advocates, To Love Is To Help, and the Confraternity of St. Gabriel.
The opening night showcased live performances, local vendors, and a sold-out chef’s dinner. Organizers assure festival goers that there is still a wealth of activities to enjoy throughout the weekend.
“We have over 65 vendors and 100 booths featuring not only festival cuisine but also offerings from Little Italy’s finest restaurants,” Cipolla shared. “Additionally, we’re hosting a pet pageant where attendees can dress their pets up and compete for prizes.”
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