The first annual Italian Heritage Festival to come to Whitestone brought together hundreds of locals of all ages on Sunday, Oct. 20, for pizza, vintage cars and cultural spirit.
The outdoor festival, which closed down 4th Avenue between Clintonville Street and 150th Street, was organized by Vickie Paladino, the area’s City Council Member. She noted that it was not only a first for Whitestone, but also the first time her team organized a festival.
“It warmed my heart to see the crowd of people and the support for my office and for our Italian heritage!,” said Council Member Paladino, who hails from Whitestone. “I could never do this alone and I am so honored to have your help and support. Thank you, thank you, thank you.”
Paladino also expressed gratitude to sponsors, which included several of the area’s small businesses, from eateries to skilled service providers. Sergimmo Salumeria, an Italian deli, Cascon Baking Company, Verdi’s catering hall and Cafe Rustico, all in Whitestone, are among them.
Sponsors unrelated to food included Magic Collision Center, Whitestone Podiatry, Whitepoint Cleaners in College Point, Queens Garden Nursery, Whitestone Hardware and Whitestone Car Wash.
Attendees enjoyed live music spun by DJ Louie Mangione, who owns and operates Music and Passion DJ Entertainment in Whitestone. Performances were also given by the local Landrum School of Dance and Italian singer Carmelo Raccuglia.
Local volunteer-led groups, such as Friends of Francis Lewis Park and Dogs of Queens, sold calendars and set up tables to raise awareness of their causes.
Food vendors sold freshly baked pretzels, risotto balls and Neapolitan pizzas ranging from pepperoni to Nutella, which were topped with rainbow cookies. Il Bacco Ristorante Italiano also sold jars of its homemade pasta sauce to take home.
Carina Boutique on 150th Street, specializing in special occasion formal wear, displayed jewelry and other accessories at the festival. Forever Italian lined its tables and tent with imported Italian decorative kitchen towels featuring detailed maps of regions and Italian specialties, which attendees browsed through.
“I promise next year will be even better!” said Paladino.
