BALLOON ART was a popular attraction on Albion Street at Festival Italia on Saturday, Aug. 20. (Gail Lowe Photo)
Published in the August 22, 2016 edition.
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — A sun-splashed Saturday was exactly what the doctor ordered for the seventh Festival Italia, the town’s summertime street party.
It was a great time had by thousands. Hosted by Wakefield’s Event Planning Committee, the 2016 Festival Italia drew throngs of people to Main and Albion streets to relax, dine, listen to music and view classic vehicles at a car show.
Beer and wine were served at the La Piazza in front of The Savings Bank in the Square, children waited patiently while their faces were painted and a little gambling took place at the Wheel of Chance.
A dunking booth for charity was set up on Princess Street so you could get your favorite politician or civic volunteer wet. Selectman Phyllis Hull was among those who proved she had a mighty arm, as she took the opportunity to try to get Finance Committeeman Gerard Leeman, former head of the Republican Town Committee, under water.
State Rep. Paul Brodeur and School Committeeman Chris Callanan got soaked for a good cause as well.
New this year — and something that proved popular with the younger kids — was the Red Sox Showcase powered by T-Mobile, an interactive Fenway Park experience that allowed participants inside the locker room to get a look at what the pros see when they report to work each day. Youths also had the opportunity to steal second base, take a little batting practice and see a miniature version of the Green Monster.
There was a children’s area on Albion Street that including all-hands drumming, a stilt walker, the roaming railroad, face painting and balloon artists.
In the Beebe Library’s Lecture Hall, Peter Sheridan entertained children with his music. On the library steps, dancers from the Movement Dance Studio, Dance Track, Dance Studio of Wakefield, Catch the Funk, Miss Krystn’s Dance Studio, the high school cheerleaders and the high school dance team proved impressive performers.
So too did musicians from the Onset Music School.
On what was called the Forum Stage set up at Main and Chestnut streets, festival revelers hears the Keep It Real Band, Morlocks and Pistol Peter & The Smoking Guns.
The Colosseum Stage near Christopher J. Barrett Realtors on Albion Street featured Mac Stevens Duo, Betty’s Bounce and the North Ave. Band.
The high school’s Voices of Steel and the Italian Serenaders provided some awesome music at the stage set up near Century 21 Commonwealth on Albion Street.
