THE MIDDLE OF MAIN STREET was transformed into a pedestrian walkway during Saturday’s Festival Italia. More photos appear in today’s issue. (Donna Larsson Photo)
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Downtown Wakefield was transformed into Little Italy on Saturday, Aug. 20 when the town held its 8th annual summer party — Festival Italia.
Thousands of residents and people from other cities and towns spilled into the downtown to enjoy a day of food, entertainment and contests.
The Event Planning Committee saw to it that this year’s celebration was bigger and better than ever. Albion Street was turned into a corridor of fun and games along with great Italian fare provided by local restaurants and vendors, cold drinks and the “Roaming Railroad” for kids of all ages and adults, too.
There were dance performances in front of the Beebe Library, LaPiazza Beer and Wine tent on Main Street and sky-high stiltwalkers. Over on Albion Street, kids had their faces painted and balloons were turned into animals.
Businesses in the downtown area offered special sales on their products and services, and the Wakefield Rotary Club held a “Frozen T-Shirt Contest.”
New this year to Festival Italia was the Video Game Theater featuring four wide screen high-definition TVs covering the walls in front of stadium seating with built-in vibration motors synched to the on-screen action with speakers in front and back.
As in years past, many volunteers helped to make this year’s event a success.
