KENNEWICK, Wash. — Downtown Kennewick will transform into a celebration of Italian culture this Saturday as the community hosts Italian Day, featuring authentic cuisine, live music, and family-friendly activities from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The event will showcase vendors throughout the downtown streets, offering a wide range of products, from traditional Italian groceries to handmade specialties. Smokin’ Boar Sausages, Coffee by Tony Chiodo, and Italian groceries from Leone are among the featured vendors expected to participate in the daylong celebration.
Local businesses across downtown Kennewick have prepared special Italian-themed offerings and decorations to complement the street festival atmosphere. The community event aims to bring authentic Italian heritage and traditions to the Tri-Cities area.
“Italian day was kind of our way of bringing a little piece of our heritage and culture to the Tri-Cities,” said Concetta Gulluni, co-owner of Layered Cake Artistry. “My family on both sides comes from Italy. I grew up in a pretty traditional Italian family with traditional Italian food. This is my way of getting to share a piece of that with everybody here.”
The festival will feature an extensive menu of traditional Italian dishes, including handmade meatballs and Sicilian pizza bread. Sweet treats will also be available, with vendors offering cannoli, tiramisu, and other authentic Italian desserts.
Organizers have planned the event to offer a comprehensive cultural experience that extends beyond just food. Attendees can expect Italian music throughout the day, creating an atmosphere that celebrates the rich traditions of Italian culture while uniting the community.
The downtown location provides an ideal setting for the street festival format, enabling visitors to explore multiple vendors and participating businesses within a short walking distance. Red, white, and green balloons will guide attendees through the celebration area, making it easy for families to navigate the various offerings.
Italian Day represents a growing trend of cultural celebrations in the Tri-Cities area, where community members with diverse backgrounds share their heritage through food, music, and traditions. The event provides an opportunity for both Italian-American families and the broader community to connect over shared appreciation for Italian culture.
Local business owners have embraced the celebration, with many preparing special menu items and decorations specifically for the event. This community-wide participation helps create an immersive experience that extends beyond the street vendors to include established downtown businesses.
The event, running from mid-morning through early evening, accommodates families with children as well as adults seeking dining and entertainment options. The nine-hour duration allows visitors to experience different aspects of the celebration throughout the day.
For those planning to attend, organizers recommend following the red, white, and green balloon markers to navigate between vendors and participating businesses. The downtown Kennewick location offers convenient parking and accessibility for visitors of all ages.
The Italian Day celebration continues Kennewick’s tradition of hosting community events that bring residents together while celebrating the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up the Tri-Cities area. The event provides an educational and entertaining way for families to learn about Italian traditions while enjoying authentic food and music.
Italian Day takes place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 117 W. Kennewick Ave. in downtown Kennewick, at Layered Cake Artistry.
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