Senate Resolution No. 1279

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING the City of Schenectady upon the
occasion of hosting its 18th Annual Little Italy
StreetFest on September 9, 2023

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize and
pay tribute to those municipalities that partner with their local
business communities while recognizing celebrations which foster ethnic
pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens
the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commend the City of Schenectady upon the occasion of hosting its 18th
Annual Little Italy StreetFest on Saturday, September 9, 2023, on North
Jay Street; and

WHEREAS, The Schenectady Digital History Archive contains a
chronicle entitled, "Electric City Immigrants," which connotes the
significant contributions made by Italian Americans in the city's early
years; and

WHEREAS, For many decades, the State of New York has held the
distinction of having the highest population of Italian Americans in the
United States; and

WHEREAS, Italian-American food and winemaking are based primarily on
the culinary traditions of Southern Italian immigrants, although a
significant number of Northern Italian immigrants also came to the
United States and also influenced this style of cuisine to some extent;
and

WHEREAS, Each year after Labor Day, the Annual Little Italy
StreetFest is held, which was established in 2006 and has been a staple
in the Schenectady community, with the help of The Little Italy Business
Association; and

WHEREAS, The Little Italy StreetFest attracts renowned local
establishments such as Perreca's, More Perreca's, Civitello's, and
Cornell's, which serve up Italian favorites such as pasta, meatballs,
Italian ice, gelato, tomato pie, and arancini, bringing the flavors of
Italy to the heart of Schenectady; and

WHEREAS, The city closes off North Jay Street for the day so
residents can enjoy some authentic Italian family fun, with a full music
lineup, and numerous children's activities including face painting,
balloons, and improvisation classes with MopCo Theatre; and

WHEREAS, This auspicious day provides an opportunity to celebrate
the significant contributions of Italian Americans so that all people
may know and appreciate Italian history and traditions, and of the role
Italian Americans have played in Schenectady, and will continue to play,
in our communities, State and Nation; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commend the City of Schenectady upon the occasion of hosting its 18th
Annual Little Italy StreetFest; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Little Italy Business Association in
the City of Schenectady.