Senate Resolution No. 1024

BY: Senator TEDISCO

COMMENDING the City of Schenectady upon the
occasion of hosting its 20th Annual Little Italy
StreetFest on September 6, 2025

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 20th
Annual Little Italy StreetFest on Saturday, September 6, 2025, 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 influenced this style of cuisine to some extent; and

WHEREAS, Established in 2006, the Annual Little Italy StreetFest is
held each year after Labor Day, and with the help of The Little Italy
Business Association, has been a staple in the Schenectady community
ever since; and

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

WHEREAS, The city closes off North Jay Street for the day so
residents can enjoy 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, 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 20th
Annual Little Italy StreetFest on September 6, 2025; 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.