Italian Festival takes over Preston Street

The ever-popular Ottawa Italian Festival is taking over Little Italy, as festival goers take in a vintage car show Sunday afternoon. CTV’s Natalie Van Rooy repo

The Ottawa Italian Festival took over Preston Street all weekend as thousands enjoyed food, drinks, music and entertainment.

“I know we do it every year, but it seems to be a lot bigger this year,” said Romano Rocco Farella, a staff member at Italian Joe’s Kitchen.

“I think it’s really good for the city.”

The streets of Ottawa’s Little Italy were filled with traditional dances and music. Vendors lined up offering freshly baked goods, pizza, lemonade and works of art.

“We’ve had Italian food of course,” said Nina Belinson, who was visiting the event with her sons and a friend. “It was amazing, as well as all the amazing cars. We’re on our way to try some gelato.”

Several Ferrari’s were also on display for car enthusiasts. There was also Italian fencing, face painting, and balloon making for families.

“We’re just looking at cars and balloons and eating whatever,” said Kanesa Santhiraligam, who was at the event with his kids.

“We are also drinking lemonade and gelatos.”

There was also relief on Sunday that the wildfire smoke had slightly cleared since Friday.

“We’re so relieved that the air quality is so much better now and now we can enjoy,” said Belinson.

Pizza making on the street was also a favourite for those passing through the event. For businesses along the busy stretch of Little Italy, crowds were on the patios all weekend long.

“It’s been packed all day,” said Farella. “I always have people coming in and out, we’ve been slammed.”