In the fall of 1991, Mayor Thomas Guidugli and Commissioner Jerry Peluso recognized a need in the community for a family-oriented event, which would celebrate the region’s rich cultural history and reflect the pride that Newport citizens have for their community. Their commitment to making that vision a reality evolved into the establishment of Newport’s Italianfest.

 

     The City-sponsored event is produced by a core of dedicated volunteers who, every year, create a little bit of Italy here in Newport.

 

     Italianfest has evolved from a rather modest event with only five food

vendors and 5,000 visitors into one of the region's liveliest and family-oriented festivals. Over 120,000 visitors are expected to attend.

This year it will again be held on Riverboat Row between the Taylor-Southgate and the Purple People Bridges (below Newport on the Levee/Aquarium).

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     You can enjoy many internationally recognized Italian and other local

musicians while taking in the sites along Newport’s riverfront. Many of the

area’s most popular Italian restaurants and vendors  provide authentic

Italian cuisine and the children are entertained by rides, puppet shows, and

games. One of the most popular aspects of the event is the display of historic

photographs of the Italian families who settled in our community.