Ethnic fair returns to Pittsfield |

PITTSFIELD - Celebrate the many cultures and traditions that make Pittsfield and the Berkshires so vibrant at this year's Pittsfield Ethnic Fair, a community tradition scheduled for Sunday, August 5th from noon to 6pm. This free family-friendly outdoor street festival will be held on the first block of South Street between Park Square and Housatonic Street, rain or shine.  South Street will be blocked to traffic from Housatonic Street to Park Square.

Organized by the Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Ethnic Fair Committee with support from the City of Pittsfield, the Pittsfield Ethnic Fair features food and entertainment from around the world.  Enjoy the Brazilian rhythms of Bossa Triba, traditional Italian 'piazza' music by Bell 'Accordo, salsa from Bronte Roman and El Grupo Caliente, traditional Irish tunes from Rakish Paddy, world music from HuDost, klezmer with Klezimir, and original African songs by Appollo Nzima on two different stages. The fair kicks off with an Opening Ceremony with flags, a bagpiper, a color guard and more!

Also performing will be community youth dance groups including the Multicultural Dancers of the Berkshires, Youth Alive Step Team and Band, and the KidZone Dancers.

Stroll the fair and enjoy mouthwatering delights from around the world created by local vendors. You can choose from meatball and sausage grinders and chicken cacciatore from the Sons of Italy; chicken tikka masala and refreshing mango lassis from House of India; empanadas and shish kabobs from Lucia's Latin Kitchen; Irish whiskey cake and corned beef sliders from the Irish Sister City Committee; Mexican food from Tony Sombrero; bratwurst and knockwurst with sauerkraut from the German American Club; and Malaysian chicken curry and spring rolls from Flavours, among others. A wine and beer tent will be available for those 21 and over.

A wide variety of vendors will also be on hand for your international shopping pleasure, including Eastern European baked goods and crafts from St. Nicholas Orthodox Church; Celtic jewelry from Berkshire Beads; British & Irish imported foods from Brits'R'Us; and much more! Family activities abound, including a bounce house, children's book booths from Big Head Books and Barefoot in the Berkshires, and special activities at the Berkshire Museum.

The Downtown Pittsfield Inc Ethnic Fair Committee is co-chaired by Mario DeMartino and Pam Tobin, Executive Director, Downtown Pittsfield, Inc. Major sponsors include Berkshire Health Systems, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Allegrone Construction, Berkshire Bank Foundation, Berkshire Healthcare, Cohen Kinne Valicenti Cook and JH Maxymillian, Inc. For more information, please call 413-443-6501 or visit downtownpittsfield.com.