Thousands Expected For Italian Festival

SAN DIEGO -- The largest single-day Italian American festival outside of New York City gets under way Sunday on the streets of downtown San Diego's Little Italy.

The free "Little Italy Festa," now in its 14th year, is expected to attract more than 120,000 people, organizers said.

"Year after year, San Diego locals and tourists have flocked to this wonderful event highlighting the rich Italian culture of Little Italy," said Steve Galasso, owner of the neighborhood's Cafe Italia and president of the Little Italy Association.

"This year will prove to be the best yet with the finest our community has to offer -- amazing food, fabulous art and music and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy," he said.

The festival will feature more than 150 food, art and retail vendors and a wine and beer garden.

Teams of artists will also use chalk to create murals on the street during a "Gesso Italian" chalk painting event.

The festival runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. along India Street, from Ash Street to Grape Street.