Rosie & The Rivets

Taylor Street is one of the most historic neighborhoods in Chicago. From the late 1800s to about the 1950s, this area was a hub for Italian immigrants to settle and establish their families. It soon became Chicago’s “Official” Little Italy. Chicago’s Little Italy Festa-Taylor Street celebrates the great history of the neighborhood and the rich culture of the generations of Italians who settled there decades ago. Fabulous food from award-winning area restaurants, several stages of continuous family entertainment, quality merchandise from Italy, and colorful cultural attractions make this event one of the most popular of the summer. Sponsored by Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association and Produced by Ron Onesti (who was born on Taylor Street) of Onesti Entertainment, Owner of The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles, and Owner of the Des Plaines Theatre. The festival is a weekend celebrating Italian culture, cuisine and class. Chosen by the Taylor Street neighborhood, Ron will represent the Italian-American community and immerse guests in an authentic Italian experience. As colors of green, white and red parade the streets, festival-goers will experience the taste and feel of Italy on the same streets that Ron’s grandparents settled on in 1911. “I was born on this street, in this neighborhood, on Taylor and Western Avenue. I am excited to not only bring this celebration of Italian heritage and culture to the next level, but also to be an active part in re-establishing Taylor Street as Chicago’s ‘official’ Little Italy.”