Little Italy Festival facts for kids

The Little Italy Festival is a fun yearly event that happens in Clinton, Indiana, during the Labor Day Weekend. It's a big celebration of Italian culture and history. The festival is organized by the L.I.F.T. (Little Italy Festival Town) board and the City of Clinton. Every year, a special Queen of Grapes is chosen, along with a King (Re) and Queen (Regina).

History of the Festival

The idea for the Little Italy Festival started in February 1966. The Clinton Lions Club wanted to build a nice planter in town. At the same time, a TV station asked the Clinton Chamber of Commerce for a photo of the community.

A local newspaper photographer, who was also a Lions Club member, wrote articles about Clinton needing a stronger identity. People suggested ideas, including celebrating the city's coal mining past or its many Italian restaurants. The Lions Club chose the Italian theme. This felt natural because a part of Clinton used to be a "Little Italy" neighborhood.

As they planned, the Lions Club invited other local groups to join. About 30 groups came to the next meeting. They decided to call their project "Project LIFT." "LIFT" stands for "Little Italy Festival Town." It also showed their hope that the festival would "lift" up their community. Soon after, the group officially became "LIFT, Inc." The festival has been held almost every year since then. It usually attracts between 60,000 and 80,000 visitors. The festival took a break in 2020 but came back the next year.

Special Places to Visit

Immigrant Square

Immigrant Square was created to honor people who moved to Clinton from other countries. In 1973, a statue of a man, nicknamed Luigi, was made for the square. Later, a fountain shaped like coal was built in front of Luigi.

Another cool feature is the Bull's Head, also called Il Toro. This is a drinking fountain made by Joe Airola. He got the idea from the city of Turin in northern Italy, where the bull is a symbol. Drinking from the Bull's Head is said to bring good luck!

The Little Italian House

The Little Italian House, or La Piccolla Casa, is thought to have been built in 1921. The Ricauda family lived there from 1923 to 1971. Later, the L.I.F.T. committee bought the house in 1979. Thanks to Martha Costello's efforts, the house opened to the public that same year. Inside, you can see a garden, old photos of Italian immigrants, furniture, and household items from the past.

What to See and Do

Bull's Head Fountain located at Immigrant Plaza, Clinton, IN, USA. Cast in Turin, Italy

It's free to get into the Little Italy Festival and visit the Midway. However, some things cost money, like food, games, rides, and shopping at the stands.

The festival officially starts at 6 P.M. on the Friday before Labor Day. It kicks off with the Little Italy Festival Parade and continues until Labor Day itself.

Here are some of the exciting things you can enjoy during the festival weekend:

• The Lambrusco Cup
• Relaxing in the Wine Gardens
• A fun Spaghetti eating contest
• Exciting Grape Stomping
• Performances by the Vicki West Dancers
• Seeing the Queen and her Court
• The L.I.F.T. Auction
• A competitive Bocce Ball Tournament
• The Italian Marriage of the Waters ceremony
• The Clinton Optimist Club Great Italian Duck Race
• Visiting La Piccolo Casa (the Little Italian House)
• Exploring the Mercato/Winery
• Taking a Wagon Ride Tour to see Clinton landmarks like the Wine Gardens, Little Italian House, and Coal Fountain
• Learning about history at the Coal Town Museum
• Trying the Lions Club Salami and Cheese Wheel
• Drawings for a Trip to Italy, a Ring, and the Bocce Club
• A spectacular Firework Finale on Monday night
• Enjoying Strolling Musicians
• Eating delicious Bagna Càuda
• Drinking water from the Bull's Head for good luck