WHEREAS, Every year, The Italian Market, the Nation's oldest outdoor market, is the site of The Italian Market Festival, Philadelphia's largest block party stretching along South 9th Street from Fitzwater to Federal Streets; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Market Festival provides an epic experience where everyone's Italian, but the offerings are as diverse as the Italian Market itself has become, with Italian, Asian, and Latino food, music, and cultural activities; and
WHEREAS, The Italian Market Festival features The Procession of the Saints on Sunday, May 19th, at 11:00 A.M. beginning at Saint Mary Magdalen Church on Montrose Street, pausing for the Blessing of the Market at 9th and Washington Streets, and ending at St. Paul Catholic Church at the corner of South Hutchinson and Christian Streets; and
WHEREAS, There will be excellent live and recorded entertainment on three stages with dance and party bands on the Main Stage at 9th and Washington Streets, and DJs at two stages at 9th and Christian Streets and at 9th and Federal Streets; and
WHEREAS, There will delicious food in abundance: famous cheesesteaks from Pat's and Geno's, Italian sausage sandwiches, carnitas tacos, hand-carved mango roses, antipasto salads, Mexican taquerias, Vietnamese Banh Mis, seafood, cured meats, fresh cheeses, oysters and clams, and an infinite array of pastries; and
WHEREAS, There will also be many other exciting family activities including crafts, dancing, games, face-painting, and balloon art; and
WHEREAS, The City of Philadelphia is culturally enriched by the Italian Market Festival and is grateful to The South 9th Street Businessmen's Association, founded in 1915, which sponsors it; therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the Council of the City of Philadelphia, Commemorates and Celebrates The 2013 Italian Market Festival Being held on May 18th and 19th.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to The South 9th Street Businessmen's Association.
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