Tens of thousands flock to Commercial Drive for Italian Day street festival

Tens of thousands of people flocked to Commercial Drive in East Vancouver to celebrate food and culture at the annual Italian Day festival.

A 14-block stretch of Commercial Drive was closed to traffic Sunday as tens of thousands of people crowded the strip for the annual Italian Day street festival.

The popular event was at risk of being cancelled this year due to a $60,000 funding shortfall – but last month, the city council voted unanimously to approve a one-time grant for that amount.

Many restaurants and bars set up temporary street patios, and vendors sold a variety of Italian favourites including cannoli, meatballs, and grilled sausage.

With the temperature close to 30 degrees Celsius by mid-afternoon, many people sought out shade in one of three beverage gardens set up so people could enjoy beer, wine, and cocktails.

Vancouver police had a large presence at the festival and set up temporary barriers to prevent unauthorized vehicles from accessing the street.