John Valentine Shares His Vision: The Return of Highmark International StrEAT Festival
By Christine Julia Dingzon
Are you a food lover looking for something new to savor? Mark your calendars for October 19th and 20th, when the Highmark International StrEAT Festival returns to Pittsburgh!
After a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, this vibrant outdoor event will once again transform the streets of Pittsburgh with a diverse array of local and international cuisine, live entertainment, music, and family-friendly activities.
Originally established in 2019 by John Valentine, Executive Director of the Pittsburgh Downtown Neighbors Alliance, the Italian Highmark Festival has since transformed into the Highmark International StrEAT Festival. What began as a celebration of Italian heritage has now grown to embrace the rich cultural diversity of Pittsburgh, creating a vibrant space for community connection. John’s vision for the festival was simple: to “bring people together.” He believed that in a bustling city like Pittsburgh, it’s important to create opportunities for people to “get out of their bubble, explore new cultures, and connect over shared experiences.”
One of John’s favorite parts of the festival is the Meatball Eating Contest, a tradition that unites the community in fun competition. However, his greatest joy comes from “seeing people of all backgrounds enjoying great food, smiling, and sharing an experience together” he says.
While there are many festivals throughout October, John believes what sets the Highmark International StrEAT Festival apart is its celebration of diversity. Reflecting on his early days in Pittsburgh, John remarked, “When I first moved here, it wasn’t very diverse. I wanted to change that, to push forward as a more inclusive society.” The pandemic may have paused this vision, but the festival is back, ready to reunite the community once again.
In addition to bringing joy to attendees, the festival will offer significant exposure for local small businesses. John emphasized the importance of supporting these vendors, noting that “after Covid marginalized their sales and increased costs, many small businesses have struggled to afford marketing.” This festival gives them a chance to fully immerse themselves in the Pittsburgh community and gain the recognition they deserve.
The festival will also feature live music from talented local artists, giving musicians a platform to share their work and engage with new audiences.
Of course, the vendors–the heart and soul of the event–are key to the festival’s success. “We want to ensure everyone, from attendees to vendors, is happy and content,” John says.
This year’s festival is proudly sponsored by the Highmark Health, Peoples Gas and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, who made it possible to bring the much-loved event back to life.
Join us at The Backyard on 8th Street & Penn Avenue this October for a weekend of delicious food, music, and community spirit. “Bringing happiness to people’s lives–that’s what it's all about,” John concludes.
