A big stretch of Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo is filled with red, white and green for the annual Italian Heritage Festival that kicked off Friday. Hertel is closed from Delaware Avenue to Virgil for the celebration of food and fun. “I just love the energy. You can tell everyone is just enjoying themselves,” declared Gabriella of Buffalo.

As I took a stroll along Hertel Avenue, I found the street filled with Italian music, people, drinks and of course plenty of food vendors. “I love all the food, to be honest, I love seeing all the food,” stated Gabriella. At the Mangia booth, owner Matthew Spangola says they're serving up some usual favorites.