Friday, August 11, 2023 — Cleveland — The celebration of the 124th Feast of the Assumption will begin tomorrow, August 12, in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood on Mayfield Road. The four day event will conclude on Tuesday, August 15.
The 2023 schedule is as follows:
- Saturday, Aug. 12: Noon to midnight
- Sunday, Aug. 13: Noon to 11 p.m.
- Monday, Aug. 14: 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.
- Tuesday, Aug. 15: Noon to 10 p.m.
On Tuesday, Aug. 15, a Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. at Holy Rosary Church. Following the mass, a procession (see route below) will begin at 11:15 a.m. and will continue through the Little Italy neighborhood before concluding at 12:45 p.m., back at the church.
Things to know:
Road Closures and Traffic
Parking restrictions will go into effect at 10 a.m. on Saturday, August 12, and run through midnight on Tuesday, August 15. Mayfield Road will be closed from Circle Drive to Fairview Road on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., on Monday from 5 p.m. to midnight and on Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Traffic is expected to be heavy in the University Circle and Little Italy neighborhood throughout the course of the event. All closure times depend on the volume of pedestrian traffic and can be adjusted as needed by the Cleveland Division of Police Bureau of Traffic.
Parking
Those intending to attend the celebrations or enjoy time at a restaurant or establishment are reminded that parking will be at a premium and lots and garages may be full early on. Attendees are encouraged to consider riding RTA. Bus and rail services and routes can be viewed here.
Be mindful of signage indicating road closures as violators will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense. Towed vehicles may be retrieved from the City of Cleveland’s Impound Unit at 3040 Quigley Road.
Procession Route
(Beginning at approximately 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, August 15th)
Procession begins at Holy Rosary Church and turns right onto E. 120th Street -- continues to the end of E. 120th and makes a right onto Coltman Road. -- Makes a left onto Mayfield Road and goes up the hill – and makes a left onto E. 124th Street -- Left onto Alexander Ct, left onto E. 123rd Street. Right onto Mayfield Road again, then left on Murray Hill Road, right on Cornell Road, right on Random Road, right on Paul Ave, right on Murray Hill again – left onto Fairview Ave which turns into E. 125th Street, then a final left onto Mayfield Road and down to the church.
Safety
Those who bring small children are reminded to be always mindful of children’s’ whereabouts. Small children can disappear into a crowd quickly and become lost. Attendees should remind children to find someone in a uniform if they become separated from parents or caregivers. There will be many uniformed safety personnel on site, who can keep children safe and help to reunite them with loved ones in the event of a separation incident. Members of the Cleveland Division of Fire and Emergency Medical Service will be on hand for emergencies.
Impaired Driving
The Cleveland Division of Police will have an overall heightened awareness for offenses involving OVI offenses both on city streets and on highways. Persons found to be driving impaired will be arrested and their vehicles impounded. Celebrators who intend to consume alcohol are urged to plan ahead by utilizing RTA or ride share services.
Additional Tips
- Arrive early to your destination. Leave home early enough to allow for ample travel time and parking.
- Become familiarized with Little Italy area parking garages and surface lots – the lots closest to Mayfield Road will fill up first.
- Be aware of increased pedestrian traffic in the Little Italy neighborhood.
- Plan for the weather. Currently, the forecast includes a chance of rain Friday evening, Saturday and Monday.
- If you see something, say something!
- Report suspicious or criminal activity to law enforcement. Call 216-621-1234 for non-emergencies.
- Call 9-1-1 in emergencies.
- Anonymous information can be provided via Crimestoppers at 216-25-CRIME.
