Pizza Fest persists in spite of heat

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- The goal was to get folks out of their air conditioned homes and onto the New Haven Green to enjoy music and buy a slice of pizza.

Folks had the Green pretty much to themselves on Thursday, but there was some competition finding a spot in the shade.

They were attending the 17th Annual Pizza Fest fundraiser on the New Haven Green as part of the International Festival of Arts and Ideas.
    
There was no delivery, rather folks picked up a piece of hot pie for a good cause, although of all days a cold pizza might be palatable.

"Does the pizza have to be hot today," News 8's Erin Cox asked.

"Haha, they do need to be hot just to serve them," replied Mark Vanacore, the Connection Program Director.

There was music on the main stage at lunchtime, but almost every sunny spot on the green was available. It was those shady spots under the umbrellas or trees that were the hot spots.  

Folks working inside nearby offices say it was cold inside, so they headed outside to embrace the heat.

"I am getting some relief right now, I work in an office it's really cold and I just needed to come outside and get some warm air," said Amy Williams of New Haven.

The pizzas were donated by Abate and Modern Apizza in New Haven, Born in America, Marco Pizzeria & Restaurant, P&M Fine Foods & Pizzeria in Branford and Tolli's Apizza in East Haven.

No heat related problems were reported.

A Department of Health Inspector was on site to make sure proper procedure was followed and everyone was being safe in the heat.

Each pizza slice is $3 and all benefits go to The Connections Fund , which provides services for the homeless. The event happens again on Friday.