By Chris Estrada

Believe it or not, Fenway is home to many other things besides good, wholesome baseball – at least when the Yankees are not in town. On Columbus Day, Monday Oct. 11, the Fenway Alliance will host a celebration highlighting the culture and business in the Fenway/Back Bay area.

Dubbed “Opening Our Doors! 2004,” the street festival will nest in the Fenway area, showcasing a wide array of activities, from art exhibits to musical performances, all in an effort to show off the Fens’ wide range of culture. The fun kicks off two days earlyon Saturday, with the Boston Symphony Orchestra’s open house.

Among the laundry list of events, one in particular is guaranteed to tickle taste buds.

Returning to the festival for 2004 is “Taste of the Fenway,” where local restaurants will put their finest cuisine on display for visitors to sample. More than a dozen eateries are scheduled to appear.

“I’d definitely check it out,” said Sandi Kern, a freshman business administration major. “What’s not to like about hitting up booths and grabbing some free food?”

Kern was not the only student drawn in by the free food incentive.

“Free food is always good,” said Tom Kiziran, a senior communications major. “I’d also probably see the other things as well.