‘Festa Italiana’ promises glimpse of the ‘old country’
‘Festa Italiana’ promises glimpse of the ‘old country’
Now that’s Italian!
| A greased pole contest is a traditional favorite at the annual Italian fest in Ishpeming. The fest takes place Saturday at Al Quaal Recreation Area. (Journal file photo) |
ISHPEMING — Italian Fest isn’t just for Italians. People of all nationalities are being invited to attend the annual celebration of Italian heritage Saturday in Ishpeming.
The St. Rocco and St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming’s 106th Festa Italiana, or Italian Fest, is scheduled to begin at noon at the Al Quaal Recreation Area with a daylong picnic. Admission is free.
“It’s just a great opportunity to listen to some good music and eat some great food,” festival chairman Jim Bertucci said. “You don’t have to be Italian to come out and enjoy the festivities.”
Local vendors will be selling Italian and American food and artists and crafters will display their work throughout the day.
Musical entertainment planned for the celebration includes Ray Adamini from noon to 2 p.m.; the John Salerno 10-piece band performing songs of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, and Tony Bennett from 2 to 4:45 p.m.; the Blue Notes drum and bugle corps from 4:45 to 5:15 p.m.; and Diamanti from 5:15 to 7 p.m.
Other highlights include bingo, greased pole-climbing, children’s games, games of chance, LaMora tournaments, and a dunk tank.
The St. Rocco Society, which formed in 1899, and the St. Anthony Society, which was founded in 1902, merged in 1936. The societies formed as a mutual aid organization among Italian families. The organization, the only active lodge of its kind in the Upper Peninsula, includes 88 men of Italian descent.
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