The Italian American Society of Peoria will hold its 82nd Annual Italian Summer Festa on Sunday August 14th from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m. at Hickory Grove Park in North Peoria. (Hickory Grove Road off Knoxville Ave, follow signs)
We believe that our event is one of the longest consecutive running Italian Festa’s in the country and has been running longer than Major League Baseball has been holding its All-Star Game!!
The Summer Festa originated in 1929 as a time for Italian families to get together for fellowship and support, and has since developed into a non profit, fun, family centered community event bringing a little bit of Italy to Central Illinois.
The Festa is the major fund raiser for our scholarship fund. So far we have given nearly $70,000 to local college students. It also helps us support local charities such as Peoria Rescue Mission, Neighborhood House, The Journal Star Red Stocking Fund, the Crises Nursery, and The Salvation Army.
Once again, we are honored to have our food prepared by Barrack’s Cater Inn. The menu will include children’s and adult spaghetti meals with salads, meatball and sausage sandwiches, Italian beef, and of course homemade Italian Pastries. Prices from $2.00 to $7.00.
Fun, traditional and contemporary music will be provided by Roberto Dietrich. We will once again have our Regalia Gift Shop with all kinds of Italian tee shirts, hats, pins, and our own Society cook books.
There will be Bocce demonstrations and Bocce tournaments for all ages. Prizes will be awarded to all tournament winners.
Other events and attractions will include scholarship awards, a silent auction, face painting, an inflatable attraction and various other games with prizes. Kids Corner open from 12:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is $3.00 at the gate. Children under 12 are free and so is parking.
Contact Rob Facker 309-253-0841 for special discounts for youth groups of 15 or more.
Further information can be found at our website: www.italianamericansociety.com or by calling Rob Facker at 309-253-0841.