Put some Festa Fun in your Summer!

IN ITS 29th year, Festa Italiana, presented by U.S. Cellular, is as much of a Milwaukee tradition as it is an Italian one. This summer, the popular Italian-American festival, one of the country’s largest, again promises to serve up four days of Italian food, culture, fireworks and entertainment that will surely put some Festa into Milwaukee’s summer season.

Thousands of Milwaukeeans and out-of-town visitors are expected to descend on the city’s lakefront, July 20-23, and head to the Summerfest grounds (Henry Maier Festival Park) for a little “divertimento,” or fun.

“Festa Italiana is synonymous with fun. Each year, people of all ages and ethnicities come to enjoy the exciting music, cuisine and traditions of the area’s Italian community,” said Bill Jenarro, chairman of Festa Italiana’s executive committee. “Along with Festa’s sponsor, U.S. Cellular, we are proud to welcome all to experience this year’s long weekend of fun-filled attractions and entertainment offerings.”

A Variety of Musical Entertainment

A variety of musical entertainment is slated daily at Festa, featuring legends of rock n’ roll Fabian and Bobby Rydell. National act, the Gin Blossoms, will appear on the Miller Oasis stage July 21 and local legends, the Violent Femmes will perform on the Oasis stage July 22. Ten other stages will host a variety of talent including accordionist and Festa favorite Dick Contino, Italian opera performances and cool Jazz at the newly unveiled St. Francis Bank Jazz Tent.

Festival-goers interested in performing can also sing live on the karaoke stage and be an “Italian Idol” for a day.
Delicious Italian Cuisine

Think of Italian cuisine and images of steaming plates of pasta or risotto, zesty tomato sauce covered slices of pizza, eggplant smothered in Marinara and fresh, sweet cannolis may come to mind. More than 40 local restaurants and vendors offer these Italian recipes and more at Festa, including appetizers, sandwiches, additional entrees, specialties and desserts. To accompany such fine fare, Festa-goers can select from specialty coffees, quench their summer thirst with a Roma Red Amber Ale (exclusive to the festival from Miller Brewing) or visit one of the martini, margarita and wine bars located on the festival grounds.

For those who love Italian food but are not quite sure how to prepare it, the Cucina Showcase is slated with daily Italian cooking demonstrations. Chef Mary Ann Esposito from PBS’ “Ciao Italia,” the longest-running cooking show on television, will add even more zest to Festa with demonstrations pulled from her latest cookbook.

“The Singing Chef,” Andy LoRusso, author of the book and recording “Sing and Cook Italian,” will entertain festival-goers by singing as he prepares traditional Italian recipes. Local restaurant chefs will also provide recipe demonstrations from Italian establishments in the area.

New This Year

Although many traditional favorites are incorporated annually, the festival strives to add new features each year to ensure a variety of offerings to suit all interests.

Visitors will be happy to enjoy a food ticket-free atmosphere being introduced at the festival this year. In the past, the festival required patrons to purchase separate tickets to redeem for food and beverages. The festival is now offering a more convenient, “all cash” purchase system.

This year’s direct-from-Italy cultural exhibit will focus on the mountainous Abruzzo region of central Italy. Musical performers, original artists and a genealogy display will provide an interesting view into the region.

Those interested in fine Italian products can go shopping inside the new il Mercato, featuring imported food products, automobiles, Mediterranean travel information and sportswear.

Festa Favorites

Old favorites still reign at Festa. An abundance of color and sound will fill the sky above Festa at 10:15 p.m. nightly during the fireworks show, sponsored by U.S. Cellular and produced by Milwaukee’s Bartolotta family - nationally recognized for fireworks expertise. On the final night, “Abbondanzza in the Sky” will close out the festival’s run with a particularly breathtaking display.

The San Gemini Flag Throwers, a world-renowned, colorfully costumed group of flag throwers, drummers and buglers from San Gemini in the Umbria region of Italy, will be returning for this year's Festa Italiana. The group's appearance will be its seventh at the festival.

On Sunday, festival-goers can take part in the traditional processional through the festival grounds to an 11 a.m. high Catholic Mass at the Marcus Amphitheater. Attendees are invited to remain on the festival grounds free of charge following the Mass.

Festa Italiana will be open from 2 p.m. – midnight, July 20, 11:30 a.m. – midnight, July 21 and 22 and 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., July 23. General admission is $12 at the gate. Advance tickets are available through July 14 for $10. Raffle tickets to win $10,000 and a variety of other prizes will be available on the Festa grounds as well. In addition, Festa offers free and reduced admission deals July 20, 21 and 23. For more information about Festa or to purchase advance tickets, visit festaitaliana.com or call 414-223-2194.

Festa Italiana presented by U.S. Cellular is sponsored by Miller Lite, Potawatomi Bingo Casino, Da Vinci Italian Foods, Sargento and Palermo’s Pizza.