Festa Italiana Returns to Freedom Hill July 19-21

The Italian
American Cultural Society
(IACS) and Luna Hillside Productions are proud to announce the return of Festa Italiana to Freedom Hill County Park Friday,
July 19- Sunday July 21. The Italian Government declared 2013 as the “Year of Italian Culture in the U.S.”
and Festa Italiana will commemorate and celebrate Italy by showcasing the best
in Italian entertainment, food, drink and heritage.

Featured
performances include singer/songwriter Justin
Guarini, American Idol’s debut season’s first runner-up in 2002. Guarini
performs Friday, July 19 at 9:00 pm and Saturday, July 20 at 7:00
pm. Lena Prima, daughter of musical
legend Louis Prima, will perform an Italian tribute review to her father on
Saturday, July 20 at 8:00 pm and Sunday, July 21 at 7:00 pm.

Also
performing at the festival will be local and regional acts such as Aaron
Caruso, Mark Randisi, The Simone Vitale Band, Burt Holiday of the Gaylords and Julian
Pavone, the Guinness World Record-holder for youngest professional drummer.

Festival
goers will “mangia bene” (eat well)
with dozens of food selections available for purchase. Some of the authentic
Italian offerings will include: 

·        
Randazzo
Fresh Market – Grilled lamb chops, shrimp, thin crust pizza and fresh fruit

·        
Picano’s
Restaurant – Pasta and tripe

·        
IACS
Banquet Center – Steak sandwiches

·        
Il
Fornaio Bakery – Sfingi (Sicilian donut/fritters) and cannoli

·        
Andiamo
Italia – Arancini, meatballs and spiedini

·        
Nino
Salvaggio Market – Italian sausage and cannoli

·        
Vito’s
Bakery – Sfinciuni (Sicilian pizza)

And to accompany all the great
food will be imported wines and beer from Italy as well. In addition, there
will be traditional carnival fair food.

“For
more than 45 years, IACS has sponsored and produced Festa Italiana which raises
money for the nonprofit cultural organization,” said Joe Ventimiglia, festival
chairman.  “This festival is a part of
the history of Italian-Americans in Michigan and we are very excited to bring
it back this year to Freedom Hill.”

Other Festa
Italiana highlights:

·        
Meatball Contest – Amateurs and restaurants will
put their meatballs to the test in the 10th annual competition judged
by Macomb County judges;

·        
Beautiful Baby Contest – A festival favorite for the
past 10 years, top prizes for the cutest kids (categories ranging from 6 months
to 5 years old) include gift cards and a birthday cake from Il Fornaio Bakery
(Shelby Twp) or Vito’s Bakery (Clinton Twp);

·        
Cannoli Eating Contest – Cannoli competitors will see
who can eat the most in 6 minutes and try to beat the current record of 12
cannoli.

·        
Craft Exhibit of more than 30 local crafters;

·        
Holy sacrifice of the mass
celebrated Sunday, July 21 at  11:00 am

·        
Kid Zone with fun activities for the
family;

·        
Ferrari display courtesy of Cauley
Ferrari of West Bloomfield;

·        
Chance
to win a Fiat lease courtesy of Fiat
of Lakeside.

Festa
Italiana is FREE to attend; parking
is $10. Festival hours are: Friday, July 19 5:00 pm – 11:00 pm; Saturday, July
20 Noon – 11:00 pm; Sunday, July 21 11:00 am – 11:00 pm.

Freedom
Hill is located at 14900 Metropolitan Parkway in Sterling Heights. For a complete
schedule of entertainment and activities, visit www.iacsonline.com or call (586) 228-3030.