Bradford, PA — One of Bradford’s biggest summer traditions is back this weekend, bringing the flavors, music and culture of Italy to the community.
Festa Italiana got underway Thursday, August 6th and continues through Saturday, offering homemade Italian food, live music, craft vendors, a fashion show and activities for children.
For the volunteers who organize the annual celebration, putting on the festival is a labor of love that requires weeks of preparation and long hours.
Volunteers spend countless hours preparing fresh, handmade Italian specialties, with some working from early morning until the middle of the night to make sure everything is ready for festivalgoers.
“We are here from 6 or 7 in the morning until 2 or 3:00 in the morning, and some of these people are eighty and ninety years old, and they never tell me no,” event organizer MaryAnne Colestro said. “And I am just so proud. It brings me to tears to think of it, that a small group like ours can pull this off.”
For many volunteers, the work is about more than preparing food. It is a way to preserve and celebrate their heritage.
“It’s what we do. It’s our heritage. It’s just what we do,” volunteer Theresa Carson said. “We hope the younger generation will step up so we can rest, but for now we will keep on going.”
The festival’s food remains one of its biggest attractions, drawing visitors looking to enjoy homemade Italian favorites and traditional delicacies from meatballs and cannoli, to stuffed ravioli.
Bradford resident Tim Vecellio said it is difficult to choose just one favorite dish.
“This is a long standing tradition for many of us here and I don’t think there is just one best Italian food,” Vecellio said. “It’s all good, no matter what it is.”
Along with food, Festa Italiana features craft vendors, live music, a fashion show, children’s activities and a bounce house.
Organizers say the festival is also an opportunity for the community to come together while supporting causes throughout the area.
After the festival’s expenses are paid, proceeds are donated to local charities.
“This festival is a lot of fun, it brings everybody together, and the beautiful part of it is, after all the bills are paid, everything goes to local charities,” volunteer Jim Colestro said.
The combination of Italian heritage, homemade food and community involvement has helped Festa Italiana remain a summer tradition in Bradford.
The three-day celebration continues through Saturday, August 8th with a fireworks display scheduled for 10:15PM to close out this year’s festival.
For more information on Bradford’s Festa Italiana, visit their social media page, here.
Dining and Cooking