After two consecutive Octobers derailed by Hurricane Helene, the Italian American Club of the CSRA is bringing back its Pasta Festival in a smaller format with a takeout-only fundraiser on Friday, Feb. 13. Helene forced the club to cancel its usual October festival in 2024, and organizers said the storm also put a damper on plans again in October 2025.
The Pasta Festival will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Immaculate Conception School, 811 Telfair St., with orders priced at $10 for pasta with options that include meatballs and/or sausage, plus bread. Desserts will also be available for purchase.
Club plans full festival return in October
While next week’s version is designed for pickup only, Italian American Club Treasurer Jim Somma said the club plans to return to its full festival format later this year, bringing back the larger October event that has long been a staple for many local families.
“This is a mini Pasta Festival,” Somma said. “We usually do a larger one, and we will have the larger one in October, where we will have many more desserts for sale.”
“We have done the Pasta Festival for many years,” Somma added, noting the club’s early involvement in Arts in the Heart of Augusta, where the Italian American Club and the German club were among the first groups connected to the festival’s beginnings downtown.
Proceeds support local charities and volunteer efforts
Proceeds from member dues, the Pasta Festival, and other club events support local charities and community efforts, Somma said, including veterans groups, SafeHomes of Augusta, the Lymphoma Society, Immaculate Conception School, and the Augusta Rescue Mission.
The club also volunteers with several organizations and community projects, including the Ronald McDonald House, a wreath-laying ceremony for WWII Italian and German POWs buried at Fort Gordon, and work at Phinizy Swamp Nature Park.
Somma said the club welcomes Italian Americans in the CSRA — by birth or marriage — who want to celebrate their heritage and support the community.
“We call on Italian Americans by birth or marriage living in the CSRA to join us in the celebration of our heritage,” he said.
To stay up-to-date on the club, follow them on Facebook at CSRA Italian American Club and Instagram at CSRA Italian American Club (csraiac).
Dining and Cooking