“Festa Italiana” Returns to Mokena

The fourth annual Mokena “Festa Italiana” will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017 and is expected to draw an even larger crowd than last year’s over 2000 attendees. The Festa is based on the traditional Italian Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. The day begins with a traditional procession beginning at 11:00 am from the Mokena Intermediate School, 11331 -­‐ 195th Street (West of the Mokena Library). The procession ends at the Festa grounds about 12:00 pm at the Front Street Metra Station (corner of Wolf Road and Front Street).

Festa chairman Vince DiFiore explained the committee has been working hard all year to prepare for the one-day festival and is excited about a new addition to the musical line up. “I am happy to announce the Traverso Singers will be joining the Festa this year. This group performs popular songs from the 1950’s to present day and should be a great addition to the entertainment we already have lined up.”

Several musical acts are also scheduled to perform throughout the day on the main stage including local tenor Franco Martorana who will perform traditional Italian opera classics, The Fabtones, a 60’s dance party band and local entertainer Frank Rossi.

Along with music, the Festa will offer all the traditional Italian foods such as pasta and meatballs, sausage and beef sandwiches, fried dough, pastries and more. Committee volunteers have also planned multiple activities for kids and families attending including: Jim Pesci’s Cold-Blooded Creature’s which begins at 2 p.m.; Karaoke; games with prizes; jumping castle; and face painting will all be offered from 1-­‐5 p.m. After 5 p.m., teens may participate in karaoke until 8 p.m. when the Festa ends.

Tickets to enter are $10.00 for adults and children under 15 are free. The ticket price includes admission into the fest and entry into the grand raffle. (Winner need not be present.) Following expenses, all funds raised will be donated to various local charities in Mokena and surrounding communities.

Festa organizers have a Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/festaitlianainmokena and flyers are being distributed throughout neighboring communities. Volunteers are also being sought to cover the all-­‐ day event. For more information or to volunteer, please visit MokenaFestaItaliana.com or contact Vince DiFiore at vldifiore@gmail.com or by phone at (773)778-­‐8586.