“Festa Italiana” Returns to Mokena

The fifth annual Mokena “Festa Italiana” will be held on Sunday, July 15, 2018. The procession begins at 11:00 am at 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. The festival is based on the traditional Italian Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

Festa Chairman, Vince DiFiore, predicts this year’s festival will be better since the number of vendors who have signed on has increased. “We have already surpassed our expectations and donations are pouring in in excess of where we were this time last year.” Traditional Italian foods such as beef sandwiches, chicken parmigiana, Ray’s “Festa” sausage and more are lined up to be served throughout the day. In addition, Festa volunteers have planned multiple activities for kids and families attending. This year the festival will feature Cold Blooded Creatures from 2-5pm along with face painting and a balloon artist.

Several musical acts are also scheduled to perform throughout the day on the main stage including Dave “Elvis” Thomas, and local entertainer Frank Rossi. Tickets to enter the Festa are $10.00 for adults, ages 15 and under are free. All funds raised will be donated to various local charities in Mokena and surrounding areas.

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