Neighbor News
Record Breaking Attendance at "Festa Italiana" in Mokena
Over two thousand people attended the third annual "Festa" in Mokena. A photo gallery shows some of the fun enjoyed by all.
The third annual Mokena “Festa Italiana” was a major success based on early attendance figures. Ticket sales appear to have broken the attendance record of 1400 attendees last year with this year’s numbers surpassing 2000 people.
Festa chairman Vince DiFiore not only helped organize the event, he performed as well during the entertainment lineup. “The grounds were packed with people coming and going all day and the tables in the tent area were full of families and people dancing to the music,” stated DiFiore. “The highlight of the day for me was the group of women who formed a chorus line while I sang the song New York, New York by Sinatra.”
The rain stopped just before the morning procession of the statue of the Blessed Mother began, a tradition of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Upon arriving at the festa grounds, vendors were inundated with visitors already entering the gate at noon.
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Pasta and meatballs, sausage and beef sandwiches, fried dough, pastries and more were served throughout the day. Steve Medina, owner of Anthony’s Pizzeria of Orland Park, was one such vendor. “This is one of the best festivals I have participated in, “said Medina. “Our meatball sandwich is always popular and I sold out 120 pounds of meatballs by 5:00 p.m. If you didn’t make festa this year, come on out next year because it is just like a big family picnic” added Medina.
Musical acts performed on the main stage through the day including local Italian opera tenor Franco Martorana who performed traditional Italian opera classics. Other acts included John Truncali, a Tom Jones impersonator; David Molinari, Joe Zirconia and Frank Rossi.
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Funds raised at the festa will be donated to local charities in the Village of Mokena and surrounding communities. In years past, charities such as Boy Scouts, Lion’s Club, and Knights of Columbus have received donations.
Pictures from the festa will be posted on the groups Facebook page at www.facebook.com/festaitlianainmokena and the website at MokenaFestaItaliana.com.
