Port Washington’s Festa Italiana is marking its 40th year of operation this weekend.
Run by the Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America’s John Michael Marino Lodge No. 1389, the festival often marks the end of summer for area residents as they deck North Hempstead Beach Park in red, white and green.
Activities will include rides provided by the Moriches-based company Blue Sky Amusements, carnival-style games, musical performances, a casino tent, vendor tents and a firework show to cap off Saturday night.
As part of its tradition in celebrating Italian culture, members of the Marino Lodge will also be joining the food vendors to sell Italian pastries, coffee, wine, beer and pasta fagioli.
A portion of the proceeds from the festival will fund scholarships for Italian-American students, as well as regional charities, including Cooley’s Anemia Foundation and the Commission for Social Justice, both supported by the Marino Lodge.
The Italian Festival takes place Sept. 5 to 8 at North Hempstead Beach Park in Port Washington. For details, visit marinolodge.org.
