About
Coming Soon…La Festa Italiana 2013
We look forward to seeing you in just a few short months! Mark your calendar for August 31, September 1 and September 2, for La Festa Italiana 2013!
La Festa Italiana, northeastern Pennsylvania’s largest celebration of culture and cuisine, will again be held over the Labor Day weekend, Saturday through Monday, on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. Since 1976, a small group of dedicated volunteers has staged La Festa Italiana. The committee donates its proceeds to local charities. We are working hard to make this year’s event better than ever.
If you haven’t visited us before, you’re in for a real treat! La Festa Italiana is an end-of-summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Hours are Saturday and Sunday 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Monday 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Click here for the 2012 La Festa Italiana Brochure and Map
People come from near and far to enjoy the food, music and culture that characterize the Italian heritage. La Festa Italiana has something for everyone. More than 80 vendors will offer a wide variety of foods and displays. The finest Italian cuisine is cooked and served daily, presenting festival goers with the dilemma of which tempting dish to try next.
Continuous live entertainment for both young and older tastes is featured during the afternoon and evening each day. Click here for the 2012 entertainment schedule. And be sure that you don’t miss the fireworks display that will be launched at 10:00PM Sunday!
A Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10:00 AM on Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. This special liturgy is always attended by a capacity audience, so plan to arrive early. The Mass will also be televised by CTV: Catholic Television, in the Diocese of Scranton. Please check local cable listings for the program channel.
Now that we’ve whetted your appetite, you might be wondering “How do I find La Festa?!” Click here for directions and follow us on Facebook!
Regarding pets at La Festa:
We respectfully request that patrons do not bring pets to the festival. The festival is located in an urban setting, not an open field like you would find at a county fair. The sidewalks get very crowded and it becomes difficult to manage pets in the midst of all the people trying to navigate their way around the Courthouse Square. So the animal would be in very close quarters alongside many people.
In the past we have received reports from people, especially those with small children, who were frightened by animals. And the animals might also feel uncomfortable in close proximity to many unfamiliar people. We try our best to offer a safe, enjoyable experience for our patrons. Therefore, we ask that you please do not bring pets to the festival. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Board of Directors
PRESIDENT: Christopher DiMattio
VICE-PRESIDENT: Joseph Guido
SECRETARY: Debra Meila
TREASURER: Sam Prudente
CHAPLAIN: Rev. David P. Cappelloni
Chaplain Emeritus: Msgr. Constantine Siconolfi
Diane Alberigi
Frank T. Blasi, Esq.
Brian Cali, Esq.
Frank Castellano, Esq.
Karen Clifford
Lou Cossa
Jack Costanzi, Jr.
Andre’ DiMino
Francene Dudziec
William R. Genello
Frank Gervasi
David Kontz
Mary Marrara
Tony Nicosia
Margaret Pettinato
Peter Ruane, Esq.
Michael Semian
Frank Zazzera
Honorary Members
Patrick Fricchione, Sr.
Patrick F. Guido
Robert W. Pettinato
Nicholas Scandale
In Memoriam
Tom “Budd” Finn
Rev. Patrick Genello
Allen Layne
James R. Minicozzi
Dr. Joseph Skettino
Tony Santilli
2012 Volunteer Committee
Honorary Chairmen: Pat Fricchione, Sr. & Pat “Bucky” Guido
General Chairman: Chris DiMattio
Vendor Coordinators: Joe Guido, Frank Castellano, Co-Chairs
Grounds: Dave Kontz and Mike Dudziec, Co-Chairs, Steve Andrichak, Frank Blasi, Carlo Celli, Carlo R. Celli, Gary Greco, John Costanzi, Sr., Joe and Lou DiMattio, Carl Noakes, Peter Ruane, Bob Montalbano, Tony Summa, Richard Suraci, Pat Yanni
Publicity Committee: William R. Genello, Chair, Elizabeth Frosini, Francene Dudziek, Andre’ DiMino
Security & Safety: Frank Castellano, Chair, Dave Bird, Chet Merli
Entertainment: Frank Gervasi, Lou Cossa
Printing: Francine Dudziec, Kip Conforti, Chris DiMattio
Cappuccino Tent: Diane Alberigi, Chair, Mike Semian, Co-Chair, Ann DiMattio, Theresa Andrichak, Jack Costanzi, Scranton UNICO Ladies
Souvenirs: Karen Clifford and Peggy Pettinato, Co-Chairs, Bill Buckley, Diane Scandale, Jane Carlonas, Rose Blasi, Jenny DiMino, Francene Dudziek, Debra Meila Tony Nicosia, Bonnie Rosati, Sally Preate
Instant Bingo: Brian Cali, Bob Pettinato, Jeff Belardi, Nick Scandale
Money Tree/Flowers: Mary Marrara
Bocce Supervisor: Danny Lovaglio
Finance: Sam Prudente, Frank J. Blasi, Frank Zazzera
Electrical: John Kearney, Paul Casparro, Gino Arcurie, Rich Schraeder, I.B.E.W. Local 81
Mass: Rev. David Cappelloni, Joseph Moffitt, Linda Houck