La Festa Italiana Labor Day weekend in Scranton
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Something for everyone’s taste will be on the menu at the annual La Festa Italiana, which will again be held Saturday-Sunday-Monday of Labor Day weekend, Sept. 1-3, on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton. This is La Festa’s 32nd year.
The three day festival is an end of summer tradition that annually attracts thousands of visitors. Hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Monday. Admission is free.
People come from throughout the tri-state area to sample the food, music and culture that characterize the Italian heritage.
While logistical adjustments will be made this year because of the Courthouse Square renovation project, festival patrons can expect to enjoy the familiar array of food, music and good company.
La Festa Italiana has something for everyone. More than 70 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.
This year’s featured performers are The Eurorhythms, who will perform Monday, Sept. 3, at 7 p.m.
A Frank Sinatra Tribute featuring Chris DiMattio is scheduled for Sunday, Sept. 2, at 6 p.m.
The Poets will make their annual appearance on Sunday at 8 p.m. Sunday night will be capped by a gala fireworks display sponsored by the City of Scranton.
A variety of other acts are scheduled, including King Henry and the Original Showmen, New York show band Los Vega, tenor Pat Aita and The HiLites, Ferdie Bistocchi Memorial Orchestra, The Magics, Take Five, Italian Continentals, Gerard Mayer Show Band, Gene Dempsey Orchestra, University of Scranton Jazz Band, Ring Gold Orchestra, local dance troupes, jugglers, strolling musicians and more.
A Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 12:15 p.m. on Sunday (Sept. 2) in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site.
The principal celebrant and homilist will be Scranton Bishop Joseph F. Martino. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.
It will be rebroadcast on Sept. 4 at 12:10 and 7 p.m., and on Columbus Day, Oct. 8, also at those times.
La Festa Italiana 2007
Entertainment Schedule
Saturday, September 1
Noon Opening Ceremony
Sunday, September 2
Noon Mass in Italian at St. Peter’s Cathedral
Noon Ring Gold Orchestra
Monday, September 3
Noon Gene Dempsey Orchestra
