Festa Italiana brings family fun in out of the heat
FORT WALTON BEACH - Come in out of the July heat and treat the whole family to a day of fun and entertainment Italian Style.
The Sons of Italy will bring a little bit of Italy's customs, music, costumes, dancing, and especially food to the area when the Joseph B. Franzalia Lodge No. 2422, presents its annual Festa Italiana Saturday and Sunday at the Emerald Coast Conference Center, on Okaloosa Island.
Hours are 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $2 per person for ages 5 and up.
Authentic Italian cuisine available at the event will include: pasta with meatballs; Italian sausage sandwiches with peppers and onions; a Sampler Platter of chicken Parmesan, ravioli, and lasagna; calamari; antipasto; shrimp scampi; bruschetta; assorted Italian pastries; gelato; and beverages including cappuccino, latte, espresso and coffee.
Fun is planned for the entire family.
For the first time, entertainment will feature a karaoke contest both days with cash prizes. Adult entrants, ages 18 and up, had to register by July 15.
Also scheduled to perform are the Pensacola Opera Co.; an Italian crooner, Rob Satori; the famous Sons of Italy Tarantella Dancers; world famous accordian player, Walter Kaspryzk; and the Highsteppers dance group. Children's activities include a Kid's Art Contest and Showtime Kids.
Rounding out the event will be a Jamaican vacation giveaway, silent auction, Italian grocery store, wine-tasting, and local vendors.
The Sons of Italy is a not-for-profit fraternal organization with many fund-raising activities for charitable purposes.
Funds generated are used to provide financial support to local and national charitable organizations in excess of $20,000 and scholarships to college-bound students from Okaloosa County. This past year, $16,000 worth of scholarships were awarded to local students.
For more information call (850) 862-2758.
Here is a schedule of Festa Italiana events:
SATURDAY
- 10-11 a.m.: Opening ceremonies
- 11-11:45 a.m.: HighSteppers, local dance group
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rob Satori, singer/entertainer/DJ
- 1-2 p.m.: Walter Kaspryzk, world class accordionist
- 2-2:30 p.m.: Tarantella Dancers
- 2:30-3:15 p.m.: Pensacola Opera
- 3:15-4 p.m.: Rob Satori
- 4 p.m.: Karaoke auditions; will last until Top 10 are selected
SUNDAY
- 11 a.m.: Opening
- 11-11:45 a.m.: HighSteppers, local dance group
- 11:45 a.m.-1 p.m.: Rob Satori, singer/entertainer/DJ
- 1-2 p.m.: Walter Kaspryzk, world class accordionist
- 2-2:30 p.m.: Tarantella Dancers
- 2:30-3:15 p.m.: Pensacola Opera
- 3:15-4 p.m.: Karaoke Finals, Top 10 perform for the money
- 4 p.m.: Showtime Kids
- 5 p.m.: Vacation giveaway awarded
- 5:15 p.m.: Karaoke prizes awarded
- 6 p.m.: Festa concludes