Lakewood Ranch's Festa Italiana to feature more Italian food Saturday
LAKEWOOD RANCH -- Festa Italiana organizers promise the annual Lakewood Ranch festival will be "more Italian" this year through the addition of Italian food and drink offerings.
"People wanted more options on food, and more Italian food," fest Chairman Ed Tulski said.
This year a dozen food vendors will offer everything from pastas and traditional sausages to Italian pastries and ices.
Festa Italiana is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday at Adventure Park in Greenbrook Village at Lakewood Ranch. Admission and parking are free.
"The purpose is to celebrate Italian culture, music, food and fun," committee member Larry Naddeo said.
In addition to zeppoles, deep fried doughnuts with a dusting of powered sugar, and cannolis, waffle-like tubes wrapped around rich, sweet creamy fillings, and other foods, there will be continuous entertainment and activities.
Entertainment includes quick-tempo tarantella dancers; multitalented emcee Jimmy Mazz with songs, impersonations and comedy; and lots of activities for children, including pony rides, face painting, bocce ball, a balloon artist and crafts such as making Venetian masks.
Rounding out the activities are artisan booths, and a showcase of Italian cars.
Seating is provided for the stage show and high-top tables for dining.
The festival was moved from September to November in hopes of cooler weather. Despite November's summer-like start, the forecast Saturday calls for 77 degrees, Naddeo said.
"The star attraction this year is the food. With the free parking, easy access, and cooler temperatures, it will be great," Naddeo said.
Several other activities are planned Saturday at Lakewood Ranch:
Lakewood Ranch Creative Arts Association's 14th annual Fall Art Show and Sale from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Lakewood Ranch Town Hall, 8175 Lakewood Ranch Blvd.
The Lakewood Ranch Outdoor Market, formerly Main Street Market, reopens at 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at St. Mary Magdalene Episcopal Church, 11315 Palmbrush Trail.
James A. Jones Jr., East Manatee reporter, can be contacted at 941-745-7053 or on Twitter@jajones1.
This story was originally published November 12, 2015 at 6:30 PM with the headline "Lakewood Ranch's Festa Italiana to feature more Italian food Saturday ."