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STERLING HEIGHTS — As the U.S. has said “arrivederci” to pandemic shutdowns, Sterling Heights’ summer Italian festival, Festa Italiana, has found its stride once again.
Festival Chairman Joe Ventimiglia said “it was not a problem whatsoever” for the event to return to Freedom Hill County Park in 2021 after having to shut down in 2020 due to COVID-19.
“Everyone was ready to get back out,” he said. “The enthusiasm was incredible.
“On Friday (last year), we actually rained out for the first time in my 17 years, and I tried my darndest not to do it. Saturday and Sunday (were) so busy, we actually broke records from previous years. And people were just eating and drinking and enjoying themselves the entire two days.
“It was an incredible turnout last year, and I think this year we’re going to be in the same area, the same boat, the same pent-up feeling to get back with the nationality and friends, eat some food and listen to some great music.”
The event promises Italian and American food, as well as beer and wine. According to organizers, major vendors include Randazzo Fresh Market, Nina Salvaggio International Marketplace, Gnocchi Italian Restaurant and Little Bambino’s. Carnival staples like lemonade and elephant ears are also expected, Ventimiglia said.
“We got a new one called Aruba Freeze, an ice cream truck,” he added.
Sonny Randazzo, the owner/CEO of Randazzo Fresh Market, said his business will set up chairs, tables and umbrellas, and invite the public to enjoy a nearby entertainment stage. And it also gives Randazzo a chance to see many of his customers in a less formal setting.
“We’re enjoying time together in a festival party atmosphere,” he said. “You really get a stronger connection with your customer base that way.”
Randazzo said that, in his business’s tent, they will serve up marinated lamb chops, cook hundreds of pizzas in wood-fired ovens, prepare a grilled shrimp scampi and offer fruit such as peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, cactus pears and figs.
Ventimiglia said the festival also has a great entertainment lineup this year. Scheduled acts include The Bronx Wanderers, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms and The Sicilian Tenors.
“They’re an Italian family out of New Jersey, The Bronx Wanderers. They’re a big Vegas act, and they were in town on June 10 at Andiamo’s at 14 Mile Road. They got a lot of great reviews from it.”
A fireworks show will illuminate Friday night, and a Catholic Mass will take place at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. Throughout the weekend, the event will also hold contests themed around “Italian American Idol,” meatballs, cannoli eating and the cutest baby.
Attendees can also expect to get moving with activities such as bounce houses, a rock-climbing wall and a zip line, organizers said.
“We’ve got a huge, great inflatable area for the kids,” Ventimiglia said.
Festa Italiana’s sponsors include the Italian American Chamber of Commerce of Michigan, Andiamo Restaurant Group, Carmela Specialty Foods & Fine Wines, Shelving.com, Vince & Joe’s Gourmet Markets, Lipari Foods, Genesis Alfa Romeo, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, the Salvati Insurance Group and the Lucido family.
The 2022 Festa Italiana festival will take place at Freedom Hill County Park, 14900 Metropolitan Highway, in Sterling Heights July 15-17. Hours are 6-11 p.m. July 15, noon-11 p.m. July 16 and 10:30 a.m.-10 p.m. July 17.
Admission is free; parking costs $10 per vehicle per day. Learn more by visiting www.iaccm.net or www.facebook.com/FestaItaliana MI. Or call (586) 925-2020.
