Major Avon Festival To Celebrate Italian Food, Culture

Prince Thomas of Savoy

AVON, CT — Hungry folks looking to enjoy a little Italian culture have the perfect event to enjoy this week.

Prince Thomas of Savoy, the Italian American Club in Avon, will host its fourth annual "Valley-Wide" Italian festival called "La Festa Italiana."

This two-day event is at the club's facilities at 32 Old Farms Road, Avon.

The first day is Friday, Sept. 13 (4 to 9:30 p.m.) and the second day is Saturday, Sept. 14 (11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.)

"We would like to invite everyone to help celebrate our Italian heritage," said Carmelo Mangiafico, event Co-chairman.

The family-friendly event will feature a taste of Italy with locally made foods, cultural demonstrations, free live music, an Italian car showcase, and contests.

Food booths will include pizza from E&D Pizza, fried dough, cannoli, Italian cookies, meatball grinders, PTS Italian dipping oil and Italian ice. Italian coffees served by Coffeeology will also be available.

Activities on Saturday include a meatball eating contest, the great grape stomping contest the cheese roll contest as well as Limoncello and ricotta cheese making.

"We are very excited to once again offer free live music for both Friday and Saturday. Come and enjoy our amazing food and stay and listen to a variety of live entertainment." said Dean Zappalorti, event co-chairman.

Live entertainment Friday begins with Jimmy Mazz, a regular at PTS, and his Vegas Style show complete with Italian crooner classics.

Closing out the Friday night live music is The Savage Brothers Band, a staple in Connecticut and throughout New England since 1984.

Saturday will feature a famous Italian dance group, Sorelle D'Italia in America, Vittorio Di Carlo "The Graceful Tenor" and to finish off the night, the 10-piece classic rock band Johnny Six Gun.

Admission is free and all are welcome. All parking will be off premises.

Shuttle bus information: Parking is available at the Residence Inn back parking lot on Ensign Drive. Friday 4 to 9:30 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Last bus leaves PTS at 9:45 p.m.