18th Annual Italian-American Festival Begins Thursday In Union County

CLARK, NJ — The nation's largest Italian-American service organization is holding a festival in Clark that starts on Thursday.

The 18th annual UNICO event runs until Sunday on the Clark municipal grounds and features a variety of carnival rides, live entertainment, Italian food vendors, and a beer and wine tent. Super 50/50 raffles, a money wheel, and a number of carnival games and prizes will also be a part of the fun.

This family-friendly event is free with hours that vary:

• Thursday, 5 to 9 p.m.
• Friday, 5 to 11 p.m.
• Saturday, 1 to 11 p.m.
• Sunday, 1 to 8 p.m.

The festival is rain or shine. Clark's municipal grounds are located at 430 Westfield Avenue.

Clark's UNICO chapter's mission is to incorporate Italian heritage and culture into the lives of members and surrounding communities. The group organizes and runs events all year that include trips into New York City and mozzarella cheese making lessons.

Their motto, "Service Above Self," shines in the form of volunteering to help different causes around Clark and making contributions to local athletic clubs and leagues. Clark UNICO also sponsors annual scholarships for high school seniors who live in Clark, are Italian, and are looking to advance their education.

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