Scranton’s been doing the LaFesta Italiana for 32 years. Even with the current state of construction around Scranton’s Courthouse Square, they still make it work.

This isn’t any small undertaking on a regular year, but the committee really did a great job in making some awesome accommodations! The Board of Directors and volunteer committee pride themselves in bringing the finest culinary and cultural talent to this event that grows bigger and bigger with every consecutive year.

The weather for this year had to be the finest ever. The festival spans three days and I think they received three of the finest days Mother Nature could offer. Warm weather, no humidity and clear blue skies brought out the best in everyone in attendance

They really plan this well. Neither traffic nor parking is an issue. I was initially concerned about Spruce Street being closed, but it was very easy to find parking. We parked in the Adams Avenue Hilton lot. Ok, we did pay $4 for this privilege but we had one of the front spots. We walked out practically in the middle of the festival. What a pleasure. There was something for every sense. The sights, smells and sounds of Italy were everywhere.

While we walked around, we encountered actors dressed as Italians walking and interacting with the crowd. A beautiful woman bounced past with a lusty “bonjourno” -spoken directly to my handsome husband. A Good-Fella man complete with fedora, hiked up pants and cigar stub socialized to all as he passed with a “how you doin’?” here and there. It wasn’t hokey at all and added much to the festive atmosphere.

We were lucky enough to be in the right place at the right time to watch the Italian Continentals with Mike Lanza perform on the band shell. But I guess anytime was a good time for entertainment, since something was going on every hour. LaFesta Italiana thinks of everything: fireworks, gymnastics, ballet, dance, jazz, magic, and did I say fireworks? We didn’t go on Saturday night, but word was: they were better than Disney!
The theme is complete as one block from the festival site, St. Peter’s Cathedral offered a Mass in Italian, and it was broadcast live by CTV (Catholic Television).

We counted 75 vendors around Adams Linden, Spruce and N. Washington Streets. Food, food and food. Every Italian dish you could imagine. I’m getting hungry just thinking about the food that was there. Italian sausage, eggplant, pizza, porketta, Italian ice, pastries. You name it.

Their website provides all the scoop and updated information. So next year, as Labor Day approaches, don’t forget to check it out www.lafestaitaliana.org. We could only make one bad comment about the festival: it only happens once a year!