This festive celebration of all things Italian, which is hosted by Rockland Lodge 2176 of the Blauvelt Sons of Italy, takes place Sept 15-18 at Masonic Park in Tappan, NY. The festival, which attracts thousands of people from around the tri-state area, features plenty of Italian food, as well as live entertainment and Dreamland Amusements midway rides for all ages. There's something for every appetite: pasta, pizza, meatballs, sausage and peppers, clams, fried shrimp, rice balls, zeppoles, cannolis, gelato, Italian ices, cappuccino, wine and beer.

Festival admission is $5 and free for children under 12. Ride wristbands are $25 on Thursday and $30 on Sunday. Ride tickets are $1.50 each, $25 for 20 tickets, and $50 for 50 tickets. Festival hours are 5-11 pm Thursday, 5 pm - midnight Friday, noon - midnight Saturday, and noon - 9 pm Sunday, which will begin with an outdoor mass at 10:30 am. No pets, coolers or backpacks are permitted on the Masonic Park fairgrounds at 89 Western Highway. For more information, call 845-359-9766 or visit www.BlauveltSonsOfItaly.org.