In its first five years, St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church’s annual Italian festival has grown into an event that draws people from outside Alabama and sells out tickets each year. The Feast of St. Mark, held on the church grounds, is a celebration of Italian music, food and culture that honors the Italian community that started the church. 

Event chairman Matt Scalici said this year’s festival includes the introduction of Via San Marco, an outdoor “boulevard” of about 15 food tents offering pasta, sausage, desserts and other Italian fare from local vendors. All food on the boulevard is included in the entry price except beer, wine, limoncello and a few specialty items.