The fourth annual Mokena Festa Italiana will be held on July 16. Last year’s event attracted 2,000 attendees, and an even larger crowd is expected this year. The festival is based on the traditional Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Melrose Park. The day will begin with an 11 a.m. procession from the Mokena Intermediate School at 11331 195th St. to the festival grounds at the Front Street Metra Station lot.

Customary Italian foods such as pasta and meatballs, sausage and beef sandwiches, fried dough, pastries, and Italian ice will be served. Musical acts will perform throughout the day on the main stage, and a variety of family activities are planned, including arts and crafts, face painting and Jim Nesci’s Cold Blooded Creatures. Admission is $10, with kids ages 15 and under attending free. Each paid ticket includes a raffle ticket for cash and other prizes. Transportation is available via Metra. All funds raised will be donated to local charities. (MokenaFestaItaliana.com, 773-778-8586)