On May 30 Fredericktonians and residents of the Washington Metropolitan Area will have a chance to celebrate and discover Italian cultural heritage at the 3rd Annual Festa Italiana of Frederick, MD. The event is full day family festival and fundraiser to benefit Habitat for Humanity of Frederick County, MD. He event is an opportunity for the community to come together to celebrate over two decades of providing affordable housing for families in need.

Maria Giovanna Galasso, Event Chairwoman, said "Habitat for Humanity isn't just about building houses it's also about "building" neighborhoods and fostering this same awareness in our own hometowns. City neighborhoods are what make a city. Happy neighborhoods are what make a happy community. Our hope is that Festa Italiana will inspires every one who attends to support HFHFC in creating beautiful neighborhoods in our communities so we can all live La Bella Vita."

"Our organization is very fortunate to have these dedicated volunteers to raise funds, help build or improve homes, work with partner families, and serve on committees. These same volunteers help make it possible for the Festa to happen. It's a family day to enjoy the beautiful Italian life in a picturesque setting", said Ron Cramer, Executive Director

Historic Rose Hill Manor Park will be transformed into a charming Italian village where event goers will enjoy authentic homemade Italian food and dessert, a wine and beer garden, a wood fired pizza oven, and a gelato & espresso truck. The legagy of Mr. Ferrero will be celebrated with a Nutella Bar; Lupo Verde Cucina & Bar will sponsor a selection of handcrafted artisanal Italian cheeses. Mrs. Galasso is especially proud of the cheese bar, as Mr. Antonio Matarazzo, partner of Lupo Verde, is native of Avellino, which is also Mrs. Galasso hometown in Italy.

Festa Italian is excited to present this year headliner, The Sicilian Tenors, once described by the late Joan Rivers as "The Three Tenors meets the Rat Pack".

All day live music will be provided by Maryland hall of famer The Monaldi Brothers and Italian pop - rock band from Washington DC i-Talians the Band.

The second stage will feature DJ Kelly Monaldi, Italian Karaoke and accordion players Joan Grauman and Pat Racioppa. Cooking Demos will add to the entertainment.

Festa Italiana is especially proud of its Italian Cultural Pavilion. The schedule includes the screening of PBS documentary "The Italian American" Executive Producer and Director John Maggio.

Festa will also offer: The Italian Garden Project: Food, Family, and the Earth. A presentation by Mary Menniti, founder of The Italian Garden Project. Based in Pennsylvania Ms. Menniti's mission is to celebrate the joy and wisdom inherent in the traditional Italian American vegetable garden, preserving this heritage and demonstrating its relevance for reconnecting to our food, our families, and the earth. Ms. Menniti has also collaborated with the Smithsonian Institute's Archives of American Gardens to document a traditional Italian American vegetable garden.

Other videos and movie clips will fill the day activities. Festa Italiana has also partnered with The Frederick County Public Library to bring to Festa an array of Italian themed an Italian language program.

At The Cultural Pavilion Festa attendees will also have the opportunity to enjoy the gallery of photographs from the 1st Festa Italiana Photography Contest.

A stroll through The Italian Market will satisfy all shopping lovers, while bocce balls, grape stomping, dancing, and sauce taste-off will make for a full day of fun for the whole family.

Festa Italiana is a family friendly event and as such boast a children 's field where kids will be entertained all day. Main attractions include Story time and video with award winner writer Shannon Jones and her traveling kitty KeeKee.

Other fun activities include art and crafts, face painting, birdhouse making, Zumba kids, soccer skills, making gnocchi, planting an Italian garden.

Let's not forget Festa Italiana's Big Prize Raffle: WIN A FREE ONE WEEK VACATION IN ITALY FOR TWO!!! Raffle tickets are available on line and will be available at Festa Italiana until 6:15 p.m. Raffle drawing at 6:45 p.m.

Festa Italiana Frederick is a rain or shine event to be held from 11am to 7:30pm. Advance admission is just $7 with children ages 5 and under free. Family discount available on line and at the gate. At the gate, tickets are $12 for adults. Admission tickets include the evening performance of The Sicilian tenors.

To learn more about Festa Italian or to purchase tickets to the event, please visit www.festaitalianafrederick.com

Event Contact: Maria Giovanna Galasso
Event Chairwoman 301-788-2836
[email protected]

Organization Contact: Habitat For Humanity Frederick County
Ron Cramer 301-698-2449
[email protected]