The pasta and music were flowing during one of Central Illinois’ longest-running traditions. The Italian American Society held its 92nd Summer Festa Picnic. This was the first year back since 2019, and the Italian recipes brought out the long lines for the mostaccioli. Some of the food and detailed woodwork were imported from authentic Italian shops.

They also held a spaghetti eating contest and had wines featured from all over Italy. Rhonda Parker, the Board Secretary for the Italian-American Society says, this picnic first started in 1929 when many Italians migrated from overseas.