Whether it’s said in Italian — “Benvenuto alla festa” — or in English — “welcome to the festival” — it’s a phrase that those who love all things Italian wait the whole year to hear. And that wait is almost over. Members of the St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming are making the final preparations for the 119th annual Italian Festival at the Al Quaal Recreation area on Saturday.

“It’s a time in which all Italian-Americans get to show off and be proud of their heritage and give back to the community,” event spokesman Anthony Bertucci said. “That has been our focus the last few years. We are inviting the community to be part of it, this isn’t just a time for Italian-Americans.”