Jeffrey Heinzman remembers attending the local Festa Italiana event every year for basically all of his life, partly because his uncle used to play in a band at the festival. Today, Heinzman is the co-owner and executive chef of Gnocchi Italian Restaurant in Clinton Township. He plans to serve gnocchi — a ribbed, pillowed pasta — with meat sauce or alfredo options at Festa Italiana this year.

“We’re going to be serving what we’re known for,” he said. “We’re here, and this is the place to go to get gnocchi.” Heinzman will join other local Italian vendors and eateries at the 2018 Festa Italiana event July 13-15. The festival is returning to Freedom Hill County Park in Sterling Heights to share a passion for Italian music and food with the community.