by Teri Maddox

The timing is a little off, but Collinsville will celebrate the Italian Carnevale during this weekend's Italian Fest. "It's the Italian equivalent of the French Mardi Gras," said Wendi Valenti, director of Collinsville Chamber of Commerce. "It's not really Carnevale because that comes before Lent, but the theme is fun with all the masks and dressing up. It's exciting."

Festival hours are 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Portions of West Main, Seminary, Center and Clinton streets will be closed to vehicles, beginning about 5 p.m. Thursday. The biggest draws are live music, dance and martial arts demonstrations on two stages and authentic Italian food, prepared and sold by civic organizations and local businesses.

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Source: http://www.bnd.com/