Come August 16-18, a tiny slice of Schererville will transform itself into the streets of Rome, Venice and Palermo with the weekend Festa Italiana at Villa Cesare. Festivalgoers can expect no shortage of Italian heritage, including food and drink offerings served up by family-owned eateries. “As always, we will be working with many local restaurants,” Festival Chairman Jon Biancardi said.

“We will have all the favorites: pizza, pasta, beef, sausage, Italian ice and much more.” Ben Ciannamea, owner of Capri’s Pizza, expresses his excitement to participate as a vendor. “My grandfather immigrated to the U.S. from Italy, and while living out his American Dream, kept our Italian heritage on the forefront when he started Capri’s Pizza in 1955.

As a business owner in and resident of Schererville, I’m proud to be a part of the Italian-American community here. Festa Italiana is our favorite way to pay homage to our culture and traditions.” And all ages are welcome and encouraged to come mangia at Festa Italiana as a famiglia. 

Families can also partake in the bocce ball tournament, a grape-stomping challenge, spaghetti-eating contests and join celebrity chef Phillipe Sobon for a hands-on pasta making class and dinner throughout the weekend. Continuous live traditional Italian tunes will be performed on the main stage. The Italian dance ensemble from Milwaukee, Tradizione Vivente, will perform and teach an Italian folk dance. Local bands will cap off the entertainment each night, including Lubido Funk Circus, Dick Diamond & The Dusters, and Shout Out.

“The whole event is centered around the amazing Italian culture, which is deeply rooted in family, food and music,” Biancardi explained.

Entry to the festival is free. People interested in participating in the events can register on the website: https://www.villacesare.com/festaitaliana.

For more information: Villa Cesare. 900 Eagle Ridge Dr., Schererville, IN 46375. 219-322-3011 www.villacesare.com

About the Host: Villa Cesare is home to Cesare Battisti Lodge #27, an Italian-American non-profit that has made contributions to charities and organizations, both local and abroad, for a century.