The fifth annual Mokena Festa Italiana will be held on July 15. Last year’s event attracted more than 2,500 attendees, and an even larger crowd is expected this year. The festival is based on the traditional Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel in Melrose Park. The day will begin with an 11 a.m. procession from the Mokena Intermediate School at 11331 195th St. to the festival grounds at the Front Street Metra Station lot.

Customary Italian foods such as pasta and meatballs, sausage and beef sandwiches, fried dough, pastries and Italian ice will be served. Live entertainment begins at noon and includes the Traverso Singers, Frank Rossi, tenor Franco Martorano, Vince DiFiore, Pat Capuzzi, Nino Felino, Dave “Elvis” Thomas and the Fabtones featuring Ted Aliotta of Aliotta, Haynes and Jeremiah.