As Jim Plunkett is happy to attest, as with all fundraising events created by St. George Men’s Group (SGMG), the annual Italian Festival started out as a good idea to provide nimble, needed response to an important cause. Now, it’s become a signature shoreline summer event, pulling in crowds from Branford, North Branford, and beyond to enjoy the two-day extravaganza behind the St. George Catholic Church in Guilford (CT), located at 33 Whitfield Street.

The 2023 SGMG Italian Festival is set for Friday, Aug. 25, from 5 to 10 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 26, from 3 to 10 p.m. Admission is $5; ages 15 and under are free. In addition to a huge supply of Italian food favorites, two bands will provide live entertainment on Friday and three bands on Saturday. Family fun on both days includes the Kids Zone for kids and bocce for adults. Friday night features a spaghetti eating contest, and Saturday includes a meatball-tasting competition.