A European-based gelato festival is crossing the pond and making its debut in America with stops planned in Scottsdale and Tucson. Organizers of Gelato Festival America said the three-day food festival will make four stops in the western part of the United States and bring international and national gelato-makers together for people to taste Italy's version of ice cream. It will also serve as a competition of sorts to crown "best gelato in America."

"Our goal is to spread the culture of artisan Italian gelato throughout the world's largest consumer market for frozen desserts..." said Daniele Palazzoni, general manager of the festival, in a prepared statement. The festival is scheduled to visit Kierland Commons in Phoenix, Oct. 27-29, and La Encantada in Tucson, Nov. 3-5, 2017.