31st Festa Italiana October 15, 2009

The 31st Festa Italiana Bringing Culture to Life
HOUSTON (June 15, 2009) – The 31st Festa Italiana is coming to the campus of the University of St. Thomas for three exciting days, October 16, 17, 18, 2009. The Houston Italian Festival has been bringing the Houston Community together to celebrate all things Italian since 1978.

Come experience Italy in the heart of Houston as the campus is transformed into the sights and sounds of Italy. The grounds will be lined with booths of authentic homemade foods such as, baked ziti, handmade meatball sandwiches, fresh Italian sausage, and hand tossed pizza. Where else can you enjoy funeral beans and faccia de vecchia along with the very popular stuffed baked artichoke hearts? A new feature this year will be our Dessert Garden filled with an array of desserts including sfingi, cucciadate, cannoli, gelato and coffees.
The Educational Stage will feature the Pinocchio marionette show, mosaic tile demonstrations and presentations on Sicily, Rome and Poggioreale. On the Epicurean Stage enjoy the wines, olive oils and other tastes of Italy during one of the many seminars. Mini wine tastings will be presented by Phillip Cusamano and preregistration is strongly recommended for these very popular tastings.
Kids of all ages will enjoy the rock wall and mechanical bull riding while the younger set will play on inflatable’s and a variety of mechanical rides. Stroll through the aisles of exhibitor booths where you can purchase items ranging from works of art to T-shirts. Even the most discerning shopper is bound to find a treasure or two to take home.
Enjoy the wine and beer of Italy as you browse the Village Market. Here you can purchase imported Italian seeds, pottery, community cookbooks, and a variety of Italian cooking products. Festa Italiana signature items will be available here.
Entertainment throughout the weekend will be provided by many local Italian performers. On the evening of Friday the 16th the 2nd Italian American Idol contest will take place on the Main Stage.
The sidewalks will be filled with an array of colorful artwork as area high school students compete in the 3rd Annual I Madonnari Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest which will be held on Saturday the 17th of October.
Come for the day. Bring your blanket for the perfect Italian picnic; we have the wine, the bread, the cheese and the tree lined campus for your relaxation. Mark your calendars now!
Festival hours are Friday-Saturday, Oct. 16-17 from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Festa Italiana happens rain or shine. University of St. Thomas is located at 3800 Montrose Blvd. Admission is $6 for adults and children under 12 are admitted free.
This event benefits the educational programs, scholarship fund, language school and cultural events of the Italian Cultural and Community Center.
Visit www.HoustonItalianFestival.com for more information as it becomes available. Contact info@HoustonItalianFestival.com or 713-524-4222.