Washington Italian Festival 2024
People can enjoy Italian music, eat and drink, learn about Italian culture, and shop at the 8th annual Washington Italian Festival, scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 at the downtown Washington Community Pavilion. This memorable yearly event brings entertainment, games, contests and crafts to Washington. Admission is free.
The festivities begin with a free concert on Friday, September 20. Shades of Time is scheduled to perform from 6:30 to 8:30 PM at the Community Pavilion. It is open to the public.
Food, drink and vendor booths will be open on Saturday from noon to 8:00 PM as a day of activities unfolds.
Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| All Day | DJ Jon Ridge |
| Noon | Opening ceremony with blessing, honor guard by Young Marines, National Anthem and opening remarks |
| 12:30 PM | New Vintage Swing Band |
| 1:30 PM | Ceremony Honoring Festival Members and Recognizing Rich Celani, et al. |
| 2:00 PM | Cooking Demonstration with Chef Guiseppe Di Gristina of Pastaio Cucina |
| 2:30 PM | Musical Performance by Cat Tedder |
| 3:45 PM | Italian Folk Dances, Allegro Dance Company |
| 4:15 PM | Italian Folk Tales with Paulette Marasco Stout |
| 4:30 PM | Mirella the Musician |
| 5:30 PM | Interlude with DJ Jon Ridge |
| 6:00 PM | Washington Jazz Orchestra (Italian and Jazz Favorites) |
| 7:00 PM | Interlude with DJ Jon Ridge |
| 7:30 PM | Tom Terling Band |
| 9:00 PM | Closing Remarks |
Performers and times are subject to change.
Italian food and beverages
People can enjoy a variety of Italian food and beverages, as food vendors will sell different specialties. Among the vendors will be:
- Atria’s
- Bella’s on Fort Couch
- Chicco Baccello
- Forlini’s
- Vesta 88 River House
Chef Giuseppe Di Gristina of Pastaio Cucina will put on an Italian cooking demonstration.
Children
The Washington Italian Festival will have children’s activities.
Paulette Marasco Stout presents Italian folk tales. This special story time happens at 4:15 PM.
Heritage
About 1 in 6 people who live in Washington County are of Italian origin. The arrival of Italian immigrants was part of the growth in Washington’s population and the local economy in the early 20th century.
The Italian Heritage Collection at Citizens Library holds articles, books and other publications. A partial list of online information about Italian heritage in the area can be seen at Publications and Other Media at the Primo Italiano Lodge #2800 website.
This year’s festival honors leaders of Washington’s first Italian festivals, which were held in the 1980s. Honorees include Richard Celani, Nancy Arena Razvoza, Eugene Trapuzzano and others. The current series of Italian festivals, now in its 8th years “wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of the men and women of Washington who held the first festival some 50 years ago,” said Carla Miller, Festival Chair.
Closing
The Washington Italian Festival is organized by the Sons and Daughters of Italy Primo Italiano Lodge #2800, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania, Sons and Daughters of Italy. It is a non-profit group that promotes Italian culture. It supports the Washington community through events and a college scholarship program for eligible students.
Everyone can enjoy a day of Italian heritage at the Washington Italian Festival on September 23 and 24. Admission and entertainment is free. The Community Pavilion is located at 139 South Main Street in Downtown Washington, PA. Italian food and beverages are waiting to be enjoyed!
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