The 81st Annual Summer Festa Picnic

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The Summer Festa Picnic is a long-standing family event held by the Society every year since its founding in 1929. The picnic brings a small piece of Italy and its traditions to central Illinois each summer. What began as a social event for Italian immigrants has evolved into the Society's major fundraiser for its two scholarship programs. Indeed, the picnic has become a major, family-centered, community event attended by hundreds of people. Join us at the Festa for food, fun, and family.

Information, Directions, and Schedule of Events

WHEN: Sunday August 8, 2010 from Noon until 7:00 p.m.

WHERE: Hickory Grove Park which is located on Hickory Grove Road [HGR]. Take Illinois State Route 40 [in the city of Peoria called Knoxville Avenue], approximately 3 miles North of NorthPoint Shopping Center. Turn right onto HGR [there is a stoplight at the intersection of Rt. 40 and HGR]. Follow the road approximately 1 mile to the fork in the road. At the fork keep to the right and you will see the Park on your left. FREE PARKING is to the right.

FOOD: Italian American Society recipies prepared by Barracks Cater Inn: Adult and children's spaghetti meals; meatball, sausage and Italian beef sandwiches. There will also be a variety of Italian desserts including Italian Ice (granita) and pizzelles.

DRINK: Italian and domestic beer, wines, soda, juice and water.

GIFT BOOTH: A large variety of Italian t-shirts, hats, pins and other items of Italian regalia including the Society's own cook book will be available.

ADMISSION: The park is open to guests of all ages. Admission is $2 per adult at the gate. Children under 12 years old are free. Tickets will not be sold in advance.

2009 ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE (check back for updates on the 2010 schedule)

12:00 to 1:00 Peoria Area Accordion Band

12:30 to 5:00 Kid's Corner including a large inflatable attraction, Clowns, petting zoo, games, and more!!!

1:00 to 1:15 Italian American Society 2008 Scholarship Awards

1:00 to 7:00 Fun Italian and contemporary music for dancing and entertainment presented by master of ceremonies Roberto Dietrich of Acoustic Dreams & Lightbeams

2:00 to 2:30 Children's Spaghetti-Eating Contest: three age groups (4-6, 7-9, and 10-12) with a prize for all contestants!

2:30 Bocce Ball Tournaments for both Adults and Children. No Entry Fee!!! BRING YOUR BOCCE SETS

Inaugural Scopa Tournament with prizes for winners.

DEMONSTRATIONS

From 1:00 to 5:00 Bocce Ball demonstrations and lessons by the Society; and Horseshoes demonstrations by the Peoria Horseshoe Club.

DISCOUNTS

If you have a Church group or other youth group of 15 or more, admission will be waived. Contact Dave at (309) 383-4684 for arrangements.