Fest brings taste of Italy to Addison
Visitors to Addison's Centennial Park breathed in the garlic and peppers, swayed to the opera music and felt a sense of Italy - or at least the Bronx - on Saturday at the Little Italy Fest-West.
The fest, which continues Sunday, aims to recreate the feeling of an Italian neighborhood by celebrating the culture and traditions that came with Italian immigrants and became mainstays in areas such as the Bronx.
Food vendors conjure up memories of Nonna's kitchen with traditional dishes while a food demonstration stage offers inspiration for the home cook.
On Sunday, visitors can learn about plant-based cooking at 4 and 7 p.m. or check out mozzarella making and pulling at 3 and 5 p.m. Kids can make pizzas from noon to 4 p.m.
"Good food and entertainment in one location," said Rosalind Chaet of Skokie. "What else can you ask for? We've been coming here for years."
While Saturday's entertainment included an opera performance, Rat Pack-style crooners and Italian-American themed comedy, Sunday's lineup features more music, a grape-stomping contest between Addison police and firefighters, and a boxing exhibition.
Admission is free until 3 p.m. on Sunday, then $8 for ages 15 and older.
Free parking is available in the Centennial Plaza Shopping Center, on Lake Street just east of Route 53.
For information, visit arcadalive.com.