La Festa set for Labor Day Weekend in Scranton

It's time again for Northeastern Pennsylvania to celebrate Italian culture and cuisine with La Festa Italiana, September 5-7, on Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton.

La Festa Italiana has been an end-of-summer tradition in the Scranton area since in began in 1975. The festival attracts thousands of visitors annually from across the state.

Hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and noon to 9 p.m. on Monday. Admission is free and all proceeds from the event go to local charities.

La Festa Italiana has something for everyone. As usual, more than 60 vendors will offer a wide variety of foods and displays. The finest Italian cuisine is cooked and served daily.

Continuous live entertainment for both young and older tastes is presented on two stages during the afternoon and evening each day. This year's featured performers will include The Duprees, The Poets, The Paramounts, Los Vega and a Frank Sinatra Tribute featuring Chris DiMattio. Sunday night will be capped by a gala fireworks display.

A variety of other acts are scheduled, including King Henry and the Original Showmen, United Sports Academy of Gymnastics, University of Scranton Jazz Band, local dance troupes, jugglers, strolling musicians and more. A full entertainment schedule is available to download and print.

The annual Mass in Italian will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Sunday in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV: Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton.

For more information and updates, visit the festival website at: www.lafestaitaliana.org.