IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – Downtown Iron Mountain is abuzz with activity as preparations are underway for the highly anticipated annual Italian Fest. This year, the festival promises an expanded menu, offering not only traditional pasta favorites but also salads and lighter options. Excitement is building as a new raffle with 750 limited tickets and prizes worth fourteen hundred dollars has been introduced.
In addition, the kids’ area has been extended by an extra two hours, thanks to a new local sponsor, First National Bank and Trust. The event also features a brand new kids menu. Children aged twelve and under can enjoy free admission when accompanied by their loved ones. Italian Fest is on track and is scheduled to kick off today, running from noon to 11 P.M. Central Time.
The event coordinator, who is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a great time for all attendees, is prepared for any weather conditions. Reflecting on last year’s festival, which was plagued by rain, she remains optimistic.
“Last year it did rain most of Italian Fest, and we did still have people come,” stated Williamsen. “Last year, we ran out of wine, this year I ordered over five hundred bottles of wine for Italian Fest,” she shared.
Last year, organizers witnessed a staggering consumption of over two hundred and seventy-five bottles of wine during the festival. With tickets priced at $10 at the door, the Italian Fest serves as Downtown Iron Mountain’s biggest fundraiser of the year. The community eagerly awaits the celebration, ready to indulge in delectable Italian cuisine and embrace the festive spirit of Italian culture here in the U.P.
Williamsen also wanted to thank generous local sponsors for their involvement and contribution to the success of the festival. Liuna Local 1329 have sponsored Italian Fest every year. First National Bank and Trust made it possible to have an extended period of time for the children’s area. Tour Association of Dickinson County, Northern Interstate Bank also made generous contributions to ensure the success of the Downtown Iron Mountain Italian Fest. Crispigna’s Italian Market from the north side of Iron Mountain has been participating every year since Italian Fest began.
