IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Downtown Iron Mountain Development Authority is thrilled to host Italian Fest in a little over a week, coming up on Saturday, August 10, from noon to 11 PM CST. This annual event, celebrating the rich Italian heritage of the area, offers a full day of activities, entertainment, and authentic cuisine for the whole family.
“We have quite a few new moving pieces and parts this year,” said the Iron Mountain DDA’s event coordinator. “The first thing we did was provide veteran tickets, thanks to the sponsorship from First National Bank and Multi-State Realty. They have covered the cost of 50 tickets available at the Veterans Service Office in Kingsford.”
Veterans visiting the office with an appointment can receive free admission tickets while supplies last. Additionally, Oddfellows Restaurant will provide non-alcoholic beer and wine options, acknowledging that many veterans do not consume alcohol.
The festival lineup includes classic events like the Italian grape stomp and the Italian dinner toss. Entertainment will feature performances by Jan and Gino, Norton Chartier & Company, and the headlining act, Andy Gibbons and the Bad Axe Rodeo.
Families will enjoy an extended Children’s Area from noon to 6 PM, featuring inflatables and other activities, thanks to First National Bank and Trust. From 7:30 PM to 9:15 PM, a tent and projector will transform the space into a movie area showing “Cars 2,” allowing kids to enjoy a film while adults appreciate the evening’s entertainment. Dr. John Fornetti’s Dental office, a platinum sponsor, will distribute light-up party favors for the adults to enjoy during the movie.
Michael Loduca will introduce a new wine option at the festival, an Italian sangria made from a blend of white and red wines with a fruit purée.
Tickets are $10 for those aged 13 and older, while children 12 and under can attend for free. All activities in the Children’s Area are also free for kids 12 and under.
“We always want to do something for the families,” the event coordinator added.
*A limited number of FREE veteran admission tickets are available on a first-come-first served basis, which can be used at either Downtown Iron Mountain’s Italian Fest or Oktoberfest this year. Vets can inquire at the Dickinson County Veteran Service office by visiting the VSO in Kingsford near the Ford Airport at:
2301 Woodward Ave
