FITCHBURG, Wis. (WKOW) — The Italian Workmen’s Club hosted its annual Festa Italiana at McKee Farms Park this weekend, bringing Italian culture to the community through food, entertainment and family activities.
The festival runs through Sunday evening. Visitors can enjoy traditional Italian cuisine like pizza and pasta, watch performances and participate in activities for all ages.
Highlights include a bocce competition, appearances by the Forward Madison FC mascot the Flamingos, a magician, face painting and children’s games.
Kids can also compete in a pasta-eating contest divided by age groups. “Everybody has a great time,” David Rizzo said. “We had a great crowd here, spirited competition.” David Rizzo is a representative from the Italian Workmen’s Club
The organization was founded in 1912 and still operates out of the same building Italian immigrants constructed in 1920.
Festa Italiana started as a family picnic in the early 20th century and has grown into a community-wide celebration. The club uses proceeds from the festival to support local students.
Half of the event’s proceeds go toward scholarships for high school students pursuing two-year or four-year college programs. The organization also partners with the Italian program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison to help offset expenses for students studying abroad in Italy.
“Our mission statement for the Italian Workmen’s Club is to interact with the community and bring Italian culture to the community,” Rizzo said.
Organizers said the festival welcomes everyone, regardless of cultural background. The event encourages community members to experience Italian traditions firsthand.
“Everybody can be a little bit Italian this weekend,” Rizzo said. “That’s all we’re really asking for.”
