On the nights of July 13-16, the fifth annual Italian American Festival will be held at Freehold Raceway, Route 33, Freehold. Attractions will include food vendors, rides, games and entertainment.
The festival schedule includes:
July 13: Pay one price for unlimited rides. Appearances by “Funktion” dance studio and Tommy Scala.
July 14: Appearances by “Attractive Nuisanz” and Italian music by Nick Perrone.
July 15: Mozzarella demo by Vinny of Tuscany Italian Specialties, traditional Italian dances led by “Maiuccia” Romano of “Coro d’Italia,” and Frank Sinatra medleys by Eric Delauro.
July 16: New Jersey 101.5 will be appearing with prizes and giveaways, Sal Chiarelli, an Italian tenor, will be performing, as well as Italian music by Anna Borelli, a performance by Giglio band, and fireworks at 9:45 p.m. According to Cheryl Scourzo, president of the Italian American Association of Monmouth County, the Italian festival has been a popular local event.
The fair offers free parking and admission. Proceeds from food sales, games and vendors is donated to charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Vetwork, Smile Train and Ronald McDonald House, Scourzo said.
The Italian American Association of Monmouth County is a group that promotes ItalianAmerican culture, fraternity and economic interests, according to its Internet website.
The organization aims to promote the Italian culture by inviting speakers to its meetings, and to inform people about aspects of the experience of being an Italian American.
The organization speaks out against stereotypical comments, images and accusations made against its community. Membership is open to anyone 21 years of age or older, according to the website.