PACKET PICKS: Sept. 26

Sept. 26-27
Mercer Italian American Festival
The 15th Annual Mercer County Italian American Festival will take place Sept. 26-28 at Mercer County Park in West Windsor.
The festival includes a food piazza featuring regional Italian restaurants; an Italian market with Italian specialty products; a heritage pavilion with art, and memorabilia; a cultural theater with cooking demonstrations and book signings; entertainment on two stages including national acts; amusement rides; bocce; children’s activities; and fireworks.
This year, the food piazza will pay tribute to Trenton’s Chambersburg neighborhood, which according to organizer John Scarpeti, was where people in the neighborhood gathered to see friends, sample Italian fare and listen to Italian music.
Continuous entertainment is featured on two stages and includes local, regional and national acts. Friday night’s headliner will be Jersey rockers Southside Johnny and The Poor Fools. Their performance will be followed by the festival’s annual fireworks spectacular.
On Saturday, Lightnin’ Lou Christi headlines, performing Lightning Strikes," "Rhapsody in the Rain" and "I’m Gonna Make You Mine." The Sunday headliner is Gabriella Rea, direct from Italy.
Hours for the festival are: Sept. 26, 3-10 p.m. Sept. 27, noon to 11 p.m., Sept. 28, noon to 9:30 p.m. Admission costs $5, $4 senior citizens. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.
For a complete listing of events, go to www.italianamericanfestival.com. For more information, call 609-631-7544.
Sat., Sept. 27
Food Writer Day at Farmers Market
The West Windsor Farmer’ Market will host its first Food Writer Day, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The day will feature local and international journalists and writers participating on a discussion on food blobs. The four writers are Katie Parla, a Rome-based journalist and author; Kit Bornheimer, author of the "The Stout Sprout" blog; Pat Tanner, Central jersey restaurant critic, food writer for the "Packet" and author of the "Dine With Pat" column; and Rachel Weston writer for "The Star Ledger" and NJ.com.
The market hosts 15 farms and 10 artisan food and natural product vendors. It also hosts music and special events. It takes place Vaughn Drive Parking Lot of the southbound side of the Princeton Junction Train Station. For more information, email [email protected] or call 609-933-4452.
Bruce Hornsby at McCarter
Bruce Hornsby will return to McCarter Theatre in Princeton for a concert Sept. 27 at 8 p.m. in the Matthews Theatre.
Mr. Hornsby career has last more than 30 years as a singer, songwriter, bandleader and pianist. He has sold more than 11 million records and has won three Grammys. During the show, he will be joined by drummer/percussionist Sonny Emory.
Each ticket will include a copy of Mr. Hornsby’s new 2-CD live album, "Solo Concerts." The CDs can be picked up at the show by redeeming your ticket.
McCarter Theatre is at 91 University Place, Princeton. Tickets cost $32-$67. For information, go to www.mccarter.org or call 609-258-2787. For parking and traffic updates, go to mccarter.org/visitorInfo.