Summer festivals in Delaware

Italian Festival

Italian Festival

Where: 901 North Dupont Street, Wilmington

Time: 5:30 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Monday-Friday; 2 p.m.-10:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, June 7-14

How much: $5 at the gate, a weekly pass is $12 if purchased before June 7, $15 after

Festivities: People look forward to the Italian Festival all year, with its magical combination of food, drink, rides and games.

This year the central plaza of the festival has been designed to resemble Venice, with work from local artist Dana Pyle. In that area there will be live music played by Italian musicians, Italian dancers, crafts, bellinis (which were invented in Venice) and a gondola.

Four Italian cafes will be set up to serve traditional Italian food, everything from pasta to porkette sandwiches to pizza to seafood. Look for local restaurants to also have booths set up throughout the grounds of the festival, and there will be live music every night. If you're planning to spend time going on the rides in the midway, keep in mind that from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday through Thursday, the cost to go on each ride is reduced by one ticket.

This is the first year that they'll have bocce tournaments at the Italian Festival. There will be various tournaments throughout the week, along with bocce lessons and times when the courts will be available to just practice and play.

The parking situation for the Italian Festival is a little different this year. Instead of driving around attempting to find a decent spot, park at Salesianum and take the shuttle that they'll have running between there and the festival. The parking and shuttle are free.

More info: www.stanthonysfestival.com