SCRANTON -- Thousands of people are expected to make their way to Lackawanna County this weekend for an annual holiday tradition.
La Festa Italiana kicks off Saturday at courthouse square and dozens of vendors were getting ready Friday for the big event.
It might be the unofficial last weekend of summer but it’s also the big kickoff the 37th annual event.
It features music, food, games, all celebrating the traditions of the Old World and Italian heritage.
“We have created an Italian, European piazza right here on courthouse square in downtown Scranton, celebrating our proud heritage of family traditions in food and culture and entertainment. You name it, it’s going to be right here on Labor Day weekend,” said La Festa President Chris DiMattio.
DiMattio added that the free event is also for a good cause.
“The proceeds (raised by) many of the groups here benefit so many scholarships and local charities.”
Chef Joe Caputo has mastered the art of minestrone.
“We’re going to be making soup on Labor Day under the cappuccino tent. We’ll show you how to make it, so come on over. We’ll show you all the steps and you get to taste it, too, so, it’s a good deal.”
La Festa Italiana runs from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday.