SCRANTON, Pa. — Courthouse Square in downtown Scranton is filled with the aroma of traditional Italian cuisine like pasta, cannolis, and pizza.
"It's been going great so far. The weather is great. The crowds started early today, so everything is nice. It's cool. It's really comfortable. It's great to come down and get a little Italian Festival time in," said John McDonald, owner of Electric City Pizza.
And that's exactly what Mia Lin and her family are doing. They're here for the very first time, "We actually were down at Railfest, and they have those shuttles that bring you over, so instead of fighting with parking, we thought that was a great idea, so it's just really convenient, and then the food again, you know. We just hear great things about this festival," said Lin.
La Festa Italiana is about more than just delicious Italian food. It is a celebration of Italian culture.
"I think about my grandmother growing up. I can think about having coffee with her every morning. You know, eating her phenomenal pizza, and it's like being able to kind of relive that side of things. It's just wonderful for me," said Tom Borthwick, owner of Davinci Pizza.
Coffee Inclusive is serving up cappuccino and more at La Festa.
The local non-profit employs people with diverse abilities.
"We're so happy to be here at La Festa because it's just such a wonderful, wonderful group of people that come out and help to support us, and it means the world to get our name out there more and help people with disabilities," said Kaitlyn Hall, Coffee Inclusive Marketing and Development Director.
And some folks like Bob Casey have been coming to La Festa Italiana since it began in 1976, "This is definitely a stop I like to make every year. Ah, the entertainment is fantastic. You could sit here for all three days and be entertained as if you're in Atlantic City," he said.
And if you want to make the most out of La Festa Italiana, "Enjoy it! Just enjoy the day. Just talk to people, get to know and get to live life because it's all about 'La Dolce Vita,' which is 'the sweet life," said Nancy Zavaskas, Hanover Township.
La Festa Italiana runs through Monday.