3oth Annual Festa Italiana Offers Plentiful Entertainment and Activities

Seattle Center Festál: The Italian Festival, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 23-24, in Seattle Center Armory, Fisher Pavilion and Seattle Center Pavilion, features plentiful music, food, displays and delight, Italian-style.

The festival began in 1988 as a five-year quinquennial celebration of the Columbus voyage to the New World. However, the Italian community insisted that the annual effort continue. In 2017, the hugely popular two-day event celebrates the 30th Annual Festa Italiana/The Italian Festival with a two-day program that includes:

· Two concerts starring New York tenor Aaron Caruso;

· Celebrity Chef Rossella Rago headlining a full schedule of cooking demos;

· Puppetry by the Olde World Puppet Theatre;

· Grape stomping competition;

· An expanded food court and vendor market;

· Cultural and educational opportunities;

· A wide range of children's activities.

Festival-goers may explore a collection of classic Italian vehicles; an exhibit of works inspired by Italy; an exhibit, show and parade of traditional Italian dog breeds; and over 1,000 photographs of Seattle's earliest Italian immigrants. The festival also presents a Taste of Italy Wine Tasting and Opening Reception, 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 22, in the Armory. The tasting event feature music by Danny Quintero, over 70 Italian wines, hors d'oeuvres and antipasti from Big John's PFI. Tickets are $25 per person for this 21 and older event.

An all-volunteer community organization produces an annual series of events the last week of September culminating in The Italian Festival at Seattle Center. The events celebrate the cultural roots of Italians and Italian-Americans in the Pacific Northwest by promoting the arts, the food and the culture that are uniquely Italian.

In 2017, Seattle Center Festál celebrates 20 years of global music, dance, art, crafts, history, food and insight presented through a unique partnership among community organizations and Seattle Center. Festál provides a stage and platform for them to share their traditions, accomplishments and artistic expression. Festál events captivate and enlighten festival-goers as they experience the distinct cultures that shape the character and course of our broader community.

Seattle Center Festál is a program of Seattle Center Productions. Admission is free-of-charge. For more information on The Italian Festival, visit www.festaseattle.com, and to learn more about this collection of ethnic cultural events and other Seattle Center public programming, visit www.seattlecenter.com or call 206-684-7200.

This illuminating series of 24 ethnic cultural festivals on weekends throughout the year seeks to connect people in ways that build understanding, dispel stereotypes and generate pride among the generations who participate in these shared experiences. Seattle Center Festál is produced with the generous support of KUOW 94.9 Public Radio, Coca-Cola, Alaska Airlines, T-Mobile, Wells Fargo, The Boeing Company, NW Folklife, 4Culture and ArtsWA. Additional support is provided by the City of Seattle and Seattle Center Foundation.

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