
Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It's a milestone for this year's Galbani Italian Heritage Festival, as the event is in its 50th year on Hertel Avenue.
Judy Porto-Fiorella's father helped found the festival in 1975.
"What began as a small neighborhood gathering has grown into one of the largest cultural celebrations in Western New York," said Porto-Fiorella, president of the festival in North Buffalo.
This year's festival will be one to remember, according to Porto-Fiorella.
"We're excited to welcome an incredible entertainment lineup, our newly named Pellicano's Marketplace entertainment stage, including national acts and beloved local talent," she said. "On Saturday night, Buffalo's own Frankie Scinta will be headlining with a special performance at 7:30 p.m."
She says the festival is a celebration for the entire family.
"It's a homecoming, a time to gather, to celebrate and reflect on the rich heritage that has shaped our city," Porto-Fiorella added.
Festival vice president Peter LoJacono says there's plenty of food, but the festival is more than food.
"We've got a great St. Anthony's procession that's going to be our opening ceremonies at 6 p.m. We're reuniting all the former Miss Italian Festivals," said LaJacono. "We have a group of 50 doctoral students coming from Italy who will be there. They're going to be doing a flash mob for us and doing the Italian national anthem. We've got Bocce tournament, we're going to have events for kids and we'll have grape stomping."
LoJacono says the event has been along Hertel Avenue for a few years, but covered fewer blocks than in the past.
"That wasn't something that was our choice to make it shorter. It was because of businesses and they have to sign on and now that we've got the agreement from certain businesses that we can go an extra block, and we're happy to have more than over 50 vendors," LoJacono explained.
The festival runs from 11 a.m.-to-9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and 11 a.m.-to-7 p.m. Sunday. Admission is free.