Italian Cultural Festival

The Padre Pio Prayer Group of the National Shrine of Our Lady of La Salette at 947 Park St. announces the 2nd annual Italian Cultural Festival on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Shrine. The day will be packed with cultural and religious events kicking off the day at noon with a 2-hour dance party featuring classic Italian songs and American songs from the 1950s to the present, with DJ Magic Mark. There will also be a Tarantella dance contest. Other events include a concert celebrating Padre Pio’s life; Pompilio Petrillo, author of the book “How Padre Pio Entered My Life,” and who was married by Padre Pio, once again will share his stories about his friendship with Padre Pio. There will be tours of the Shrine, a solemn Mass, dinner and entertainment and lots of Italian food. Briggs Corner Pizzeria will host a pizza fest; Mike and Ants Ice Cream, Sarcastic Sweets and Dean Concessions are food trucks with delicious Italian food and sweets.