It’s that time again. Bradford’s annual Festa Italiana will be in full swing starting Thursday.

Festa committee members are already busy preparing the cornucopia of food for the three-day event, which brings together community members from near and far to recall old times, listen to music and mingle.

“It’s really a community event,” said Ann DeLucia, vice president of the Festa committee and publicist for the group. “We are in the process of getting everything ready.”

DeLucia said each member of the non-profit committee has a particular area to oversee, including entertainment, games and children’s rides. Others help with the food preparation in the days leading up to the festival.

The profits from the festival are then donated back into the community on the annual “giveaway night,” usually in October or early November. DeLucia said last year, 26 organizations benefited from the festival, including quite a few youth groups.

While the location �” Festa Way �” and the food remain the same, there will be some changes to the festival, according to DeLucia.

DeLucia said tickets will now be used to purchase food instead of cash.

“There will be three booths in various locations with signs where tickets can be purchased,” DeLucia said, adding food prices will remain the same. “Almost anyplace I’ve gone, festivals are doing that now. It’s much quicker and easier.”

According to DeLucia, there were many times where the treasurer or assistant treasurer would take change to the booths, only to have to turn around a short time later and repeat the process.

“They (booths) would run out of change quickly,” DeLucia said, adding when the festival gets crowded, it was also dangerous for those running between booths.

Meanwhile, DeLucia said the beer tent will handle the sale of beer and bingo pull tabs, both of which require identification. Those taking part will also be provided with a bracelet to wear. The bracelet can be used for additional purchases of either one, or both.

“Those getting beer will have to stay in the tent and can’t wander around the grounds,” DeLucia said.

With that said, DeLucia said all the old food favorites will be returning this year.

Among the food choices available include sausage with peppers and onions, meatball sandwiches, rigatoni, pasta e fagioli, Italian wedding soup, cannoli, ice cream, eggplant sandwiches, pizza, fried dough, numerous pastries and beverages.

“The Italian wedding soup was new last year and was a big seller,” DeLucia said.

The festival will also feature various bands and entertainers, along with games for the children.

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