OLEAN – What was once a neighborhood block party has evolved
into one of the most anticipated weekends in the Olean area.

The Festa Italiana, an event which is part-reunion, part-feast,
part-concert -but mostly party – will be held Saturday and Sunday
at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.

The church is on North Union Street in North Olean.

This weekend’s festival, being held in honor of Our Lady of
Mount Carmel, will start with a Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday. Festival
hours are noon to 11 p.m. on Saturday, and 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Sunday.

Festa Italiana has been an annual event since 1983, with a dual
purpose of raising extra money for parish needs, and of celebrating
the rich cultural background in the parish and the surrounding
neighborhoods. “Festa” has grown into an Olean tradition; a joyful
summer celebration of ethnic foods and entertainment. Friends and
family from all over are reunited as vacations, home visits, and
reunions often coincide.

All proceeds of Festa Italiana are used exclusively for the
spiritual, physical, and academic life of St. John’s parish.

As always, the food is a major attraction. Meatball and Italian
Sausage sandwiches, pizza, pasta fagioli, polenta, cannolis, and
the famous fried dough are just some of the highlights.

Children will find plenty of fun with the carnival rides, games
of skill, and crafts. Adults can take their chances at the poker
wheel, pull tabs or raffles. Local artist Peg Bothner will be
on-site for portraits on Saturday afternoon. And anyone may
participate in the annual Week Rogers Memorial Bocce
Tournament.

On Sunday afternoon, ,10,000 in cash gifts will be awarded. Only
500 shares will be issued at ,50 per share which can be purchased
from parishioners or through the church office.

Highlights of the entertainment include Bob Lucia and 7 Swing
Street on Saturday afternoon. At 3 p.m. Jason Michaels’ Secrets and
Illusions, an experience far beyond the traditional magic show,
will take the stage. At 4:30, it will be The Soul Providers,
performing classic R&B tunes from The Temptations to Hall and
Oates. Saturday night’s headline act is the Piano Man, a tribute to
Billy Joel.

Sunday afternoon will feature Nick Battistella and the songs of
Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin. Dick Otto and his orchestra will
close things out from 2 to 5 p.m.