A taste of Italy is no farther away than downtown Akron - at least for the weekend.
The 65th Annual Italian American Festival got underway this morning around Lock 3.
"There are a lot of great pasta vendors and sausage sandwiches and pizza," said Spokesman Lou Maglione. "I saw we have a clay fire oven, a real authentic pizza vendor, which is new this year."
LIST OF ROAD CLOSINGS due to the Festival
There is also live music and inflatables, plus games and other entertainment. There will also be fireworks on Saturday night.
Maglione says the festival council uses revenue from the 3-day event to support the Interval Brotherhood Home, St. Anthony's Parish, multiple college scholarships and various other charities.
"In the last 10 years, we've given over a million dollars away to local charities," said Maglione.
The festival runs until midnight tonight; Saturday 12 - 12 and Sunday 11 - 9.
