Ciao Boston! Celebrate Italian Culture  at the Italian Festival

Italia Unita sponsors 11th annual festival, featuring a performance by the Village People, Italian sausage eating championship

On July 15th, 16th, and 17th, East Boston will roll out the welcome mat and say ìbenvenutiî as Italia Unita hosts the 11th Annual Italian Festival. Central Square in East Boston will be filled with laughter, games, music and authentic Italian cuisine as people from all over New England join in this celebration of Italian culture. The Village People will headline the event with a performance on Saturday evening and the festival will host the WORLDíS LARGEST SAUSAGE EATING CONTEST.

ìThe Italian Festival celebrates some of the most beloved aspects of Italian culture, said Italia Unita President Pasquale Capogreco. "Italia Unita is committed to preserving the Italian culture and the festival is a fun way to share our heritage with people from over New England."
 
In addition to the many activities and events planned throughout the weekend, Italia Unita will present the annual Italian-American Achievement Award. In recognition of her commitment to the people of Boston and her untiring work on behalf of numerous social service and civic organizations, Italia Unita will honor Mrs. Angela Menino with this prestigious honor during the festivalís opening ceremonies on Friday, July 15 at 7:00 PM, hosted by Ron Della Chiesa.
 

On July 16th the Italian Festival will host the first World Italian Sausage eating Contest in conjunction with the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters. This not to be missed event will match professional eaters from around the country with local and celebrity entrants to see who will walk away with the title of World Italian Sausage Eating Champion.
 
On Saturday evening, the Village People will be back by popular demand, performing live in Central Square. With more than 65 million records sold and legions of fans around the globe, the Village People will be performing all their gold and platinum hits, including: YMCA, In the Navy, Macho Man and much more. The Village People performed at the Italian Festival 5 years ago and were met with rave reviews.
 
Other activities at the festival include the KISS-108 Summer Games, bocce games, childrenís rides, Texas Hold EM tournaments, Ferrari Car Display, strolling performers and magicians. Featured musical entertainers include Eternity, Joe Molino, La Voce di Napoli con Gianna Monti and Lisetta, DJ Richard Fri and Italian Ice.  In addition, dozens of local restaurants and vendors from all over New England will provide Italian delicacies and novelties.
 
Italia Unita was founded in 1995 by a dedicated group of volunteers to celebrate Italian culture and history. Today Italia Unita is still an entirely volunteer-run organization with over 120 members in the Greater Boston area. Italia Unita hosts events, social and civic events throughout the year to promote a greater understanding and appreciation of Italian art. 
 
The festival runs from 6:00pm ñ 11:00pm on Friday July 15th and 3:00 pm ñ 11:00pm on Saturday and Sunday July 16th and 17th.  For more information on the Italian Festival schedule of events, visit the Italia Unita website: www.italiaunita.org, or call 617-561-3201.
 
 
MANGIA! MANGIA!
 
ITALIA UNITA TO HOST  ITALIAN SAUSAGE EATING WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP AT 11TH ANNUAL ITALIAN FESTIVAL
Local residents to compete for chance at title, cash prize
 
Italia Unita and the Association of Independent Competitive Eaters (AICE) today announced that the First Annual Italian Sausage Eating World Championship will take place on July 16th, at 5:00 PM, Central Square at the 11th Annual Italian Festival in East Boston.
 
The contest will feature some of Americaís best Italian American competitive eaters, including Gentleman Joe Menchetti (New Englandís #1 Competitive Eater), World Beef Tongue Eating champion Dominick 'The Doginator' Cardo from Pennsylvania along with Pennsylvania State Chicken Wing Eating Champion, Pete 'Broken Wing' Maurizio.
 
"Food and eating are an important part of Italian culture," said Italia Unita President Pasquale Capogreco. "This is a fun way to celebrate that tradition, and hopefully, a local entrant will walk away with the title of Italian Sausage Eating World Champion. We thank Santarpioís restaurant for donating the sausages to this charitable event."
 
Local residents are invited to compete against the professional eaters for the championship title of Italian Sausage Eating World Champion and the $500 prize. So if youíre a big eater, hungering for a chance to compete against the best, bring your appetite and you cheering section to the Italian Sausage Eating World Championship. Registration is $25 and will be available on a first-come first-served basis. To register, on line registration  or call 617-561-3201.
 
AICE Founder and Chairman Arnie 'Chowhound' Chapman believes this event will be a grand celebration of Italian pride and tradition. ìItalian Americans, long known for their love of culinary delights and zest for eating, will see these two forces come together in this world championship event," said Chapman. " Don't be surprised if a local eater pulls an upset and makes Boston proud."
           
Italia Unita was founded in 1995 by a dedicated group of volunteers to celebrate Italian culture and history. Today Italia Unita is still an entirely volunteer-run organization with over 120 members in the Greater Boston area. Italia Unita hosts social and civic events throughout the year to promote a greater understanding and appreciations of Italian culture.
 
The festival runs from 6:00pm ñ 11:00pm on Friday and 3:00 pm ñ 11:00pm on Saturday and Sunday.  For more information on the Italian Festival, visit the Italia Unita website: www.italiaunita.org, or call 617-561-3201.