Attendees make their way around Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming at a previous Italian Fest. (Journal photo by Justin Marietti)

By JOURNAL STAFF

ISHPEMING — The St. Rocco-St. Anthony Society of Ishpeming will host its 126th annual Italian Fest on Saturday, July 25 at the Al Quaal Recreation Area in Ishpeming. The event is free and open to the public.

Festivities begin at noon and will feature a full day of Italian heritage, family entertainment, food, music and community activities. Guests can enjoy traditional Italian and American cuisine, games of chance, ring toss, balloon darts, bingo, a giant glide slide and a bounce house for children.

One of the festival’s longstanding traditions, the Greased Pole competition, will return with participants competing for a $100 prize.

EVENT SCHEDULE:

Noon — Festivities begin

1:30 p.m. — Children’s games begin (sawdust pile, sack races, egg toss and more)

2 – 4 p.m. — Live music by Soundz of Time

4 – 4:30 p.m. — Performance by the Blue Notes drumline

4:30 – 6:30 p.m. — Live music by Diamanti

For additional event information, visit ishpemingitalianfest.com.