This event is canceled for 2020. Ciao! The annual Festival Italiano at Belmar in Lakewood is on Saturday & Sunday, September 7 & 8. The Italian wine and food festival offers everything Italian — food, wine and artisan vendors selling ceramics, gelato, sausages, pasta, baked goods, flowers, herbs, pizza, Italian beer and more.
Kids can join in a grape stomp while grown-ups enjoy the finished product at wine tastings. Also on the schedule: flag throwers from Florence, Italy, dancing, Italian music and other entertainment.
Festival hours are Saturday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here’s a lineup of the entertainment:
Saturday, September 7
♦ MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Louis Colaiannia, 10:00 a.m.
Michael Angiolillo, 11:00 a.m.
The Vince Chiarelli Band, 12:30 p.m.
Swing Shift Jazz, 2:30 p.m.
Bella Luna Cirque, 3:00 to 3:45 p.m.
Chris Daniels and the Kings with Freddi Gowdy, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
♦ FLAG THROWING
10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. | W. Alaska Dr. and S. Teller St.
Catch Gli Sbandieratori flag throwers from Florence, Italy throughout the day. Flag throwing originated in medieval times when the flag bearer — carrying a flag that represented his town, dukedom or kingdom — led his people into battle. Today, passionate young athletes bring team spirit and high-quality performances around the world.
♦ BALISTRERI VINEYARDS CHILDREN’S GRAPE STOMP
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m. | Belmar Plaza
Children ages 12 and under can participate in making wine by stomping on grapes. It’s interactive fun for the whole family.
Sunday, September 9
♦ MUSICAL PERFORMANCES
Mysto the Magi, 10:45 a.m.
Bella Luna Circus, 12:45 to 1:30 p.m.
♦ FLAG THROWING
10:30 a.m., 12:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 3:00 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. | W. Alaska Dr. and S. Teller St.
♦ BALISTRERI VINEYARDS CHILDREN’S GRAPE STOMP
11:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m., 3:00 p.m. | Belmar Plaza
Children ages 12 and under can participate in making wine by stomping on grapes. Interactive fun for the whole family.