The event, sponsored by Local 1329 of the Michigan Laborers’ Training and Apprenticeship Institute, or LiUNA, kicks off at noon in the parking lot across from the Dickinson County Library, with a full slate of activities with an Italian flair planned until 11 p.m.

“Event goers can expect top-notch live music and performances, Italian cuisine and family-friendly activities throughout the day,” event organizer Amber Pipp said.

Opening ceremonies begin at 12:15 p.m. Anastasia Lee plays from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Julie’s Top Hat Dance Studio is on stage at 1:45 p.m., then the Vincent Chiarelli Band from 2 to 4 p.m. Kindred Spirits featuring Michael Prusinsky is scheduled for 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., with a Dance Academy performance scheduled for 6 p.m. and Local Brew coming out to close the night from 8 to 11 p.m.

A children’s area, sponsored by CCI Systems, will be available from noon to 4 p.m. and includes bounce houses, balloon animals and face painting.

Jace Peterson and Joey Wahoviak, both of Iron Mountain, needed a quick shower after participating in the grape stomp competition last year. The 13th annual Italian Fest is set for Saturday.(Theresa Proudfit/Daily News photo)

At 1:30 p.m., Mayor Dale Alessandrini will present a key to the city to Ugo Pesciarelli, the former mayor of Iron Mountain’s sister city in Italy, Sassoferrato. The mayor and his wife, Paola, along with friends Nazarreno and Renate Azzerri are spending a week in the area.

“We are honored he and his family will be joining us and we are very excited to welcome them,” Pipp said.

A new Italian Fest activity geared toward the 21 and older crowd is wine tasting, led by wine expert Lo Duca Wines. It will take place every hour on the hour, with the first tasting at 1 p.m. and the final tasting at 7 p.m. The $15 ticket needs to be purchased in advance and includes a commemorative Italian Fest wine glass and four samples of wine, with six options available.

“I think this will be the perfect addition to Italian Fest, and I hope the wine lovers are able to enjoy,” Pipp said.

The Italian Dinner Toss, sponsored by Tadych’s Family Market, begins at 3 p.m. and takes teams of two, using cooking tins, that have a thrower hefting the ingredients such as pasta and sauce to a catcher. The team with the most ingredients in their pail at the end gets the victory.

The grape stomping event, a favorite of participants and spectators since the first Italian Fest in 2006, starts at 4 p.m. Sponsored by Super One Foods, teams of two get going — using their feet — to smush, squish and stomp a bin full of grapes. When time is up, the team with the most juice is declared the winner.

The Noodle Kiss competition takes place at 7:30 p.m., with three couples trying to re-create the Disney animated movie classic “Lady and the Tramp” moment when the two dogs share a romantic plate of pasta. The couple that gets the loudest applause wins.

The day would not be complete without Italian food and refreshments. Local vendors will include Crispigna’s Italian Market, Bimbo’s and Dulce Nulla gourmet dessert.

Organizers of the Tour de Dickinson and Italian Fest again will partner to give riders and volunteers involved in the morning event a wristband for free admission to Italian Fest

Tour de Dickinson has a variety of rides available, with all starting at Lake Antoine Park. The 18.5K through 100K routes start at 8 a.m. and the family fun ride starts at 8:15 a.m. This event is organized and coordinated by the Dickinson Trail Network. Organizers anticipate more than 350 bicyclists will participate.

Tickets are $8 at the door or free for ages 12 and younger. About 3,000 people may attend Italian Fest.

Italian Fest VIP tables are available for on a first-come, first-served basis for $150, which includes a reserved table in a desirable location under the main tent within view of the stage plus eight tickets. These tables will have a company, business or family name displayed on table and are reserved for the duration of the event, from noon to 11 p.m. Those with VIP status also will receive a “skip the line” pass for food and beverages.

Italian Fest still needs volunteers. Those willing can choose from three shifts and eight stations. Sign-up can be done online at the Italian Fest web site at https://www.downtownironmountain.com/italian-fest.

“These fundraiser events are not possible without our sponsors, volunteers, and those who attend the event. All proceeds of our events go toward the revitalization of downtown. A thriving downtown benefits the entire community, and we are so grateful for all of the support we receive,” Pipp said.