The Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority will host its 18th-annual event, sponsored by LiUNA Local 1329, from noon to 11 p.m. in Iron Mountain’s downtown parking lot at East A and Iron Mountain streets.

This year’s festival brings back all the favorites, along with a few new additions, offering a full slate of Italian cuisine, wines, entertainment and activities.

“Italian Fest has something for everyone to enjoy,” Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority event coordinator Katherine Mentel said.

The festivities kick off at noon with an opening ceremony by Mike Izzo and family. “They will be singing ‘God Bless America’ in Italian for us again,” Mentel said.

Michael Lo Duca, pouring, is shown at a past Italian Fest hosting a wine tasting at his Lo Duca Wines booth, with the help of volunteer Richard Ochoa, in yellow in back. Lo Duca plans to be back this year. (Betsy Bloom/Daily News file photo)

Three local groups will provide a full day of entertainment, sponsored by the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area.

The Sounds of Time with Jan and Gina will get the crowd in the spirit from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. “Their timeless vocals and classic Italian favorites keeps the tradition alive and gets the crowd singing along,” Mentel said, adding the duo has performed at Italian Fest for more than 10 years.

The 906 Dance Academy Dance and Tumble team will perform at 1:30 p.m.

The Kind of Blues Band takes stage from 3:30 to 7 p.m. “They bring straight U.P. blues with a twist of jazz to their shows,” Mentel said. “They are just a really fun band of current and retired area music teachers and really get the crowd dancing.”

Headliner Oz will close out the evening from 7:45 to 10:45 p.m.

“We are so excited to feature this classic rock group this year,” she said. “You don’t always get a chance to see them — this may be one of the last local chances to see them for the year.”

The DDA has brought back two fest-goer favorites this year, the Grape Stomp and Italian Dinner Toss competition.

The Grape Stomp, sponsored by Super One Foods, starts at 2:45 p.m. and is open to all ages. They welcome four to five teams of two.

Immediately afterwards at 3 p.m. will be the Italian Dinner Toss competition, again for all ages, sponsored by MarketPlace Foods. This also can include four to five teams of two.

Individuals can sign up for each competition at the event. Mentel noted it will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

It wouldn’t be an Italian Fest without a wine tasting by Michael Lo Duca from Lo Duca Wine. He will offer samples of more than 10 selections of his family’s wines, along with new varieties, including White and Black Lava that come from the volcanic region in Italy.

“We are looking forward to having him back,” she said. “I encourage wine enthusiasts to attend a tasting, as he gives you an in-depth history of these exceptional wines.”

Purchasing 20 tickets can allow for four or five samples.

The children’s area, sponsored by First National Bank & Trust, will be open from noon to about 9:15 p.m.

Kids can enjoy the bounce house area and other activities from noon to 6 p.m.

“They will bring in four inflatable structures, including an obstacle course, bounce house, slide and new this year, they are bringing in an inflatable toddler playland for ages 0 to 5,” Mentel said.

Professional face painter D’s Creative Faces of the Pembine, Wis., area, will offer Italian-themed artwork, along with all the popular kid favorites throughout the afternoon.

Sarah Rice has planned a variety of Italian-themed kids crafts. Student volunteers will assist Rice during this time in the kids area, Mentel said.

After the inflatables come down, children can get the snacks ready for a showing of the Disney movie, “Luca” at 7:30 p.m.

“The movie is set on the Italian Riviera — it’s a sweet movie of friendship and adventure,” she said.

This year’s food vendors include Crispigna’s Italian Market with their authentic menu and Mama’s Mangia Mobile, with Italian-American street food.

Flavor Blast will be on site with sweet treats.

Visitors can explore the Sassoferrato Sister City exhibit, organized by Dickinson Homes and Slumberland Furniture, to discover the cultural ties between Iron Mountain and its sister city in Italy.

The DDA will also sell raffle tickets for several baskets donated by area businesses.

The drawing will take place the week after the event live on Facebook.

For those willing to get more involved with Italian Fest, the DDA still needs about 10 volunteers. Anyone who provides time at the event will receive free admission, a food voucher and drink tickets, as well as a DDA volunteer T-shirt.

“It’s a way to help us host the event and be part of the activity,” Mentel said.

Admission is $10, with ages 12 and younger getting in for free. Tickets can be purchased at the gate or in advance online by going to https://downtownironmountain.com.

“We are so grateful to all our wonderful sponsors, especially LiUNA for their support and help to keep this tradition in the community going,” Mental said.

Sponsors include: Signature sponsor, LiUNA Local 1329; music sponsor, Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area; children’s area sponsor, First National Bank & Trust; Platinum sponsors, 41 Lumber, The John Fornetti Dental Center, and Northern Interstate Bank; Gold sponsors, Results Broadcasting and Dickinson Homes; and Silver sponsor, Danielson Insurance.

“We hope everyone comes and makes it a whole day of fun,” Mentel said. “We are looking forward to bringing Italy to Iron Mountain and celebrating our Italian heritage.”

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Terri Castelaz can be reached at 906-774-2772, ext. 85241, or tcastelaz@ironmountaindailynews.com.