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IM to celebrate heritage with annual Italian Fest

By Terri Castelaz 4 min read

IRON MOUNTAIN -- Say ciao to Italian cuisine, fine wine, live music and family fun when Italian Fest transforms downtown Iron Mountain into a celebration of Italian culture on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Hosted by the Iron Mountain Downtown Development Authority and sponsored by LiUNA Local 1329, the 19th-annual festival runs from noon to 11 p.m. in the downtown parking lot at East A and Iron Mountain streets.

"All the fun stuff is returning this year -- we got the grape stomp, the Italian dinner toss, three great bands, along with some tasty Italian cuisine and wine," Iron Mountain DDA event coordinator Katherine DeMars said. "Italian Fest has something for everyone of all ages to enjoy."

The festivities will begin at noon with the introduction featuring Mike Izzo, who will perform the open song in Italian.

Live entertainment, sponsored by the Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area, will keep the celebration going throughout the day.

The Sounds of Time with Jan and Gina will perform from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m., entertaining audiences with timeless vocals and classic Italian favorites.

"Their timeless vocals and classic Italian favorites keep the tradition alive and get the crowd singing along," DeMars said, noting the duo has been performing at the fest for more than a decade.

The Kind of Blues Band takes the stage from 3:30 to 7 p.m.

"They are just a really fun and talented group of musicians," she said.

The local band Next Myle will headline the evening from 7:45 to 11 p.m.

"They are always popular and you always can count on them to get the crowd up and dancing," DeMars said. "I think it'll be a great lineup of music."

Returning crowd favorites include the Grape Stomp, sponsored by Super One Foods, beginning at 2:45 p.m.; and the Italian Dinner Toss competition, sponsored by MarketPlace Foods, at 3 p.m. Participants can register at the festival on a first-come, first-served basis.

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

The expanded children's area, sponsored by the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club, will be open from noon to 7 p.m. and includes a bounce house, slide, obstacle course and toddler playland. Children also can participate in Italian-themed arts and crafts, including decorating their own chef's hats and noodle jewelry.

D's Creative Faces of Pembine, Wis., will offer Italian-themed face painting, along with favorite designs throughout the afternoon.

DeMars noted that the face painting will be five tickets, which was similar to the Summer Rollout event.

After the inflatables close, families can enjoy an 8 p.m. outdoor showing of "The Lizzie McGuire Movie."

Wine enthusiasts can once again sample selections from LoDuca Wine during tastings led by Michael LoDuca. More than 11 varieties will be featured, including a special 2026 Italian Fest label.

"He'll have some returning favorites, as well as a few new ones to sample," she said.

The DDA has two new 2026 wine glasses that will be sold at the festival as well, along with other DDA Italian Fest merchandise. They have also added some new pop and water options that will go along with the Italian theme.

Festivalgoers will find plenty to eat, with vendors including Crispigna's Italian Market and Millie's Market serving authentic Italian favorites and other menu items.

Flavor Blasts will offer shaved ice, Italian ice and other frozen treats.

Visitors can explore the Sassoferrato Sister City exhibit, organized and hosted by Albert and Paula Santoni of Dickinson Homes and Slumberland Furniture, highlighting the cultural connection between Iron Mountain and its sister city in Italy.

"We appreciate them and their whole family for continuing to coordinate that exhibit," she said.

Admission is $10 and children 12 and younger are admitted free.

The DDA is still looking for about 10 volunteers. Those who volunteer will receive free admission, $10 in both food and drink tickets and a DDA volunteer T-shirt. For the third shift they will receive $15 each for drink and food tickets.

"A special thank you to all of our sponsors for helping support Italian Fest," DeMars said. "Your generosity allows the DDA to continue hosting these great community festivals."

Sponsors include: Signature sponsor, LiUNA Local 1329; music sponsor, Tourism Association of the Dickinson County Area; children's area sponsor, the Iron Mountain-Kingsford Kiwanis Club; and platinum sponsors John Fornetti Dental Center, Northern Interstate Bank, Holmberg General Agency, and First National Bank & Trust.

"We invited everyone to come out for an entire day of fun," Mentel said. "We are looking forward to celebrating our Italian heritage with the community."

DeMars noted they are already planning for next year's event, as they will be celebrating the 20th anniversary. "We have some really big plans in the works and we're excited to keep the tradition going," she said.

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

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