Published in the August 7, 2017 edition.

WAKEFIELD — The town’s summer street party is less than two weeks away.

The 2017 edition of Festival Italia in downtown Wakefield is set for Saturday, August 19, from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m.

It is a celebration of Wakefield’s Italian culture and tradition that makes this event great. To date organizers have over 80 booths lining Main Street and Albion Street turning it into a street festival atmosphere, while offering a wide range of activities for locals and visitors.

There are a number of booths dedicated to great festival foods, many sponsored by local restaurants, and the ever popular Wheel of Chance.

Whether you’re looking for delicious food, entertainment, children’s events, watching students from local dance studios, meeting friends and family at La Piazza’s beer and wine tent which will be open until 8 p.m., or shopping, we have it covered.

Here is the following entertainment to date: Mack Stevens Duo, North Ave Band, Morlock’s, Pistol Pete & The Smoking Guns, The Old Rochelle, local dance studios, Betty’s Bounce, and the just-added musician Hugh Hanley will perform his Circle of Songs concert for preschoolers in the library Lecture Hall on the Lower Level at 3:30.  No registration is necessary for this free concert, sponsored by the Friends of Beebe Library.

The Boys & Girls Club Kid Zone will feature activities, games, and much, much more for all ages.  Children will be able to create a variety of artwork and crafts.  Families can play through the Boys & Girls Clubs custom golf course, test their skills at giant jenga, and even join in on some video games.  The Boys & Girls Club Zone will be on Albion Street and Club Staff will be assisting with the Video Game Truck on Main St. Play as a team, enjoy different games, because there are plenty to choose from. All the newest games from Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox 360 with a “Game Coach” to help anyone who needs it.

Organizers will be adding addition information, go to our website at www.wakefieldepc.com, or follow us on Facebook. or contact us at wakefieldepc@gmail.com.