Festa Picnic

The Summer Festa Picnic is a long-standing family event held by the Society its founding in 1929. The picnic brings a small piece of Italy and its traditions to central Illinois each summer. What began as a social event for Italian immigrants has evolved into the Society's major fundraiser for its scholarship programs. Indeed, the picnic has become a major, family-centered, community event attended by hundreds of people. Join us at the Festa for food, fun, and family. At the Festa we are happy to have two feature music acts, with Italian songs being sung by Vince Amore and Jack Miuccio. 

Thank you to our 2023 Festa sponsors! 

And to our member patrons: Gary Ferrari, Bob & Diane Fuller, Maureen Hallengren, Camille Heller, Beth Johnson, Mar Foster, Megan Rumpel, Chance Sergenti, Anna Venzon, Dean Costello

WHEN: Sunday, August 13, 2023, 12-5 p.m. WE ARE BACK with our 92nd Festa! This will be our first Festa since 2019. We hope you'll join us.

WHERE: Hickory Grove Park (12403 Hickory Grove Road, Dunlap IL 61525) which is located on Hickory Grove Road [HGR]. Take Illinois State Route 40 [in the city of Peoria called Knoxville Avenue], approximately 3 miles North of NorthPoint Shopping Center. Turn right onto HGR [there is a stoplight at the intersection of Rt. 40 and HGR]. Follow the road approximately 1 mile to the fork in the road. At the fork keep to the right and you will see the Park on your left. FREE PARKING is to the right.

FOOD: Authentic Italian recipes prepared by Barrack's Cater Inn: mostaccioli with marinara sauce and choice of meatball or Italian sausage; meatball sandwich or Italian sausage sandwich. There will also be a variety of homemade Italian desserts to purchase from the bakery stand. Tropical Sno Peoria will be there with their shaved ice truck - and a special flavor just for our event! 

DRINK: Italian and domestic beer, wines, soda and water.

GIFT BOOTH: A variety of Italian t-shirts, hats, pins and other items of Italian regalia will be available.

ADMISSION: The park is open to guests of all ages. Admission is $3 per adult at the gate, cash. Children under 12 years old are free. Tickets will not be sold in advance. Please no pets except service animals.

VOLUNTEER: We need you! If you are interested in volunteering, click here and use our online sign up. If you have trouble or questions, contact Rhonda Ossola Parker, rmop1995@gmail.com. 

SPONSORSHIP (New this year!): Are you interested in supporting our efforts as a sponsor? There are several levels of sponsorship available. If you have questions, reach out to Rhonda Ossola Parker at rmop1995@gmail.com or click the file below.