The North Wildwood Italian-American Festival celebrates its 24th anniversary in the Wildwoods this year with a weekend celebration of great food, family fun and Italian-American heritage, Friday June 22 through Sunday, June 24.
Festivities for the three-day event take place along Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood including FREE continuous live music , street vendors , food vendors offering a variety of Italian and non-Italian treats, meatball relay races, a unique grape dancing contest and more.
Activities take place from 4 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, June 22; 10:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, June 23; and 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, June 24. This year’s Opening Ceremony Grand Marshal is Bobby Rydell.
What makes this festival a little different from others is that it’s family oriented. There is the beer, the wine and the music for adults, but it is kid friendly as well. The kids’ games with prizes are always a big hit on Saturday and Sunday from opening until sunset. The meatball race is open to all. Grab some family and friends and form a team.
Below is a detailed list of activities taking place throughout the weekend:
Friday, June 22
4 p.m. – Merchandise and food vendors open
5 p.m. – Philly Cuzz Welcome Party
6 p.m. – Grand Procession in honor or Saint Anthony followed immediately by Official Opening Ceremonies with Grand Marshal Bobby Rydell
7–10:30 p.m. – Continuous live music*
Saturday, June 23
10:30 a.m. – Merchandise and food vendors open; children’s games and prizes plus free face painting all day long
11 a.m. – Live broadcast with 98.7 The Coast Radio
1 p.m. – Johnny Tocco Grape dancing
2–10:30 p.m. – Continuous live music *
Sunday, June 24
10:30 a.m. – Merchandise and food vendors open; children’s games and prizes plus free face painting all day long
11 a.m. – Live broadcast with 98.7 The Coast Radio
10:30 a.m. – Live music *
2 p.m. – Meatball relay race
3–5 p.m. – Continuous live music *
Around 4:30 p.m. – Basket raffle drawing
5 p.m. – Festival concludes
* Free continuous live music by: Bitter Sweet Duo, The Corner Boys, Jonny Tocco, 99 Reasons, Goody Blue Shoes, Aquanets Band, Just In Time Band and Philly Cuzz.
The North Wildwood Italian-American Festival is FREE to attend and is sponsored by Knights of Columbus #2572. The Knights of Columbus is a nonprofit organization, and proceeds from the festival benefit Catholic education and various other local charities.
For additional information, call (609) 408-5793 or visit Facebook at Italian-American Festival North Wildwood.