SCRANTON, LACKAWANNA COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— The Italian flag is flying and the excitement is building in the Electric City. La Festa Italiana is just days away.
Banners, tents, chairs, and more.
Crews have begun preparing for Scranton's La Festa Italiana on Labor Day Weekend. This will mark the 49th year of the celebration.
Volunteers could not be happier as the tradition of honoring the Italian culture in Lackawanna County continues.
"It makes me feel proud that our festival is still going on, makes me feel proud that the parade is still going on, and there's other ethnic organizations that are starting festivals. We're always willing to help," exclaimed Chris DiMattio, Volunteer Chairman, La Festa Italiana.
Scranton residents, also aware of the joy in celebrating the city's diversity.
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"Italians have been a very important part of this region as well as other different ethnicities, but Italians are a really big one. So, I think it's important that we celebrate all ethnicities and all different types of cultures," voiced Makenzi McDermott, Scranton.
The City of Scranton will welcome people nationwide for the festival.
Organizers say they usually host around one hundred thousand people throughout the four-day period.
"I'll tell you, you talk to most of the local businesses downtown, they said 'bring people.' because if you're here on usually any weekend or certainly a holiday weekend, there's no one here other than people that live downtown. So, we bring people," said DiMattio.
Putting on a festival this big is a labor of love, according to DiMattio, and residents always love the results of that hard work.
"I like to walk, I like to talk, I like food. I mean, what's not to like?" McDermott commented.
"It just brings a smile and sometimes a tear to see that people are enjoying themselves in a safe environment," added DiMattio.
The festival kicks off this Friday on Courthouse Square with something for everyone to enjoy.
"Come to La Festa! You know, you'll have the time of your life. Labor Day Weekend: food, fun, entertainment for free," DiMattio stated.
Preparations continue throughout this week.
Locals can expect to see tents being positioned on Tuesday as well as electricians working to illuminate the downtown area.
