HAZLE TOWNSHIP, LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)— Another Italian festival kicked off this weekend, this time in Luzerne County.
From making your own fried dough to chowing down on cannolis, the Hazleton chapter of UNICO has it all at its annual Bell' Italia Festival. The three-day event is held at the Hazleton Township community park, welcoming first timers and repeat attendees.
"Dante's no-no sandwich. Come every year, have the sandwich. Just for the sandwich and the cannoli for dessert. Which, if you were here a minute sooner you would have saw me make disappear," Rolland Cheesman of Sugarloaf Township told 28/22 News.
Couple filling the stomachs of the homeless
It is evident that the sense of community is there, with staff members dancing to the band playing classic hits and plenty of Italian cuisine to take in as well.
Vendors were expecting a slower start, but the street outside the park was lined with cars down both sides of the road Friday night.
"We run into a lot of folks we know from the area. It's relaxing. You don't have to cook on a Friday night. You can come out, enjoy some good food, and listen to the band, and then shut it down for the night," Cheesman said.
As one staff member put it, a rustic feel tucked in the woods filled with fun for all ages.
The festival will run the entire weekend to listen to music and of course, eat some Italian food.
The festival continues 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday.
