The Italian Festival hosted by St. James Parish in Jamestown will take place from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturday, July 23. The popular festival has been canceled the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. P-J file photo

The Italian Festival hosted by St. James Parish in Jamestown is returning in July.

The festival has been canceled the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic. St. James Parish, 27 Allen St., is bringing the popular event back Saturday, July 23, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

“It’s a festival of authentic Italian food,” said Sally Donisi, festival chair. “The purpose is to keep the tradition going. It’s food that is how our parents made them. We have authentic, homemade taste and dancers. It brings the community together and lets the young people know how important it is to keep traditions going. And it’s a lot of fun.”

Donisi added that working together for the festival is a big deal, and volunteers are always welcome.

Homemade food to be available includes fried dough, pepperoni rolls, rice balls, meatballs and sausage from Sandy’s Bakery, pizza, along with a new addition of pasta and Italian cookies from Sauce’s Italian restaurant, and beverages. There will be music provided all day from local DJ Star Sirch, along with a showing of Happy Days from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and the group of around 16 to 20 dancers will begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free and tickets cost $1 each. A new addition is the availability of outdoor seating with lights and a dance floor.

Donisi is happy to see the festival come back this year.

“I feel fortunate because over the last two years we’ve seen many churches diminish in numbers,” Donisi said. “The biggest fear was not having enough volunteers. But we’ve had people show up, and they are ready to come back. More volunteers are always welcome, but I’m very grateful for those who have come back.”

More than anything, Donisi said the Italian Festival is for the community, and everyone is welcome to attend.

“It’s open to all ages,” Donisi said. “If you like authentic homemade food, you should be there. If you like traditions, you should be there. If you’ve never attended a festival before and are interested, you should be there. It’s open for everyone, young and old.”