The Italian Food and Wine Festival Scheduled at Belmar

Popular Event Offers Activities for the Entire Family

 Belmar will host the fifth annual Festival Italiano, a food and wine festival from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday, September 20 and 21 at West Alaska Drive and South Teller Street in Lakewood.

The free festival features the finest Italian food, wine and artisan vendors who will sell ceramics, gelato, sausage, baked goods, pasta, flowers, herbs, sculpture, antique maps, produce, pizza and much more.

"Festival Italiano is one of the city's premier events, attracting people from far beyond Lakewood," said Mayor Bob Murphy. "It's a great way to showcase our city and let people experience a sampling of the fabulous sights, sounds and flavors of Italy."

Internationally acclaimed performers will provide free entertainment each day:
    -- Justin Wadstein, four-time world champion pizza acrobat, will throw
       dough lying on his back, spin it with his feet and even stand on a ball
       blindfolded while spinning dough.

    -- Gli Sbandieratori -- a team of colorfully clad flag throwers from
       Florence, Italy, will throw flags just as their ancestors did when
       leading troops into battle in the Middle Ages.

    -- Students from The Dance Boulevard will dance to familiar and new
       Italian music. Choreography includes jazz, hip-hop and the Tarantella,
       a popular Italian folk dance.

    -- J.Gerardi and Friends Italiano Combo will play Italian music each day.

Activities for children include the Balistreri Children's Grape Stomp, hourly readings of classic Italian stories, a Pinocchio and Princess cut-out for photos, face painting and chalk drawing. New to the children's area is a craft tent sponsored by Project Angel Heart. Participation in crafts is free but Project Angel Heart will accept donations to support its mission of providing home delivered meals to people with life-threatening illnesses.

All of these free activities surround the star of the show -- Italian food and wine.
    -- Traditional Italian meals and snacks will be sold at more than 30
       booths.

    -- Leading local chefs, including Frank Bonanno of Mizuna, Luca D'Italia
       and Osteria Marco, will share their recipes and demonstrate their
       skills at daily chef demonstrations.

    -- Wine experts from Republic National Distributing Company will educate
       participants about Italian wines and provide a taste of the country's
       best for a nominal tasting fee.

    Other activities include:
    -- Members of Italian-American Organizations will compete in a bocce
       tournament on September 20 followed by a tournament for the general
       public on September 21. The winners square off in the final on
       September 21.

    -- Lessons in basic Italian phrases will be offered.

    -- Whole Foods Market at Belmar will host a special farmer's market on
       September 20 and feature Italian themed promotions throughout the store
       both days.