The 2025 Festa Italiana to be held July 18-20 at Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights is under the capable direction of Chairmen Joe Ventimiglia. Of Sicilian descent, he has been involved in the Italian American Cultural Society and Italian American Chamber of Commerce for many years. He is also the Chairman of the Columbus Day Celebration Committee.
“This year will be bigger and better than ever,” says Ventimiglia. “We have a bounce house for the kids, fireworks, a zip line, rock climbing wall and the ever popular bocce.”
Ventimiglia recalls, “Originally I was brought in under the watchful eye of Reno Garagiola. He and I and Tommy [Bommarito] did everything we could to revive and bring back the festival. The biggest change is that we were able to bring back a new interest. We have some younger people. Even guys my age (we’re all in our 50’s), we’ve brought our kids back. We’ve had some incredible entertainment and it’s generated a renewed interest in our shared heritage.”
He notes, “We have great entertainment planned including Louis Prima Jr., The Bronx Wanderers, Aaron Caruso, Ray Massa’s Eurorhythms, Mark Randisi and more.”
The festival is a lot of work, “but it’s a lot of fun,” says Ventimiglia. “The cameraderie of all of us who work hard together for a great interest in our heritage and background and the fellowship we all have is what makes it all worthwhile. If we can get everyone to come out, this could be one of the biggest and best festivals we’ve ever put on.”