Festival Italia will be virtual on Saturday. The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many to adapt accordingly to keep businesses and events relevant throughout 2020. The Festivals Fredonia organization is no different and is hosting this year’s Festival Italia in a virtual, online manner.

Even though we won’t be in person, we will deliver the best possible festival we can virtually. You will be able to view Virtual Festival Italia on Fredonia Cable channel 1301, at www.fredoniacableaccess.com or on our Festivals Fredonia Facebook page. Also, the replay will be able to be found on our website at festivalsfredoniany.org.

The Best Meatball and Best Homemade Wine contests will still happen. See if you have what it takes to be named Fredonia’s Best. Applications available on our website at festivalsfredoniany.org. All entries need to be turned in at the Visitors Center in Barker Common by noon on the day of the event.

Here is the schedule:

¯ Noon — Virtual Festival Italia kick off.

¯ Noon until sold out — Buy your very own Cannoli Kit for $7 at the Visitor Center in Barker Common. Each kit comes with all the ingredients to make 2 cannolis. This is the only event in person.

12:30 p.m. — Live at the judging tables for the meatball and homemade wine contests

2 p.m. — Steve Mayone will be playing the mandolin live

3:30 p.m. — Italian Heritage Panel moderated by Dr. Suzi Cope

From noon to 4 p.m. there will be Italian Music by the Gould Family, Ian Liedke, Mayone, and the Formula Band. Also, throughout the day there will be interviews with many of the Fredonia Italians.

After enjoying your time at the Virtual Festival Italia, don’t forget to get your grub on at one of the local restaurants offering Festival Italia specials — Blasdell Pizza Dunkirk, DeJohn’s Italian Spaghetti House, Domus Fare, and Fred’s. Then get a dessert at Chai’s Chocolates & Gifts, Sweet Creations, and The Cakery. Don’t forget to pick up your bottle of wine at one of the wineries set up on Main and Water streets from 21 Brix Winery, Liberty Vineyards & Winery and Woodbury Winery & Vineyards will be on-site next to the restaurants.

Festivals Fredonia’s mission is to contribute to a high quality of life in Fredonia and surrounding communities by presenting lively, varied recreation and cultural opportunities to Village and area residents. Festivals Fredonia is always looking for energetic volunteers to assist in executing each year’s festivals. Contact us at festivalsfredoniany@gmail.com