The south section of Atwood Avenue is lined with American and Italian flags. However, it’s the iconic banner — hung over the heavily traveled road around this time every year —that is living proof the ageless Saint Rocco’s Feast and Festival will be back in 2021 after last year’s hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In fact, the ageless fun, family and fantastic food fest will make its 81st appearance on Thursday, Aug. 12, and continue through Sunday, Aug. 15, on the grounds at Saint Rocco’s Roman Catholic Church, located at 927 Atwood Ave. in Johnston. But before any of the extraordinary eats are served and those popular carnival rides and game-booths open, the feast and festival will continue an important tradition that began back in 1940.