by Geoffrey Wilson

In Italy, towns would compete every summer, holding large feasts dedicated to the town's patron saint.For the Italian-American community in Dutchess County and the surrounding area, this tradition is kept alive through Festa Italiana. "This is a carry-over from that tradition," said John Mazzetti, secretary with the Poughkeepsie Italian Center, which organizes the event.

Whether it's food or music, Italian culture will be the highlight for the 20th annual Festa Italiana in Poughkeepsie. Thousands are expected to attend Festa Italiana throughout the four-day event, which starts at 11:30 a.m. Thursday and runs until Sunday at the Italian Center in Poughkeepsie. Mazzetti said the Italian Center predicts up to 8,000 attendees.

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Source: http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/