'This is the place to be': Festa Italiana kicks off in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The California wildfire smoke impacting our region and Friday’s rain did not make it an easy day for festival goers in Milwaukee.

Festa Italiana kicked off at Henry Maier Festival Park Friday.

“This is the place to be,” said Sandy Winard, the executive director of Festa Italiana. “I mean, if you’re not Italian, you’re an official Italian as soon as you walk through the turnstile”

Despite the weather, hundreds of people made their way through the festival to experience Little Italy on the lakefront.

“I’m looking forward to the pasta,” said Valerie Dangerfield, who attended the festival.

The festival which runs through Sunday offers a variety of Italian wines, cheese wheel pasta, cannoli and every Italian food in between.

“A lot of ciao bella,” said Winard. “A lot of chefs kisses, it’s good.”

In addition to the good eats, there is live music, fair rides, an Italian heritage tent and more.

Those attending say they love the authentic Italian experience.

The fan favorite fireworks will be Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Admission is 15 dollars. You can find the full list of events here.