Festivale Italiano to entice taste buds, draw crowds

HURLEY - Grab a fork and prepare to dine on authentic Italian cuisine during the annual Festivale Italiano in downtown Hurley on Saturday at 11 a.m.

According to Dorrene O'Donnell, executive director of the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce, a popular attraction of the annual festival is the food.

"I've been told by people that one of they big reasons they come back is for the food, because it's authentic Italian food," she said. "These local chefs have been working on their craft for years and years, learning at the knee of the parents and grandparents. It's good, homemade food from people who know the Italian way of cooking."

In addition to the food, the day also features a variety of events, including the annual craft fair from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., live music and kids games, all along Silver Street.

"We have many, many different crafters and flea market finds," O'Donnell said.

Kids games include attractions from Tim's Toyz, face painting and balloon animals by Twinklz the clown, both from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., and the annual spaghetti and watermelon eating contests from 4 to 4:30 p.m.

The Hurley Fire Department will also host a Jaws of Life display, something O'Donnell is excited to see.

"It's nice to see something like this for the community, because in case you get in any trouble, they are going to show you how to get out of it," she said. "All of them are volunteers, and have to go through extensive training to do this. It's nice for the community to be able to see how these volunteers can save your life."

Back this year is the annual storefront decorating contest. The event is judged, and the winner receives "bragging rights for a year," and a 3-foot trophy made by Highline Corporation.

"Businesses don't need to register, they just need to tell me they are participating," O'Donnell said. "The theme is anything Italian."

The afternoon also features the annual 50-50 raffle and live music. The Teds will perform in front of Iron Horse from noon to 4 p.m., followed by Marty's Goldenaires from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The final performance will be the Whitehouse Players from 6 to 10 p.m. outside Associated Bank.

"We have The Teds and Marty's back again this year, which we are excited about," O'Donnell said. "And this year, we went in a different direction than we normally do, and went with the Whitehouse Players. They were featured at the Iron County Fair earlier this month, and also played at the first snowshoe extravaganza earlier this year. They are from Wausau and have an eclectic mix of country, rock and pop. They have a whole bunch of sounds, and are excellent at what they do."

"There is a whole lot of fun in this community gathering," O'Donnell said. "Bring family, bring friends, bring yourself. ... It's one of the last celebrations before people settle down into their fall routines. Its the last hoorah for summer activities, and we want everyone to come out and celebrate in Hurley. Celebrate this wonderful community, this wonderful area, and enjoy some great food and fun."

For more information, call the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-561-4334, or visit hurleywi.com.