Festivale Italiano brings spice to weekend

HURLEY — Downtown Silver Street will be buzzing with activity Saturday as the annual Festival Italiano will return to the street from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The celebration of the area’s Italian heritage is an institution in the area.

Activities begin at 10 a.m. with a three-on-three basketball tournament, as well as a human foosball tournament. The events will continue through their conclusion.

At 11 a.m., a craft show will begin and food vendors will open their tents for the Italian food that the festival is known for. There will also be a climbing wall and bounce house activities throughout the day.

From noon to 3 p.m., Fun E Business will offer face painting and balloon creations for the kids, along with music from “Dugan and Bob.” At 4 p.m., the annual watermelon eating contest will take place in front of the Iron Horse Saloon.

Marty’s Goldenaires drum and bugle corps will perform at 4:30 p.m. on the street, and the band IV Play will be featured from 6:30 to 10 p.m.

Other activities include a “Best Recipe Contest” for antipasto and polenta, a storefront decoration contest, and a 50-50 drawing at 9 p.m.

On Sunday, the Hurley Education Foundation will host its annual fund-raiser two-person scramble golf tournament at Eagle Bluff Golf Course, with an 11 a.m. shotgun start for the 18-hole event.

For more information about any of the events, stop by the Hurley Chamber of Commerce or call 715-561-4334.

—Steve Newman