Festival changes venue

LAKEWOOD RANCH — Musician Joe Spinella thrives on his Italian heritage.

As a first-generation American, he now performs songs made famous by Italian singers, as well as original pieces.

Spinella, known as the “tenor of illusions” because he also performs magic, will be the headline act of this year’s Italian Festival.

The event, organized by Lakewood Ranch Community Activities Corp., will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15, at Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13400 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch. Festivities include live music and dance performances, a dog costume contest, Italian food and wine and other Italian-inspired festivities for children and their families.

“We’re excited about having Joe Spinella back, and new this year is Jimmy Mazz, who is a Dean Martin impersonator,” event organizer Lori Basilone said. “He sings all of his songs and dresses like him in the suit. He has a pretty good following.”

Proceeds from the dog costume contest, which will be held at 2 p.m. with winners announced at 3:15 p.m., will benefit the Humane Society of Lakewood Ranch. Guests can register online or at the organization’s booth the day of the event. Contest entry costs $5.

Basilone said she expects more than 3,000 people to attend the festival.

JROTC cadets will be on site to help direct traffic. Guests will park in the grass near the dog park. No shuttle will be required as it was in previous years when the event was held at Central Park.

Basilone and Spinella agree the festival is a great way for individuals to explore the Italian culture and spend time with loved ones.

“The Italian culture is so important to keep alive,” Spinella said. “We’re loosing culture in this country. I believe it’s important we preserve as much culture as possible — dance, music and literature; everything we can. That’s our history and we learn from that.”

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].

IF YOU GO
Italian Festival
When: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 15

Where: Greenbrook Adventure Park, 13400 Adventure Place, Lakewood Ranch

Cost: Free

Details: Come enjoy live Italian-inspired music and dance performances, a dog costume contest, Italian food and other festivities. Dog costume judging will occur at 2 p.m.

Info: Visit lwrcac.com/festa-italiana and click on the link to register your dog for the costume contest.

ENTERTAINMENT SCHEDULE
• 11 a.m. — Welcome
• 11:15 a.m. — Devin Bradbury
• 11:45 a.m. — Joe Spinella
• 12:15 p.m. — Jimmy Mazz
• 1:15 p.m. — Julia Lima
• 1:45 p.m. — Joe Spinella
• 2 p.m. — Judging for dog costume contest
• 2:15 p.m. — Liza Marie Morales
• 2:45 p.m. — Julia Lima and Joe Spinella
• 3:15 p.m. — Dog costume awards
• 3:45 p.m. — Tarantella dancers