About Us
Our history
The History of Mokena’s Festa Italiana
In July of 2012 Vince Difiore with the help of The Mokena Downtown Merchants Association, Charlean Bergman, Tino Letteri and Dave Molinari created the 1st Mokena Fest Italiana. It turned out to be a great success and helped to bolster the Merchants Association. It was at this time that our committee determined that we should proceed on our own, which we did by incorporating as Mokena’s Festa Italiana a 501 (c) (3) not for profit organization.
It was in our first year as a not for profit that we built on the Italian American Heritage when we added the St. Mary of Mount Carmel procession from St. Mary’s Church. We bring to the community sounds of great musical entertainment and wide varieties of Italian Food and beverages.
We have benefited from the volunteers of St. Mary Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary Catholic Council of Women and countless other volunteers.
In working with the Mokena Lions, they have allowed us to rent their tent that is used for the Firecracker Dance that is held each year on the Saturday before our event.
The Village of Mokena has supported us with electrical, water and security during our event day.
Each year after our event we donate to local charities and organizations such as:
- St. Mary Catholic Council of Women
- St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 6883
- The Cancer Support Center
- Lincolnway Special Recreation Association
Our volunteers
We have benefited from the volunteers of St. Mary Knights of Columbus and the St. Mary Catholic Council of Women and countless other volunteers.
Our Board
Michael Maratea ~ President
Ray LoFreddi ~ Vice-President
Guido Falaschetti ~ Director
James Adams~ Director
Michael Maratea ~ Treasurer
Sue Rizzo ~ Secretary
Our Festa Italiana Mission
Our mission is to bring together the people of our community to experience Italian Culture. We look to celebrate the contributions of Italians through Family, Food, Fun, Entertainment and the Feast of Our lady of Mt. Carmel. Each year through the benefit of our Fest we donate proceeds into organizations within our community. These organizations such as St. Mary Knights of Columbus Council 6993, St. Mary’s Council of Catholic Woman, St. Mary Church, Lincoln Way Special Recreation Association and the Cancer Support Center support individuals within our community.