Karen Mitchell has a simple answer when asked what has kept New Kensington’s Festa Italiana going strong for 44 years. Food! “The food is good, and people enjoy it,” said Mitchell of New Kensington, who’s in her third year as the main coordinator for Mount St. Peter Church’s annual event. Festa Italiana is scheduled for Friday and Saturday, Aug. 1-2, at the church, 100 Freeport Road.

Food served includes lasagna, spaghetti, Italian sausage and meatballs, pizza, cannoli and more. “It is rewarding to get people together and see people we haven’t seen for a long time,” Mitchell said. “I love the camaraderie, and it helps the church.” Most all of the food is prepared on-site leading up to the festival. It’s cooked on festival days by volunteers.