Hear the sizzle of the grill cooking homemade Italian sausage, see cooks prepare ravioli and arancini, feel the camaraderie and nostalgia of a neighborhood block party, smell the garlic-infused gravy, onions and peppers, and taste the homemade Italian dishes. As a sensory experience, you can't beat Little Italy Fest-West Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 24-27, in Addison's Centennial Park.

The man behind all the homemade cooking is Ron Onesti of Onesti Entertainment. He sponsors such a festival in Chicago, too. But a suburban celebration seemed in order, so he started it himself more than 10 years ago in Addison.