For 14 years, the Italian American Festival in downtown Southington has revived many traditions of Italy, enticing locals with Italian foods and music, entertainment and excitement for all, whether Italian in heritage or not. Three Italian civic organizations in town—UNICO, Sons of Italy and Sorelle d’Italia—commemorate Southington’s rich Italian-influenced history year round, but at the end of July, their heritage truly shines when the festival comes around.

“All three of these organizations, especially the Sons of Italy, preserve Italian history. Our mission statement is, ‘preserving Italian-American traditions, culture, history and heritage,’” said Sons of Italy vice president Bob Triano. “We all are charitable organizations, too, so the festival fits right in with what we do.”