St. Mary of Mount Carmel Church in Utica is holding the annual Italian festival this weekend. The Italian food is made right at the church. Options include pasta, pizza, mushroom stew, sausage and peppers, and rice balls.

Well festival Co-Chairman Joe Briggs believes the festival has the best food in Utica, the purpose has a lot more importance to the Utica Italian community. “The festival itself is over 100 years old. It's in honor of our mother Mary. And this past Wednesday was actually the feast of the lady of Mount Carmel. And this feast is held every year to honor her.” Briggs said.