Members of the American Society of Italian Heritage celebrated the Festa di San Giuseppe, or Feast of St. Joseph, during a recent dinner at Benedict’s Plantation in Mandeville. President Frank Simoncioni welcomed the group and led in prayer, and members enjoyed a buffet-style feast including a variety of meatless, Sicilian-style dishes. Many wore red in honor of St. Joseph, one of the most beloved saints among Italian-Americans.

The society, which includes about 75 members, holds events throughout the year to commemorate the customs of Italy and to socialize. The society also recently started a scholarship program that will award $500 to an area student each year.