By Mike Zacchino

Sometime before I left San Diego I went to the Italian market my family frequented and saw a T-shirt that read:" There are two kinds of people in the world. Italians, and those who wish they were." While some may not wish they were Italian, those who do have an opportunity to experience Italian culture this weekend at the 25th Festa Italiana at Pioneer Courthouse Square, which runs from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. today, Friday, and Saturday.

The festival has grown over the years, and it sprouted from an idea around hosting a street painter from Italy. Current Festa president Joe ​Castellano was at a meeting 25 years ago when the idea was presented. "There were six Italian clubs in the area. The only event we were doing together was the Columbus Day banquet" ​Castellano said. "A lady from Pioneer square found out about it (the banquet) and got hold of one of the presidents. We met at Vic Alfonso's place," The lady was Deborah Fairley.

Read more

Source: http://www.oregonlive.com/