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As Italian Heritage Month came to an end last month, we once again honored local Italian-Americans of note. The Greater Rockford Italian American Association held its annual Italian Hall of Fame and Special Recognition Award Dinner on Saturday, Oct. 12, 2024, at the Venetian Club in Rockford, Illinois. The GRIAA is a non-profit organization of volu...

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It may not be an official historic landmark, but John’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria in Rockford has been a mainstay in the city since the 1970s. The popular eatery is celebrating its 50th year in business this month. John’s started in 1974 as a takeout place near the corner of 11th Street and Harrison Avenue. Five years later, it moved to its cur...

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Festa Italiana is one of the many great traditions here in Rockford and this year they are celebrating 45 years of the festival! Mike and Paul Maffioli are with us tonight to show off some of the food that will be available at Festa Italiana as well as talk about some of the entertainment. Festa Italiana is sponsored by the Greater Rockford Italian...

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Husband and wife team Lia Pennacchi and Chase Williams are putting the final touches on Plume, an Italian restaurant they are opening on Rockford’s North End later this month. “This is a gorgeous location,” Pennacchi said. “This a wonderful area with just absolutely amazing business owners and amazing neighbors.” The location is 1132 Auburn St., wh...

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A Rockford man shares the history of Italian immigrants that settled into Rockford and their impacted in the area. On Saturday, members of the community gathered to look at the history of Italian immigrants in Rockford at the Rockford Public Library, 6685 E State Street. “Today were addressing the town Americans that settled into Rockford, Illinois...

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Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara is in Italy this week to strengthen ties with the city’s Sister City of Ferentino. Rockford participates in the Sister City program, which works to increase global cooperation, promote cultural understanding, and stimulate economic development. Ferentino has been Rockford’s Sister City since 2006. The Mayor of Ferentino...

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It may only be April, but the Greater Rockford Italian American Association is already preparing for this year’s Festa Italiana! Michael and Paul Maffioli are with us tonight to chat about the history of Festa Italiana and how it is still going strong. Great Rockford Italian American Association also known as GRIAA was founded with the efforts to r...

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The Greater Rockford Italian American Association (GRIAA) held its annual hall of fame banquet Saturday. This event has gone on for roughly three decades and honors business and people for their work in the Rockford region. Each of the hall of fame nominees have gone above and beyond to give back to their community. Everyone who was nominated was d...

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Each ward in Rockford (IL) receives $10,000 in federal covid relief funds which he calls the Forward for Fun initiative. This year, the 14th Ward is going to turn their money into one big Italian party. Ferragosto, which is loosely translated to the August fair, will be six hours of live music on two different stages. It will take place from 4 p.m....

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The Italian beef sandwich may have originated in Chicago, but here’s the top 5 best Italian beef sandwiches in Rockford, according to Yelp. Italian beef dates back to the 1930s and consists of thin slices of seasoned roast beef served on a French toll. Sometimes, the sandwich is dipped in au jus or topped off with Chicago-style giardiniera, mozzare...

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