THE WILDWOODS – The North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival celebrates its 18th anniversary in the Wildwoods this year on Fri., June 22 through Sun., June 24, during a weekend of food, fun and Italian-American heritage.

Festivities for the three-day event take place along Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood including street vendors displaying Italian memorabilia, food vendors offering a variety of Italian and non-Italian treats, and free live entertainment all weekend long. Activities take place from 4-10 p.m. on Fri.day, June 22; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. on Sat., June 23; and noon-6 p.m. on Sun., June 24.

Friday night kicks off with music from Philly Cuzz at 5 p.m. at the intersection of Olde New Jersey and Chestnut Avenues. A procession and opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. and The Marino Brothers will perform at 8 p.m. along with Fulvio and Friends at 9:30 p.m.

The fun continues on Sat. with a live broadcast with Rick Rock from WIBBAGE 94.3 FM from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Children’s games will take place all day long and prizes will be awarded. Philly Cuzz and Eric DeLaurio will perform from 5-7 p.m. and the 3rd Annual Meatball Relay Contest will begin at 7 p.m. – where contestants are challenged to run with a meatball on a spoon without dropping it. Saturday night’s entertainment will feature Moreno Fruzzetti at 8 p.m. and The Cameo’s at 9:30 p.m.

The event concludes on Sun. with a line-up of activities for the entire family, centrally located in the festival district of North Wildwood. Beginning at noon, come listen to “Sinatra” featuring Eric DeLaurio and watch the Little Miss Italy Pageant at 1 p.m. Music by DJ Donnie will conclude the festival from 2-6 p.m.

The North Wildwood Original Italian-American Festival is free to attend and is sponsored by Knights of Columbus #2572. The Knights of Columbus is a non-profit organization and proceeds from the festival benefit Catholic education and various other local charities.

For additional information, please call 609-780-2563 or visit www.kofc2572.org.

For additional information about the Wildwoods, visit www.WildwoodsNJ.com or call 800-992-9732.