The 19th Annual Mercer County Italian American Festival is relocating to Burlington County, New Jersey. After 18 years in Mercer County Park, the Mercer County Italian American Festival is heading south. Over the years, the festival has received many accolades from national and local press. It has been called ‘One of New Jersey’s Best Fall Festivals’ by CBS New York and named ‘One of the Mid-Atlantic Region’s Top Events’ by aaaworld.com.
“The need to look for a new home became evident to us after determining that the Mercer County Park Commission’s new events fee schedule and the required mandatory use of County staff at overtime pay increased our costs for the use of Mercer County Park by some 364%,” said John Scarpati, president of the Mercer County Italian American Festival Association. “In previous years, we were permitted to use volunteers for our tasks such as collecting trash and parking cars to contain costs. Attempts to work out a more equitable arrangement with the Park Commission were unsuccessful. In the end, we had to make an economic decision to do what was best for the festival, our patrons and our budget.”
Nonetheless, the organizers are excited to bring the festival to the Burlington County Fairgrounds, where it will continue to provide a quality family experience. The beautiful venue is easily accessible to the greater Burlington and Mercer counties areas. Along with the new location, the festival has new dates this year, September 7th, 8th and 9th, plus a new admission policy. Admission is $10 per carload. Other than the fee per car there is no individual entrance fee.
Created to share and celebrate all things Italian, the Mercer County Italian American Festival includes a Food Piazza, an Italian Market with artists and crafters, continuous entertainment on the Investors Bank Stage, a Beer & Wine Garden, amusement rides and children’s activities.
The Burlington County Fairgrounds, are located at Route 206 South and Jacksonville-Jobstown Road in Columbus, New Jersey. The festival will be open 4:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Friday, September 7; 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Saturday, September 8 and 12:30 pm to 10:00 pm on Sunday, September 9. The festival is a rain or shine event. Please note that pets are not permitted. Complete details and schedules can be found at www.ItalianAmericanFestival.com. Contact the Mercer County Italian American Festival Association at 609-631-7544 or visit the Festival Facebook page for the latest news.
