St. Anthony of Padua Church’s festival committee is sponsoring the church’s first Italian Street Festival on Saturday, June 16, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The church grounds will play host to all activities for the day. All are invited to attend.

In a phone interview, Deacon Loris Sinanian, chairman of the committee, noted that the event is for all members of the community. “The festival is not just for Catholics, but everyone. A strong ecumenical spirit brings communities together, emphasizing our similarities while acknowledging our individuality. We want our church to be a community leader; the festival is a way to show our love of community in the name of the Lord.”

Activities for all ages will be offered, including bingo, a petting zoo with alpacas and other animals, game booths with prizes, a fully functioning fire engine, face painting, a DJ and dance floor, a special appearance by Nashville recording artist Tim Passmore, and Bill Elliot’s NASCAR racecar.

Food will be a major festival focus as the local chapter of the Knights of Columbus will have tables set up for the sale of Italian sausages, hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and fountain drinks.

In addition to these offerings, the women of St. Anthony’s will be coordinating a bake sale for the festival for the benefit of those with a sweet tooth.

“You cannot have a festival without chocolatey goodies,” said Peggy Sinanian, committee member and Deacon Sinanian’s wife.

“We are still looking for people to volunteer their time and talents to help us make the festival the best it can be,” said April Monticello, committee member in charge of volunteers.

St. Anthony’s is located at 967 East Main St. in Blue Ridge.