After a 12-year absence, the Italian Festival returns to Columbia October 10 at Finlay Park.<\/p>\n
The free festival will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 2-2:30 p.m. on the park’s main stage.<\/p>\n
Festival Lead Organizer Tripp Roche, Columbia Mayor Daniel Rickenmann and Richland County Council Vice Chairman Derek Pugh will deliver remarks before the ribbon cutting.<\/p>\n
Visitors can enjoy Italian food, local vendors, live music, cultural performances and activities throughout the park.<\/p>\n
Entertainment highlights include Italian sword fighting, Palmetto Opera and ColaJazz.<\/p>\n
“This is a chance to celebrate the Italian heritage that has helped shape Columbia and bring people together for a great day at Finlay Park,” said Roche. “We’re excited to welcome everyone to the festival.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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