The Maryland Italian Festival has big news: a new title sponsor, and dates for the fourth annual festival.
The event will take place in Aberdeen, from Friday, Sept. 25 through Sunday, Sept. 27.
The Society of Italian American Businessmen (SIAB) announced that for the next three years, Frank Avena will be the new title sponsor of the Maryland Italian Festival. Avena owns Avena Contracting and Jarrettsville Furniture and is an Italian American businessman and philanthropist. Avena Contracting is a nationwide commercial construction firm, and Jarrettsville Furniture is a family-owned furniture store with two locations in Maryland.
“My Italian roots have always been a source of strength, pride and inspiration,” Avena said in a statement. “Supporting the Maryland Italian Festival is about honoring that heritage and celebrating the traditions of family, culture and community that define who we are.”
The annual three-day festival will take place on the grounds of Ripken Stadium in Aberdeen. It has welcomed nearly 60,000 attendees from 25 states and 8 different countries since it began in 2023. Expect a wide variety of attractions, like live music, carnival rides, and games; authentic Italian food and beverages; cooking demonstrations; wine seminars; retail vendors; performance artists; and more. VIP villas will return, as will Mario and Luigi, and fireworks on Friday and Saturday nights.
“This year’s festival holds particular significance due to our partnership with local Italian businessman Frank Avena and Jarrettsville Furniture, keeping the foundation of the festival rooted in Maryland,” said Joe Papa, festival co-chair, in a statement. “Their generosity and dedication to the community are instrumental in broadening the festival’s scope and enhancing its influence, and we sincerely appreciate their support.”
The festival will run until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Military Night will be held on Friday, Sept. 25, and will feature a color guard presentation, a tribute to the Fisher House Foundation—a national nonprofit with headquarters in Rockville, Maryland that supports military families while loved ones are in the hospital—and a performance of the National Anthem. Active-duty service members, veterans, and their families will receive 50% off admission.
For updates on entertainment, programming, and ticket sales for the Maryland Italian Festival, presented by Jarrettsville Furniture and hosted by SIAB, subscribe to the festival’s newsletter and follow them on social media.
The SIAB uses their common cultural bonds to promote raising money for charitable giving in the areas of education, family and child services, mental health, and addiction. Since 2013, the organization has raised over $1.2 million for community needs.
