4 Dishes You Must Try at One of Illinois’ Most Popular Italian Fests

Are you ready for a weekend full of Italian dishes? it's coming August 5, 6 and 7. 

If you're from the Rockford Area, you are well aware that Festa Italiana is on the way.

Three full days of fun, music, good food and good drinks, starts tomorrow, August 5, at Boylan High School.

This year marks the 43rd year of Festa Italiana, which the organization refers to as 'one big family reunion.'

I don't know about you but when I hear about an Italian fest, the first thing I'm thinking about is the food!

Obviously we'll find some delicious Italian eats but what specifically?

Thankfully some of the Festa Italiana crew stopped by Good Day Stateline this week and filled me on what to expect this year.

First, we have the Arancini, which is an Italian rice ball, stuffed and coated with breadcrumbs and deep fried, this is a Sicilian tradition.

Then we have the Italian Beef Sandwich... I'm not sure you need me to explain that one to you..

What about this one? The tri-paste plate? Well, here you'll find pasta covered in three different sauces, a traditional tomato sauce, an alfredo sauce and a pesto sauce.

And you have to have dessert right? There's no way we're skimping on desserts like this... cannoli which is also deep fried, and as an Italian I will tell you these reign supreme in comparison to other Italian sweets.

What will you eat first?