The 9th annual Festa Italiana is going to be the biggest Italian family reunion in Kenner's history. This year the main feature is a performance by Louis Prima Jr. as a tribute to his father the legendary Louis Prima.

The Kenner Italian Heritage Day, scheduled for Sept. 13th & 14th in Rivertown, and will feature historical memorabilia and photographs from Kenner families, Italian music, other entertainment and food.

The day was inspired by the rich Italian heritage and customs many Kenner residents share, such as the Annual St. Rosalie Procession in Rivertown, which celebrates a custom originating over 100 years ago with a mass at our Lady of Perpetual Help Church followed by the historical Procession on Sept. 7th.

"The city of Kenner at one time was the center for many, many Italian families," said Nick Congemi, Retired Kenner police chief and Chairman of the event. "Since that time, it seems those families have moved away and not returned to the culture and city they were raised in. We're trying to create a nice, community type fair, to make it similar to a family reunion where people come to meet and enjoy each other's company at least once a year."

The region has been historically associated with Italians who were successful farmers and hard workers in many professions, including politics and law enforcement. His uncle, Angelo Arnone, settled in Independence, as did many other Italians, and recalled rail cars full of produce shipped from there to Kenner, other areas of Louisiana and throughout the country.

"They brought the culture and served in every capacity, from shoe repairmen to producing the foods that we ate, which really distinguished this area," Congemi said. "This area fed the nation when there was no irrigation in places like Florida and California."

Because times have changed and families do not stay as close as they once were, Chief Congemi said people tend to forget their ancestors' sacrifices, such as leaving their homeland to work sugar plantations in Louisiana for 50 cents a day. The Kenner Italian Heritage Day will pay tribute to their accomplishments.

He is quick to point out that attendance is not limited to those of Italian heritage. Family entertainment including live music and a variety of food and crafts, there is plenty for people of all ethnic origins to enjoy.

The Italian Heritage Festival Committee invites you to come out and join us for this family event. Bring your lawn chairs and spend the day enjoying the music, food and the many sights to see in Kenner's Historic Rivertown District.