Monterey’s Festa Italia celebrates 85th year

This year marked the 85th anniversary of Monterey’s Festa Italia.

The food, games and entertainment were on display at the Custom House Plaza this weekend.

Some of what you can find there includes beer and wine, calamari, pasta, gelato, and cannolis.

Some say it’s the food that brings them to the event every year.

Cannoli Baker, David Benech, said he loves that he can give people a little taste of Italy.

“I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that they’re from New York and our cannolis here were better than their cannolis back East. It makes me feel really good. Like we’re doing something right,” said Benech.

Benech said he hopes to serve up fresh cannolis for years to come at Festa Italia.

He said he thinks the event is a great way for people to learn about the culture.

Sunday is the last day, but you can still go before 6 p.m.

KION’s Megan Meier will have more on the festival at 11 p.m.