From arancini to gelato at Waltham’s Italian Festa

By Jocelyn Ruggiero, Globe correspondent, May 30, 2016

On June 4, Waltham Common will be filled with the smells and sounds of Italian-American culture when the Regina Margherita di Savoia Mixed Lodge #1094 of the Order Sons of Italy in America hosts its third annual Italian Festa. The order’s mission is to preserve and promote Italian heritage, and for Festa chairwoman Carol Rossi, this begins with “familia” and “food that reminds you of being at Nonni’s house.” At the heart of the Festa are food vendors serving a multitude of traditional Italian-American favorites, including arancini, sausage and peppers, eggplant Parmesan subs, wood-fired pizza, cannoli, gelato, and espresso (with plenty of hot dogs, burgers, and popcorn available too). Proceeds from the event benefit the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, as well as the Lodge’s charitable fund, which provides $1,000 scholarships to deserving high school students in Waltham and surrounding communities.