The Leonard R. Parkes School will take on a carnival atmosphere for three days later this month, as the Cedar Grove UNICO will present their annual charity event.

The second annual La Festa Italia, a charity event to raise money for local charities and scholarships, will be held at the school beginning Friday, Sept. 28 from 6-10 p.m. and continue Saturday, Sept. 29 from 1-6 p.m. before concluding Sunday, Sept. 30 from 1-8 p.m.

UNICO La Festa Chairman Patrick DeFrancisci has been working tirelessly to ensure the success of the event.

He has so far signed 10 different vendors and the band Trick Trenza to headline the event.

“This year we expanded and received a lot of support from local sponsors and vendors,” said DeFrancisci. “We are trying to make it an annual event and expand from there.”

One thing new they are offering this year is free face painting to children with the donation of a canned-good or other non-perishable item. The food will be donated to a local shelter.

“All the money we raise will go right to charities like the Jimmy V Foundation and St. Jude's Children's Hospital,” said DeFrancisci. “We have also donated a couple thousand dollars in scholarships and to the (township) rescue squad and fire department.”

“All our money goes right back into the community one way or another,” he said.

Click Here for more information about La Festa and Cedar Grove UNICO.