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File:Beale Street in Memphis Tennessee.jpg

File:Marquette Park Memphis TN 01.jpg

Italian festivals are a national occurence. Memphis Italian Festival is a weekend long event held annually in Memphis, Tennessee on the first weekend in June. Started in 1989, it takes place every year in Marquette Park, located in the middle of East Memphis on the corner of Mt. Moriah and Park{{cite web|last=Stramel|first=Sarah|title=Memphis Italian Festival, Memphis, TN|url=http://visitsouth.com/articles/article/memphis-italian-festival-memphis-tn/|work=Visit South}} . People from the entire Mid-South come to enjoy Italian culture for a weekend with activities and food. The festival is based on the values, beliefs, and traditions of the Italian-American culture present, especially in the Mid-South{{cite web|title=Memphis Italian Festival|url=http://www.gomemphis.com/events/2011/jun/04/13405/|work=Go Memphis}}

The festival started in 1989 and has become more popular each year for people of all ages. Now a tradition, people come from all over the Mid-South to celebrate family, fellowship, and culture. The family-oriented atmosphere has things to do for all ages. In demonstrating the values of family and fellowship, the benefits of the Memphis Italian Festival go directly to the kids of Holy Rosary Parish School, a Catholic Elementary school in Memphis, Tennessee{{cite web|title=Memphis News and Announcements|url=http://www.americantowns.com/tn/memphis/news/memphis-italian-festival-94352|work=American Towns}} .

The city of Memphis regularly celebrates traditions dealing with music and food. The numerous activities at the festival include something that appeals to all ages. One of the most popular are the live musical performances, consisting of both local and national bands. There are performances all three days of the weekend all throughout the day{{cite web|title=Memphis News and Announcements|url=http://www.americantowns.com/tn/memphis/news/memphis-italian-festival-94352|work=American Towns}} . Other forms of entertainment include the Coors Light Bocce Ball Tournament, the Galtelli Cup Recreational Bocce Tournament, carnival games, grape stomping, a volleyball tournament, and arts and crafts{{cite web|title=Memphis Italian Festival|url=http://www.gomemphis.com/events/2011/jun/04/13405/|work=Go Memphis}}. Every year, teams also compete for the best gravy and the best homemade wine. The best booth at the festival and the best powder room also win competitions{{cite web|title=Memphis Italian Festival boasts of best porta potty|url=http://www.wmctv.com/story/8403308/memphis-italian-festival-boasts-of-best-porta-potty?clienttype=printable|work=WMCTV}} .

Memphis in May

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