BENLD-The Italian Club of Benld would like to invite everyone to their celebration of the 54th Annual Italian-American Days Festival on May 25, 26, 27, and 28 at the Benld City Park, here. The festival is known throughout the state of Illinois for its Italian foods and games.

The weekend begins with armbands on Friday evening, May 25, from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. where anyone may ride as often as they like for $15. From 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m., 4 Wheel Drive will provide music for your dancing pleasure.

On Saturday evening, May 26, music will be provided by The Jorells from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m.

Sunday, May 27 is the highlight of the weekend. Beginning at 11 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., one ton of free spaghetti will be served at the park’s lunch stand. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Bagna Caulda Combo from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. Avery Hill will follow from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. Following the Avery Hill band, the Smash Band will provide music from 7:30 p.m. until 11:30 p.m. Also on Sunday afternoon from 12 p.m. until 4 p.m., all rides will be 1 coupon less. The Bocce Ball Tournament will be played on Sunday starting at 1 p.m. Registration begins at 12 p.m. at the beer tent. Also this year, the festival will include the annual Bigga Nosa Contest at 2 p.m. under the beer tent. Awards will be provided for the individual with the biggest nose.

Monday, May 28 is the last day of the event and armbands will again be available from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m. for $15. Howie’s Goodtime Rock-N-Roll wraps up the weekend with music from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m.

Bingo will be played every night beginning at 7 p.m., except Monday when Bingo will be beginning at 3 p.m. The fish stand will open each evening after 4:30 p.m.

Italian Specialties including tortellini soup, homemade Italian salami, meatball sandwiches, bagna caulda, and spumoni ice cream will be sold.

A cash raffle will be held with the drawing on Mon., May 28 at 5 p.m. Prizes of $500 for first, $250 for second, $100 for third and $50 for fourth through sixth will be awarded.

Throughout the weekend, there will be plenty of food, rides, drinks, and fun. Come out and celebrate 54 years of Italian heritage. The town of Benld hopes to see you Memorial Day weekend for this event!

The Italian Club of Benld asks that you do not bring any alcoholic beverages into the park. You will be asked to remove them immediately.

Benld is located 50 miles south of Springfield, Ill. and 45 miles north of St. Louis, Mo. on Illinois 138, two miles west of Interstate 55. If you have any questions, call 217-835-2689.