Holy Rosary Italian Street Festival returns to Indianapolis June 14-15, 2013

Holy Rosary Catholic Church, 520 Stevens St., Indianapolis, will once again open its hearts and grounds to the festival lovers of Indiana. Having to cancel last year's event, the parish released a statement promising to come back this year with the beloved event.

And they are fulfilling that promise.

Located in the Fletcher Park neighborhood, the little parish that could is rolling out the red carpet with its annual fundraiser.

The family friendly event offers a mini-Midway alongside the parish and includes rides and games. You can find rubber ducky games, dart-throwing and basketball tossing. Rides include a carousel for the little ones as well as older kid's rides.

Families, friends and strangers will come together to raise much-needed money for the tiny church through food, drinks, snacks, games and rides.

Every year dedicated volunteers roll up their sleeves (figuratively and literally) in the 90+ degree weather and the scorching sun to dish up meatballs, spaghetti and cannoli. No good Italian festival is good without Italian beer and wine, however, and there wills plenty of beer chilling on ice and wine being uncorked.

This year, two stages are added for musical entertainment in the form of the The Indy Nile Band and Cooking with Nonna on the main stage. A side stage will feature Theotokos.

The best part of this festival is the spirit of the people who hold it and those who attend. Everyone's spirits are high and welcoming, joking and laughing while they dish up hundreds upon hundreds of their goodies for those wanting to capture the flavor of the Italian cuisine and culture.
Hours: Friday , June 14: 5-11 pm; Saturday, June 15: 5-11 pm rain or shine
Website: www.HolyRosaryParish.org
Note: The Italian Street Festival is held the 2nd weekend of June annually.

Photos: Elizabeth J Musgrave

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living, travel columnist, freelance writer and photographer, and performing arts and restaurant critic for Gotta Go. Read Infused, her spirits, wine & beer lifestyle column, at www.GottaGo.us and www.FoodDigital.com and catch her as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published on www.Gottago.us, www.BroadwayWorld.com, and in print. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

3rd Annual Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games & Festival 2012 offers Scotch Whisky Tastings, Kilts and Clans

The 3rd annual Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival will be held Sat., Oct. 13 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at German Park, 8600 S. Meridian St., Indianapolis.

Presented by the Scottish Society of Indianapolis, the day features world class amateur athletes competing in the caber toss, hammer throw and sheath toss. Scottish and Celtic music, bagpipe soloists and other performers will perform throughout the day.

Events and Activities

 Mary Queen of Scots and her Court (the Tudor Rose Players)

Clans' ceremonial presentation of champions to Queen

40-50 world-class amateur athletes competing in Highland games

Live entertainment on 2 stages all day

8 Celtic bands

Pipe Bands

Fountain Trust Pipers

Roving entertainers

Highland dancers

Scottish cuisine

Scottish beer

Scotch whisky

Scotch whisky tastings

Scottish merchandise market

Youth activities

Clan tents

Bonniest knees contest

Haggis Toss

Highland Cows

*  Limited, Free Parking On-Site 

** Volunteer opportunities still available

Tickets: $12 adult/$6 child-advance at IndyScotGamesandFest.com; $15/$8-gate; active duty military (ID required) free, children 6 and under-free

Photos: Scottish Society of Indianapolis
Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated fine-living columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her newest column, Infused at GottaGo.us and FoodandDrinkDigital.com and as Indy’s Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC. Gotta Go is published onGottago.us, BroadwayWorld.com, in M and Retired Living magazines and several newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter. Follow her on Twitter @GottaGo, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Scottish Highland Games & Festival, October 8

The 2nd annual Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival will be held Saturday, October 8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Latvian Community Center, 1008 West 64th St. 

Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard will make a special appearance at 3 p.m. He will make an announcement and participate in a special ceremony with Mary, Queen of Scots.

Sponsored and organized by the Scottish Society of Indianapolis, the day will feature world class athletes competing in the caber toss, hammer throw and sheath toss. Scottish and Celtic music including Mother Grove band, Fountain Trust Pipe Band, bagpipe soloists and other performers, will perform throughout the day. Food and merchandise will also be available. Historical re-enactors portraying Mary, Queen of Scots, and her royal court will be featured during the festival.

Advance festival tickets are $8 and available by clicking here. Event day tickets are $10. Céilidh will begin at 6 p.m. with an additional $5 admission charge.

In 2010, the inaugural Indianapolis Scottish Highland Games and Festival drew more than 1,400 visitors.
For more information and schedule, visit IndyScot.org.

Elizabeth J. Musgrave is a syndicated columnist, travel writer, performing arts and restaurant critic. Catch her as Indy’s Arts & Entertainment Adviser on 93 WIBC, and follow her on Twitter @GottaGo and Facebook. Gotta Go is published in the following newspapers: South Sider Voice, Indiana Weekender, New Palestine Reporter, Pendleton Times Reporter and Fortville-McCordsville Reporter.