Today’s guest blogger is a Cranston (RI) native and a longtime fan of this local event that is in its 119th year.

Growing up in Knightsville in Cranston, I was always excited about summer vacation and the annual St. Mary’s Feast which happens every July like clockwork.

The Feast has great Italian food (I recommend grabbing a doughboy, the sausage sandwiches are popular too), live music (don’t be surprised if you see people singing and dances in the streets), and a variety of carnival style games for the kids.

Families will enjoy all the different booths and soaking up the excitement in the air along Park and Phenix Avenues.

You will love Itri Park — directly inspired by the neighborhood’s namesake sister city in Italy — featuring an updated gazebo and a fountain.

If you’re a runner (like me), there’s a 5K road race on Saturday (July 20th) called the Summer Sizzler.

Sunday morning is the much anticipated outdoor procession when a statue of St. Mary or the Madonna Della Civita is carried from the church through the streets. (The weather looks like it’s going to cooperate; forecast is calling for clear and sunny conditions.)

The grand finale is Sunday night when there will be an incredible fireworks display. It’s not to be missed!

If you’re looking for something that everyone in the family will appreciate, then plan an afternoon or evening in Cranston’s Little Italy this weekend.

The St. Mary’s Feast runs through this Sunday, July 21st in the Knightsville neighborhood in Cranston.