Get ready for what's being billed as the most magnificent Italian heritage celebration this side of Naples, Italy -- the 26th annual San Gennaro Feast, set for Sept. 13-18.
This year the event will be held on 61 acres of land near the Clark County Government Center, 100 Grand Central Parkway.
Last year, the event took place at the southeast corner of Alta Drive and Rampart Boulevard near Boca Park in Summerlin.
The man behind the San Gennaro Feast, Anthony Palmisano, said he was forced to change the location.
"I outgrew it," he said. "We got too big. Last year, it was taking two hours for people to get in."
He promised this year that would not be the case.
"Everything is bigger," he said. "The entrance is bigger, the marketplace is bigger, the parking is bigger, even the rides are bigger. I've got a 100-foot Ferris wheel this time."
The event may be bigger this year, but the entry fee is the same. Children under 54 inches are admitted for free, seniors pay $6 regular admission or $5 with a coupon and adults pay $7.
Feastgoers also can print a coupon from the Web site (www.sangennarofeast.net) for extra savings.
The event begins with a procession featuring the Knights of Columbus honor guard, city dignitaries and Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman as grand marshal starting at 7 p.m. Sept. 14.
A fireworks display of more than 650 shells will be included in the first night's events.
Father Dave Casaleggio of Our Lady of Las Vegas Catholic Church is scheduled to give a blessing over this year's feast.
Money donated to San Gennaro goes to the church. Part of the proceeds will benefit the new campus of Bishop Gorman High School.
Expect plenty of specialty dishes, lots of live entertainment, dancing, games, a petting zoo, pony and carnival rides.
The feast has more than 60 food vendors lined up with plenty of Italian food, including the classic Italian sausage and peppers.
There are 60-plus carnival games and rides on board for the event.
Music and entertainment will round out the experience.
Hours are: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday from 4 p.m. to midnight; Saturday from 11 a.m. to midnight; and Sunday from 11 a.m. 11 p.m.
"I got people from Henderson calling me up to say, 'It's (Summerlin) too far to drive," Palmisano said. "Now, being at the Government Center, we're centrally located. There are more ways to get here."
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