Italian American festival set FREEHOLD - The Italian American Association of Monmouth County will hold its first Italian-American Festival at Freehold Raceway, Route 33 (Park Avenue), from July 18-21 from 6-11 p.m. each night. Featured will be rides, games, Italian novelties, 50-50 raffles, a raffle for a cruise, food and entertainment. The event will open with a color guard ceremony conducted by a local Boy Scout troop. The festival will then take guests into an Italian setting where they will be serenaded to the music of Italian strolling minstrels and be entertained by Italian artists such as Angelo Venuto, John Esposito, (tribute to Frank Sinatra), Joseph Burruano, Rosalisa Licci, Richard DePalma (to perform songs of Andrea Bocelli, among others), the comedy of Andre and Cirell, Sylvana of ICN Radio (performing the Italian national anthem) and a performance of traditional Italian folk songs and dances by Coro d'Italia. DJ Joey Squiggs and The Party Exchange will entertain throughout, and the Freehold Academy of Performing Arts, ICON Dance Company and WRAT-FM will also make an appearance. The Angeltones will perform at the festival on July 21, complementing the antique car/Italian sports car show. The Italian American Association of Monmouth County is open to everyone age 21 and over. The organization is in its third year of existence and growing, according to a press release from the event's organizers. Other activities, in addition to the festival, are Italian lessons, Italian cooking lessons, scholarship, charities, Christ-mas dinner, Carnevale, La Befana and family barbecue. Future plans include a literary group, card group, soccer team and trips. The organization will have a membership table at the event. For more information visit www.iaamonmouthcounty.com or contact Robert DeSalvatore at (732) 984-8482.