Blog and Media
After a quarter of a century, the vibrant sounds, flavors, and traditions of Italy are making their grand return to West Michigan! Festa Italiana is back, taking place July 25–26, 2025 at Tanger Outlets in Byron Center, and it will be bold, fun, and more delicious than ever.
At the heart of every vibrant community are the businesses that go above and beyond to give back, support local events, and create memorable experiences for families. This year, Russo Heating and Cooling has truly exemplified that spirit by sponsoring the Kids Area at the West Michigan Italian Festival!
The Russo family's enduring commitment to Italian culture and cuisine has been a cornerstone of the Grand Rapids community for over a century. Their journey, marked by resilience and innovation, reflects a deep passion for sharing authentic Italian experiences with their patrons.
Imperial Beverage, a cornerstone in Michigan's beverage distribution landscape, boasts a rich history intertwined with Italian-American heritage and a steadfast commitment to community and business excellence.
At Grow Business Today, their mission is to foster unity and celebrate diverse cultures within the business community. We believe that by bringing people together and honoring their unique backgrounds, we can create a more inclusive and prosperous environment for all.
The Russo family's culinary legacy in Grand Rapids, Michigan, spans over a century, reflecting their deep-rooted passion for Italian cuisine and community engagement.
Grand Rapids, Michigan, boasts a rich tapestry of cultural traditions, with the Italian community playing a significant role in shaping the city's heritage. The Italian Festival, once a vibrant annual event, celebrated this heritage through various festivities.
Peter F. Secchia, born on April 15, 1937, in Englewood, New Jersey, was a distinguished American businessman, diplomat, and philanthropist whose life and career were deeply influenced by his Italian heritage. Throughout his lifetime, he made significant contributions to both the Italian-American community and the broader society, leaving a lasting legacy of cultural celebration and support.
Media Downloads
Download official West Michigan Italian Festival assets by clicking each link below. Get logos, flyers, and promotional materials to help share the excitement of the festival!
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Media Hits
Appearances, articles, and features on the West Michigan Italian Festival.
G.B. Russo Establishes His Business
G.B.’s grocery businesses carried such culinary staples as bulk olive oil, green and black olives, tomato paste, cheeses, pepperoni and salami, macaroni, bread, and baccala (dehydrated salted cod fish), which were made available through importers or local sources. Many of the early Italian immigrants were men who had temporarily left their families behind. They missed their native cuisine, and were very pleased to discover that G.B. was peddling it. Italians living in outlying communities like Holland, Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Muskegon and Kalamazoo would seek out G.B. and the D’Amico’s for their products.