Events

2025 CHILDREN’S BENVENUTI PARADE 

During the 2025 Italian Festival’s Children’s Benvenuti Parade, we will continue the tradition of having children (through age 12) march in their favorite costumes.  All children participating in the parade will receive a goodie bag.

KICK-OFF FOR THE FESTIVAL FUN ZONE

On Friday, May 16 at 6:00 pm, the Benvenuti Parade kicks off the opening of the Kid Zone.  Let the games and fun begin! The children will assemble outside the main entrance of the church at 5:45 pm and receive a blessing from our pastor. The parade begins at 6:00 pm. The parade will march through the festival grounds, stopping at the outside main stage where winners will be announced.  Winners will be chosen and the 2025 Prince and Princess Benvenuti will be crowned for the best overall costumes.

Leading the parade will be “Chubby” from the Charlotte Checkers and “Homer” from the Charlotte Knights

The Royal Capes will adorn the newest royalty – the Prince and Princess Benvenuti 2025. After photographs, the capes will be returned to the “vault” for safe-keeping for next year’s royal winners.

After the winners are announced, the parade will march to the Festival Kid Zone to enjoy the games and activities.

COSTUME CATEGORIES & PRIZES

Costumes and decorated entries (wagons, bikes and strollers) will be judged in this year’s 3 categories

• Saints/Biblical Figures
• Super Silly
• That’s Italian!

Prizes awarded for:

• Best “Saints/Biblical Figures” Costume
• Best “Super Silly” Costume
• Best “That’s Italian” Costume
• Best Decorated Entry
• Prince & Princess Benvenuti for Best Overall Boy & Best Overall Girl Costumes

We hope you’ll dress up in one of the 3 categories to join the 2025 Children’s Benvenuti Parade!

Participation is free

All dressed-up participants (ages 12 and under) will receive a gift bag and 10 free festival tickets to use in the Kid Zone Friday night and Saturday. Benvenuti!

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Contact: Parade Coordinator l Luanne Kokolis | llkokolis@comporium.net

A Special Thanks to Carolinas Center for Advanced Dentistry  2025 Children’s Benvenuti Parade Sponsor