The Great Italian Festival returns for its 43rd year in Downtown Reno.

The event celebrates Italian culture and traditions while bringing live music, amazing food, and family activities to Virginia Street.

"It's a family event. Always bring the kids," says Tony Marini, one of the event's organizers. "My niece and nephew were down here earlier, so it's just an awesome day, and everybody's together."

Marini and his family prepare sautéed artichoke and sausage at the event. I tried some, and even though I'm not an artichoke guy, it was delicious.

Marini says his booth is one of the staples of the event, along with Gino's Flatbread and Cafe Bellini. It all started with him and his mom cooking at the first Italian Festival.

"Now, it's just evolved into more and more and more family," Marin

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