On Sept. 10 through the 14, the first county-wide Italian Festival premiers in Levittown. All proceeds from this event will benefit the Yours Ours Mine Community Center (YOM) and the Long Island Alzheimer's Association programs.

This festival will be held at the Town of Hempstead Parking Field L10, which is behind the Tri-County Flea Market and PC Richards on Hempstead Turnpike at the intersection of Division Avenue in Levittown.

"Neither Levittown nor any adjoining communities have an Italian Festival on their calendars and this was an opportunity for YOM to start a new county-wide tradition, which we're hoping will grow to be an outstanding annual event," said Louise Cassano, chairperson of fundraising for the Levittown Planning Committee.

This festival organized by YOM, a multifaceted community organization with Dreamland Amusements Inc., the carnival and midway operator, share the costs of permits, licensing fees, advertising and the entertainment. The Italian Festival also receives sponsorships from the local restaurants, businesses and organizations.

The entertainment includes a live performance from The MacMurrays, a band whose music is influenced by the 1960's and a fireworks display on Saturday night. The festival will have craft vendors along with separate tents for food and dessert. There will also be rides provided by Dreamland Amusements Inc. for the children.

There is no entry fee for a stroll around the festival. However, there is a fee to go on the rides. Discounted ride bracelets for $15 are available for purchase by contacting Christine from YOM's Fiscal Department at 796-6633.

"All proceeds from the event will go to charity," said Cassano. "Long Island Alzheimer's Association will receive a percentage and YOM's Before and After School Child Care program and Adult Day Care program, which serves adults with Alzheimer's and other dementia-related diseases, will receive the balance of the net proceeds."

"YOM is in the throes of a restructuring and major fundraising effort to raise money for the many projects that need to be undertaken that are not covered by the landlord or the government agencies which fund the services we provide to our 5,000 clients each year," said Cassano.

"Our purpose is to improve the quality of life for residents living in Levittown and surrounding communities" and "Our holistic approach requires that we continue to work harder to ensure that all community residents are given every opportunity to share the services that are offered at the center," said James Melendez, president and CEO of YOM. "This money will help us pay for trips, supplies and salaries."