Join UPAF’s Ride for the Arts annual signature fundraising event, for the United Performing Arts Fund. The ride begins and finishes at the Summerfest grounds with five different routes ranging from 5 to 75 miles. The finish line party, at the Briggs & Stratton Big Backyard Stage, features free admission, live entertainment, an instrument petting zoo for the kids and much, much more. For more information, visit online or call (414) - 276-7433.

Celebrating its 35th anniversary, Festa Italiana is the largest Italian event of its kind in America today. The festival runs Thursday, July 19 to Sunday, July 22. Festa is a celebration of Italian food, family, arts, culture and religion. 2012 marks a special year as Italians celebrate the 35th anniversary of Festa Italiana in Milwaukee. In 1978, an idea was born to establish an Italian festival to re-connect the Italian community. The original Festa Italiana, the first ethnic festival to be held on the Summerfest grounds, was born in August 1978. Festa’s success led to the establishment of the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee’s historic Third Ward, which has been home to Milwaukee’s Italian community, providing cultural, educational and social activities. On Saturday, July 21, at 5:30 p.m., Festa Italiana will dedicate its 35th anniversary in memory of the late Mayor Maier with a special afternoon parade. The parade will include all participating ethnic festivals as part of the Untied Ethnic Festivals organization, as well as city officials, marching bands and dignitaries. This year at Festa, attendees can look forward to many NEW attractions, exciting entertainment, delicious food and fun events for families and individuals of all ages to enjoy!

Save the Date – Wheels & Heels Rush on Festa On July 19, The National Spinal Cord Injury Association will host the 25th Annual Wheels & Heels Rush on Festa! This 5K run and walk will take place at the Summerfest grounds on Milwaukee’s beautiful lakefront. 5-6:30 p.m. - Registration 6:55 p.m. - 5K Wheelchair/Handcycle race 7:00 p.m. - 5K Run 7:05 p.m. - Fun Walk/casual wheelchair Registration Fee: $20 ($25 day of event). Awards given to top three times in all divisions. All proceeds go to help those living with spinal cord injury/disease by offering financial assistance to those in crisis who lack proper equipment, by providing peer counseling to individuals and families and by providing seed funding grants to help find a cure for spinal cord injuries and diseases. What a perfect way to celebrate opening night of Festa! All participants will get in FREE to Festa after the race. For more information or to register, please visit http://www.active.com/running/milwaukee-wi/wheels-and-heels-rush-on-festa-2012 or contact Kimberly Nerone at (414) 226-8396 V/Relay or knerone@independencefirst.org.