The 2013 Kenner Italian Heritage Festival, is scheduled for April 5th, April 6th and April 7th in Kenner's Historic Rivertown District. The festival will feature a display of historical memorabilia and photographs from Kenner's Italian families, Italian and local music, a geneology station, local art and crafts and wonderful Italian food. The day was inspired by the rich Italian heritage and customs many Kenner residents share, such as the St. Rosalie Procession in Rivertown. "The city of Kenner at one time was the center of the community for many Italian families," said Nick Congemi, Retired Kenner Police Chief and Chairman of the event. "Since that time, it seems those families have moved away and not returned to the culture and city they were raised in. We're trying to create a nice, community-type fair, to make it similar to a family reunion where people come to meet and enjoy each other's company at least once a year." Congemi said the area has been historically associated with Italians who were successful farmers and hard workers in many professions. His uncle, Angelo Arnone, settled in Independence, Louisiana as did many other Italians, and recalled rail cars full of produce being shipped from Independence and Kenner stores throughout the country. "They brought the culture and served in every capacity, from repairing shoes to producing the foods that we ate, which really distinguished this area," Congemi said. "This area fed the nation when there was not irrigation in places like Florida and California." Because times have changed and families don't stay as close as they once were, Chief Congemi said people tend to forget their ancestors' sacrifices, such as leaving their homeland to work sugar plantations in Louisiana for fifty cents a day. The Kenner Italian Heritage Festival will pay tribute to their accomplishments.