Art Secondo, executive director of the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce, center, congratulates those involved in the mural project at the Pepper Pot restaurant on Center Street during a reception held Oct. 6. The mural depicts scenes of downtown Southington from the past. To the right of Secondo is Susan Acevedo, in black, owner of the Pepper Pot, and behind him, in green, is Mary DeCroce, artist, who coordinated the project.

These colorful characters attract cheers and laughter at the 2010 Apple Harvest Festival Parade on Center Street on Oct. 3.

Events: Friday, July 23, 5:30 p.m., stage: Opening ceremonies will be held with local and state dignitaries including Miss Connecticut Sharalynn Kuziak. Entertainment will begin immediately with the Tony Riccio Band featuring guest singers Marcello Sparagna and Olivia Tedesco. Singer Anthony Urulli will follow and then the special guest performer will take the stage, impressionist comedian Mark Verselli. The festival closes Friday at 11 p.m. Ongoing: more than 20 vendors featuring a variety of Italian and American food, novelties and jewelry; children’s carnival, sponsored by the V. Nanfito Roofing Company. Saturday, July 24: noon, carnival offers discounted children’s rides; noon, winemaking contest; 2:30 p.m., The Great Leone magic act for children, followed by performances by young singers and the Southington All-Stars; 8:30 p.m., Aaron Caruso and Christina Luna, featured act, followed by other entertainers. Festival will close 11 p.m. Sunday, July 25, 10 a.m., stage: Italian Mass sponsored by DellaVecchia Funeral Home. The Mass will include song by the Ladies Rosary Society, and a two-block procession, led by the Italian Men’s Group, festival patrons and Middletown Italian Marching Band, sponsored by Serafino Pharmacy; 11:30 a.m., booths open; 1 p.m., entertainment; 2 p.m., New Scorpio Band, followed by other entertainers until the 6 p.m. closing. Special tents will be available for seating and admission is free. Lower Center Street will be closed for the festival from High Street to North Liberty. Dogs, skateboards and bicycles are not permitted. For more information, call the Greater Southington Chamber of Commerce, at (860) 628-8036.