BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Galbani Italian Heritage Festival is returning to Hertel Avenue this year.

It's back for the first time in two years due to the pandemic.

The three-day festival starts July 15 and will stretch from Delaware to Virgil avenues.

This year, the festival will feature the fan-favorite grape stomping contest. And new this year, there will be genealogy research for families to look up their origins.

There will also be classic events like puppet shows, food contests and cooking classes.

"This is the year to bring back the sights, the sounds, the food, the entertainment, and the heritage," said Judy Porto-Fiorella, the festival's board president, during a news conference.

The festival will run from 11 a.m. - 9 p.m. on July 15 and 16 and until 6 p.m. on July 17.