The Italian-American Cultural Center of Iowa will hold the 23nd annual St. Joseph Altar celebration on March 18th and 19th. Doors will open at 5:00 pm on March 18, with a Lenten meal served at 5:30 pm. The children will present the traditional “tupa tupa” (knocking) pageant, followed by the blessing of the altar. The feast of St. Joseph, patron of families and laborers, will take place on March 18th. Festivities include an all-day visitation from 9:00 am until 3:00 pm and a luncheon from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. Both events are open to the public free of charge. A freewill offering will be accepted. Everyone who attends the celebrations will receive a gift bag that contains a St. Joseph prayer card and medal, blessed bread and a “lucky” fava bean. All fruits, vegetables, breads and pastries, as well as financial contributions, will be distributed to the St. Joseph Shelter, the Bidwell Center and the Catholic Worker House. Volunteers who would like to take an active part in the preparation of the altar are always welcome. Dates for baking the traditional breads and pastries begin March 9th at 9:00 am and continue until March 16th. For additional information or to volunteer please call 515-250-8804.