GUILDERLAND — An Italian-style block party — with dancing, music, and Italian street food — was held at Hamilton Square on Saturday as Caffe Italia celebrated its golden anniversary and its first year in Guilderland.

Speeches were made and proclamations were presented at the start of the festivities.

All proceeds from the free event went to the South End Children’s Café, which provides healthy meals, enrichment, and academic support to youth in Albany’s South End.

The restaurant was founded in Albany by Joann and Joseph Romeo.

“When my parents opened Caffe Italia in 1975, they simply wanted to share good food and create a space where everyone felt like family,” said Maria Karandy, co-owner of Caffe Italia, in a release from the Guilderland Chamber of Commerce.

“Fifty years later, it’s incredible to see how that vision has grown and how many memories have been made around our tables from birthdays and baptisms to graduations and weddings,” she said. “We’re honored to celebrate this milestone with the community that supported us every step of the way, and to pay it forward by supporting the South End Children’s Café.”

“Caffe Italia has been a beloved part of our region for five decades, and we were proud to welcome them to the Guilderland area a year ago,” said Sandra Dollard,who directs the chamber and emceed the event. “This event is a perfect reflection of their deep roots and generous spirit. It’s a chance for the entire community to come together and enjoy amazing food, support a local cause, and celebrate a true hometown success story.”