The Cape Coral Italian American Club is celebrating its 45th anniversary Friday with an installation of new officers, a dinner and a dance, which is open to the public to attend.

Patricia Francioni, the current president of seven years and trustee for two years, decided to retire this year to make room for new officers and new ideas.

“Yes, I did enjoy myself,” she said about her time as the president of the club. “I will still be a participating member in any way that I can help.”

During her time as the president, Francioni collected the most in monetary donations for Our Heart of Gold, along with bringing new music to the club.

The new officers will be taking over on Oct. 15. Francioni said they normally have the installation in the middle of April, but decided to change it this year.

Mayor John Sullivan will install the officers for the Italian American Club Friday night.

Tickets are $22 for members and $25 for nonmembers.

Individuals must purchase their tickets in advance for the optional black tie event. The Italian American Club office is open until 9 p.m. Wednesday night and until 1 p.m. Thursday afternoon.

The club is located at 4725 Vincennes Blvd. For information, call 239-542-6515.

The dinner menu, which is included in the tickets price, consists of a Caesar salad, stuffed manicotti, prime rib of beef or stuffed flounder with twice baked potato, green bean almondine and an anniversary cake. Hot rolls, coffee and tea will also be served.

Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served from 5-6 p.m.

An introduction of the board, pledge of allegiance, welcoming of guests and dignitaries, the president’s toast and message, along with a spiritual invocation will be given before dinner following the cocktail hour.

Music and dancing will be provided by Ray LoRae. The evening will end at 10 p.m.

Francioni said they have been located in the same spot for 45 years and at one time had more than 1,000 members. She said right now they have approximately 500 members, which includes a younger crowd of people.

“We accept new members at any time, any nationality can join our club,” Francioni said.

Every Wednesday night the Italian American Club is open to the public for dinner and music. Dinner is served from 5-7 p.m. and music fills the air from 6-9 p.m. Tickets start at $5 for a spaghetti and meatball dinner.