STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Under overcast skies and a steady drizzle, with temperatures in the mid-60s, Catholic Charities of Staten Island officially launched the 10th annual Italian Festival at The Mount on Friday, Oct. 10, to the delight of thousands of attendees.
The highly anticipated four-day celebration of Italian heritage, food, and music runs through Columbus Day weekend and concludes Monday, Oct. 13.
Headlining this year’s festival are freestyle icon Judy Torres and the MGM Guarnera Brothers, along with dozens of local performers, food vendors, and family-friendly activities spread across the scenic Mount Loretto campus in Pleasant Plains.
Despite the weather, early crowds turned out in strong numbers to browse a bustling farmers market, enjoy carnival rides, and sample specialties from dozens of food stands. Highlights include nightly entertainment, a beer and sangria garden, fireworks, and various contests celebrating Italian cuisine.
Among the attendees were Diana Trombettini of Annadale and her granddaughter, Theresa Samaria, 18 — continuing a beloved tradition they’ve shared annually for the past 10 years.
Theresa, now a freshman at Quinnipiac College in Poughkeepsie, made a special trip home for the holiday weekend just to attend the festival with her grandmother. “We love the food at this Italian festival, especially the gnocchis and the zeppoles,” Theresa said with a smile.
“This 10th anniversary of our Italian Festival marks a special milestone,” said Claire Atalla, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. “We look forward to celebrating Italian heritage and culture, and we are deeply grateful to the community for their support, which helps fund vital programs at Catholic Charities of Staten Island.”
This year’s event also marks a bittersweet milestone for Joe Delaney, chairman of Catholic Charities of Staten Island, who will step down from his leadership role after eight years due to term limits. Delaney has served a total of 15 years on the organization’s board.
“Not only is this Italian Festival a great celebration of Italian heritage to be enjoyed by families of all backgrounds on Staten Island, but it is the largest fundraiser for Catholic Charities — and 100% of the proceeds will go towards Staten Islanders in need,” Delaney said.
The musical lineup includes Torres — affectionately known as the “Queen of Freestyle” — and the MGM Guarnera Brothers, a Palermo-born, New York-based trio featuring brothers Armando, Roby, and Ricky Guarnera.
Other acts scheduled throughout the weekend include Jordan Rayne, N.M.S., The Right Direction featuring ET Studios, Bobby Fischetti, Morrisania Band Project, Chain Reaction, the I.S. 24 Dance Company, R3 Band, and Maria Venuto.
Returning food vendors include local favorites such as Montalbanos of Rosebank, Gnocchi On The Go, Da Nico of Mulberry Street, Parelli’s Woodburning Pizza, Nonna’s Meatballs, Tutto Apposto, and Mac Truck.
New vendors making their festival debut this year include Jersey Mike’s Subs, Bruzzese’s Italian Gourmet Salumeria, Wontonissimo, Fina’s Farmhouse, Towne Deli, and Cugino’s Italian Cones.
The festival continues Sunday from noon to 8 p.m. and wraps up Monday from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday’s festivities are expected to close with a fireworks display, weather permitting.
Empire State Bank and Richmond University Medical Center are the presenting sponsors of the event. Proceeds from the festival support Catholic Charities’ local services, including a long-running food pantry and educational programs for all ages.
Tickets to the event are $5 per person (children 10 and under are free), with on-site parking available for $5 per vehicle. Tickets and parking can be purchased at the event. More information is available at cc-si.org.
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