5th Annual Italian Feast and Carnival this weekend

The Blauvelt Sons of Italy will host their 5th Annual Italian Feast and Carnival this September 11 through the 14. The event, which takes place at the Masonic Park Fairgrounds in Tappan, NY, draws thousands of people from across the region during the four-day celebration of all things Italian.

“The Italian Feast is a County Fair, food fest, carnival and live concert venue all rolled into one, themed with a slice of Italian culture unlike any other festival you’ve ever been to, I assure you!” states Nick Sfraga, current president of the Blauvelt Sons of Italy.

The gates open Thursday evening at 5 p.m. and the festival will kick off with the opening ceremonies and a tribute to the fallen heroes of 9/11 at 6 p.m. and Rockland County’s own Lauren D’Imperio will sing the National Anthem. Entertainment on Thursday evening will be provided by Tre Bella. The event is a showcase for area talent and live entertainment hosted by MC Paul Borghese who has appeared in HBO’s “61*,” “Sopranos” and “Law & Order” and more recently starred in “The Family” with Robert DeNiro.

Friday night attendees can enjoy the musical sounds of the popular Mighty Spectrum Band. Saturday’s entertainment will include Lauren Mascitti all the way in from Nashville, Steve Maglio, Angie Mongelli, a special appearance in the evening by ALFIO, as well as music by Kick Start Charlie. DJ Jerry D will also be on hand all weekend to entertain the crowds.

On Sunday, the day will begin with an outdoor mass at 10:30 a.m. and all are welcome to attend. The gates will open for the festival at noon that day. Entertainment will feature Jenna Esposito, Al Sapienza with Deborah Renard as well as Louis Vanaria and The Tony T Band.

Also on site for the four days will be rides and games for all ages, a casino and games of chance, local vendors, artisans and boutiques offering gift items, clothing and jewelry for purchase, as well as vendors offering Italian food including zeppolis, pasta, meatballs, clams, rice balls, sausage and peppers, gelato, cannolis and Italian ice.

Celebrities can often be spotted at the festival and this year’s invitees include Chazz Palminteri, Danny Aiello, Marisa Tomei, Tony LoBianco, Vincent Pastore, Federico Castelluccio, Stanley Tucci, Paul Sorvino, Michael Rispoli, Michael Imperioli, Katherine Narducci, Steve Schirripa, Dominic Chianese, Michael Madsen, Armand Assante, Stephen Baldwin, Lorraine Bracco, Vinny Vella, William DeMeo, Joe Gannascoli, Gina Gershon, Mario Cantone, Cathy Moriarty and many more!

Hours for the festival are Thursday 5 – 11 p.m., Friday 5 p.m. – midnight, Saturday 11 a.m. – midnight and Sunday from noon until 9 p.m. Admission is $3 per person.

The festival takes place at Masonic Park located at 89 Western Highway in Tappan, New York, off Exit 5 South on the Palisades Parkway.

The updated entertainment schedule can be found on the Sons of Italy website at www.blauveltsonsofitaly.org. The Holiday Inn Orangeburg is the lodging sponsor for the event and provides a special discounted rate for the Feast. More information can be obtained by calling 845-359-7000.