Grande Festa Italiana Brings Food and Fun to Port Washington Community

The John Michael Marino Lodge #1389 and Order Sons of Italy in America kicked off the 31st annual feast at North Hempstead Beach Park Wednesday evening.  The feast, or Grande Festa Italiana, known as "the largest and oldest feast on Long Island," offers a spread of Italian dinners, desserts, and wine, as well as carnival rides and games, and a bit of culture.

"It's good every year," said Port Washington resident Vincent Miscioncia.

One walk around the festival and it's clear that there is something for everyone.  Kiddie and major rides, jewelry and clothing vendors, a gambling casino, and even a Tarot reading table are spread across the park.

"It's fun," said Port Washington native Casey Ryan. "All your old friends from growing up are here." Ryan's brother, John, enjoying a bag of zeppoles, nodded in agreement.  

"The food is the one thing they love," said their friend, Monica Jawski, also a Port Washington resident.

Each year, Port Washington community flock to the annual fair for authentic dishes: pasta with meat sauce, spaghetti and clam sauce, sausage and peppers, and meatball heroes, to name just a few of the meals cooked on the premises. 

And while the cuisine is certainly a draw, many don't realize that the Grande Festa Italiano is about more than food and fun.  A visit to the Culture and Heritage tent demonstrated the fair's serious side.

"We've been doing this for 31 years, and it's not just about selling food," said Eric Pappalardi, feast chairperson for the second year, and first vice president of the John Michael Marino Lodge.  "The proceeds go to charities and scholarships."

Over at the culture tent, visitors learned about the lodge's mission and perused the Commission for Social Justice table.

"We don't just do one thing," said Lodge Member Petrina "Pat" Lombardo, describing the various scholarships and charities that the organization supports.   "People don't realize."

The local charities include Cancer Care, PAL, PYA, Port Counseling Center, and Port Senior Center.  Sons of Italy, Grand Lodge Charities include Gift of Sight, Alzheimer's Foundation, Breast Cancer, and the OSIA Commission for Social Justice.  Scholarships awarded include Sports Awards, the Dante Italian Language Medal, and the Italian Studies Award.

 "We do reach out to the community," Lombardo noted.  "It's important that people know."

By the Commission for Social Justice table, Lee Cerullo explained Italian American heritage.

"We're trying to show a positive image," Cerullo said.

He was referring to various written materials displayed across the table, where there were pamphlets, papers, and bookmarks, featuring facts about the injustices Italians in America suffered during World War II, their role in the Holocaust. In addition there were quizzes about accomplished Italian Americans who have contributed to society in positive ways. 

"This is not in the history books," Cerullo said.

Whether you are looking for a history lesson, an excuse to gamble, or just some sugar-coated dough fresh from the deep fryer, the Grande Festa Italiano is waiting. 

Continuing through Sunday night, musical entertainment will also be provided.  Visit www.marinolodge.org for more information.