STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Catholic Charities of Staten Island will mark a decade of its Italian Festival at The Mount with a four-day celebration during Columbus Day weekend, featuring headliners Judy Torres and the MGM Guarnera Brothers.
Here’s Peter! Peter Macri of Tutto Apposto in Richmond Valley and Panini Grill of West Brighton will be a part of the personality lineup at The Mount’s Feast.Silvestri
The anniversary festival runs October 10 to 13 and will include fireworks, rides, games, beer and sangria gardens, live music, food vendors, and various contests throughout the extended weekend. Empire State Bank and Richmond University Medical Center are presenting sponsors for the event.
“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.” The bucolic campus includes a food pantry with a 70-year run plus educational programs for all ages.
Torres, known as the “Queen of Freestyle,” broke out in the late 1980s with hits including “No Reason to Cry,” “Come Into My Arms,” and “Love Story.” The Bronx-born performer has served as a longtime radio personality on WKTU 103.5 FM in New York City and expanded into acting and motivational speaking.
The MGM Guarnera Brothers, a family-based Italian-American band, features brothers Armando on guitar and vocals, Roby on bass and vocals, and Ricky on keyboards and vocals. The group originated from Palermo, Italy, before moving to New York and has performed at major venues including Madison Square Garden.
The musical lineup also includes 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.
From zeppole and cannoli to porterhouse steak eating contests, the 10th anniversary celebration offers delicious ways to participate.
Food and eating competitions
Festival-goers can compete in eating contests featuring zeppole, cannoli, porterhouse steak hosted by Staten Island’s Porterhouse Party, and panini hosted by the borough’s very own social media chef star Peter Macri of Richmond Valley’s Tutto Apposto.
Social media personalities Ciao & Cello will demonstrate live limoncello making, while Tiger Schulmann’s of Tottenville will provide martial arts demonstrations. Entrants should go to the stage about 30 minutes before each contest to sign up.
Food vendors include returning favorites such as Montalbanos of Rosebank, I Got Balls, Twisted Steaks, Rosalia & Ashley Zeppoles, Da Nico of Mulberry Street, Parelli’s Woodburning Pizza, Gnocchi On The Go, Nonna’s Meatballs, Tutto Apposto, Mac Truck, Roe’s Kettle Corn, Carvel Ice Cream, and L’Acquario Seafood. New vendors making their festival debut include Jersey Mike’s Subs, Bruzzese’s Italian Gourmet Salumeria, Wontonissimo, Fina’s Farmhouse, Towne Deli, and Cugino’s Italian Cones.
The festival schedule includes October 10 from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., October 11 from noon to 11 p.m., October 12 from noon to 8 p.m., and October 13 from noon to 6 p.m. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday evening.
Tickets and additional information are available at cc-si.org.
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Dining and Cooking