STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Catholic Charities of Staten Island’s milestone 10th anniversary Italian Festival at The Mount was forced to end early when organizers canceled the final two days due to the wild weather.
Mario Esposito and his granddaughter savored the festival. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The Columbus Day weekend celebration, originally planned as a four-day event, wrapped up Saturday after organizers made the safety decision to cancel Sunday and Monday activities.
Lisa Fulco and Roman Vitolo flank Judy Torres. They are superfine of Torres and were thrilled to meet with her after her show and get an autograph. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
“Due to the forecast for high winds and heavy rain, we made the difficult decision to cancel the festival on Sunday and Monday for everyone’s safety. Later this month at our Fall Fest, we’ll reschedule the competitive eating contest hosted by Tutto Apposto of Richmond Valley so participants can still enjoy that experience. Thank you for your understanding and continued support,” organizers said.
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The anniversary festival kicked off Thursday, Oct. 10, and continued through Saturday with headliners Judy Torres and the MGM Guarnera Brothers. The event featured fireworks, rides, games, packed out beer and sangria gardens, live music, food vendors, and contests. Empire State Bank, Richmond University Medical Center and ShopRite were among the presenting sponsors.
The spire of the church at Mount Loretto was bathed in green, red and white. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
“This 10th anniversary of our Italian Festival marked a special milestone,” said Claire Atalla, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. “We looked forward to celebrating Italian heritage and culture, and we were deeply grateful to the community for its support, which helps fund vital programs at Catholic Charities of Staten Island.”
Torres, known as the “Queen of Freestyle,” delivered a stunning performance, captivating the crowd with her energy and charisma. She shared animated stories behind her hit songs and danced with infectious enthusiasm. Performing classics like “No Reason to Cry” and “Come Into My Arms,” she had nearly a thousand fans singing along, many knowing every word. An iconic voice of New York City, Torres is also one of the longest-serving DJs on the airwaves, having been with WKTU since its early days more than two decades ago.
“It was the best festival yet — so much fun. I loved the fireworks — they were better than the Macy’s Fourth of July show,” enthused Liz Zimmerman of Great Kills.
Food included fresh pasta and panuozzo from Tutto Apposto. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Festival attendees indulged in traditional Italian favorites like zeppole and cannoli, savoring the sweet and savory flavors of the celebration. Dozens of food trucks lined the winding roadway leading into the Mount Loretto complex, passing the towering church of St. Joachim and St. Anne, which was illuminated in red, white, and green lights. Among the vendors were local favorites such as Montalbano’s, Twisted Steaks, Jersey Mike’s Subs, Bruzzese’s Italian Gourmet Salumeria, the GRACE Foundation, plus stands like Fina’s Farmhouse and Tutto Apposto.
The Venuto family brought the crowd to its feet dancing and singing. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Other captivating performances included the MGM Guarnera Brothers, whose lively Italian tunes had audience members dancing the tarantella. Maria Venuto also captivated the crowd with a nostalgic set of pop favorites, delivering each song with heartfelt emotion.
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The early closure significantly impacted Catholic Charities of Staten Island, as the Italian Festival serves as one of the organization’s largest annual fundraisers. The sprawling campus houses facilities with educational programs for all ages, plus a 70-year running food pantry.
Organizers said Catholic Charities of Staten Island took a significant hit with the early closure, as the Italian Festival is one of its largest annual fundraisers. They said donations are welcome at cc-si.org to foster vital programs and services.
Mount Loretto’s legacy is rooted in the compassionate vision of Father John Christopher Drumgoole, an Irish-American priest who founded the Mission of the Immaculate Virgin in the late 1800s to care for homeless and orphaned children. Seeking a healthier environment, he established Mount Loretto on Staten Island in 1883, creating a self-sustaining community where thousands of children received shelter, education, and vocational training. Today, the site continues to serve the community through Catholic Charities, preserving Drumgoole’s enduring mission of care and support.
Food trucks included a range of foods from mac ‘n’ cheese to stuffed Italian bread cones. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The fields around Mount Loretto were arranged with games of chance. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Fina’s Farmhouse presented fried fare like zeppole, French fries and croquettes. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The Mount’s Italian festival has become one of the borough’s largest food and entertainment festivals.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
You could eat your way through the Italian Festival over four days but the number of food vendors was substantial with hundreds of menu items from which to choose. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
The dining area for partakers of the food truck fare. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Judy Torres was electric on stage at the Italian festival. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
It was a bit breezy at the Italian Festival on Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025 but food vendors fed the crowds through 10 p.m.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
After Judy Torres sang and danced, her fans flocked to take photos with her. It was a thrill for many to see her up close and see the famed woman behind the legendary radio voice.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Italian doughnuts called ciambelle – ring-shaped fried dough — and bomboloni get a sprinkle of powered sugar and drizzle of chocolate. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Montalbano’s rocked the night with their very own, signature sausage made at their Rossville and Rosebank salumeria stores.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Beautiful lights and lots of laughter filled the festival. (Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Chris the Hobby Guy and Lisa with Curtis Sliwa at the Italian Festival.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
Catholic Charities’ Italian Festival at The Mount celebrated its 10th anniversary with music, food, and community spirit — but wrapped early as high winds and rain forced organizers to cancel Sunday and Monday.(Advance/SILive.com | Pamela Silvestri)
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Dining and Cooking