Hazleton UNICO’s 18th Annual Bell’Italia Festival will be held from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 11; 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 12; and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 13, at Hazle Township Community Park, 37 Pecora Blvd., Hazleton.
Northpoint is the event sponsor and is also providing free amusement rides for children. UNICO sponsors include dozens of local businesses and individuals who generously donated monetary donations, tricky trays, and their services over the past few months. UNICO thanks all of the valued sponsors who make this festival possible each year, and in turn enable UNICO to fulfill their mission: to help those in need in our local community.
T&F Tire Service and Supply Co Inc. is sponsoring this year’s entertainment, in memory of their parents, Benny and Nancy Tranguch. Benny was a faithful and active member of UNICO, dating back to the early years of UNICO’s Hazleton Chapter. So, it is UNICO’s privilege to honor the Tranguch family at the festival.
UNICO also thanks the following premier sponsors: Mericle Commercial Real Estate Services (Discover NEPA powered by Mericle), Moore & Associates, Lehigh Valley Hospital-Hazleton, Blaise Alexander, United Steel Workers Local 8567, Hayden Power, Slusser Law, Harry’s U-Pull-It, and LeadCar Toyota.
New this year is a petting zoo, complete with pony rides, cuddles with piglets, an alpaca, sheep, goats, a mini donkey, a Highland cow, rabbits, chicks, and ducks. There will be free parking and a free shuttle to and from the park sponsored by the Mazda, Honda and Hyundai dealerships. Look for signs at Honda to park and ride the free shuttle right to the park entrance.
The National Guard will be at the festival this year, with vehicles and weaponry on display, and will host free activities for children.
There will be tricky trays, including gift cards and merchandise, including two children’s bicycles.
UNICO’s Bocce Tournament was held before the festival, hosted by Eagle Rock Resort, on Aug. 29. The event was a big success, and all participants and spectators had a great day playing and watching this cherished Italian game.
Entertainment includes North of 40 on Friday night; Kartune on Saturday night; and The Legends on Sunday. Edgar Jaramillo, famous Italian tenor from New York, will perform at 1 p.m. Sunday. Jaramillo is well known across the U.S. and abroad, and is a prominent performer in the New York opera scene.
There will be a fireworks show at dusk Saturday night.
There will be around 50 crafters and food vendors, with fare including UNICO’s famous fried dough, pizza, Italian dishes, Italian-style sandwiches, homemade soups, BBQ and brisket, roasted corn, potato cakes, cheesesteaks, hot dogs, fresh hoagies, specialty coffee drinks, Greek selections, tacos, empanadas as well as sweet treats such as ice cream, funnel cakes, waffles, dumplings, freshly made Italian pastries and more.
Festival features include a traditional spaghetti-eating contest, a Best Meatball in Town contest, and a fingers tournament. To participate for prizes, message UNICO via their Facebook page, UNICO National – Hazleton Chapter, or contact any UNICO member. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to participate.
UNICO will honor area veterans with a patriotic ceremony commemorating the 25th anniversary of 9/11 at 10 a.m. Saturday. All are welcome.
UNICO National is the largest Italian American service organization in the United States and is 104 years old. The UNICO Hazleton Chapter was founded in 1950 and was the first chapter in Pennsylvania.
For a detailed schedule of activities, information about becoming a sponsor, or about the organization, visit https://unicohazleton.weebly.com or the chapter’s Facebook page.
Dining and Cooking