STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A weekend of excitement and entertainment awaits Staten Island at Casa Belvedere’s 13th Annual Fall Festival and Italian Exotic Car Show on the grounds of the Italian cultural center on Grymes Hill Saturday, Oct. 12 and Sunday, Oct. 13.
It’s geared for the entire family — a celebration of Italian culture, luxury, and community and is packed with activities for all ages:
Exotic Italian Classic & Performance Vehicles: Attendees can feast their eyes on breathtaking and powerful cars. Whether you’re a car enthusiast or just love the spectacle of luxury, cars like Ferrari, Masarati, Lamborghini, Alfa Romeo, Fiat and others, will be displayed.
A 1963 Alfa Romeo Guilietta Sprint Speciale on display during the Festa D’Italia and Motori D’Italia Festival at Casa Belvedere several years back. (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons)Staten Island Advance
A 1915 Lancia Theta on display during the Festa D’Italia and Motori D’Italia Festival at Casa Belvedere several years back. (Staten Island Advance/ Bill Lyons)Staten Island Advance
Continuous Live Music: Versatile performances will take place throughout the day.
Vocalist/entertainer, Francesca Cavaliere, performs for the crowd at the annual event. (Courtesy/Casa Belvedere)Staten Island Advance
Italian Food & Specialty Vendors: Try authentic Italian cuisine from a variety of vendors who will serve up everything from classic dishes to gourmet specialties like sausage and peppers, panini, arancini (rice balls), zeppole, Italian pastries and other favorites.
Authentic Italian gourmet food will be provided at the festival. (Courtesy/Casa Belvedere)Staten Island Advance
Contemporary Art Exhibit: Works of art in Casa Belvedere’s exhibit will showcase talented local and international artists.
Rock Climbing, Kid’s Zone & Pumpkin Patch: On tap will be rock climbing, carnival games, and a pumpkin patch.
Prizes: On hand will also be raffle prizes and contests galore filled with exciting giveaways.
New this year: A Taste of Italy Expo where folks can head up to the Galleria (second floor) of Casa Belvedere on Saturday and Sunday to indulge in Italian flavors at its inaugural Taste of Italy Expo.
Complimentary Taste of Italy samplings: Everyone is invited to sample complimentary products from Italian brands, including: DeCecco pasta, Ferraro Foods, Lioni Mozzarella, Mionetto Prosecco, Peroni & Moretti Beer, Tenuta Torciano Wines, Ace Endico Cured Meats; Colavita Olive Oils & Vinegars and many others.
PROCEEDS CONTRIBUTE TO PROGRAMS AT CASA BELVEDERE
Proceeds from the festival benefit Casa Belvedere’s College-Bound Scholarship Fund and supports its myriad ongoing arts, cultural and educational programs.
Additionally, a portion of the proceeds are earmarked for On Your Mark, an organization that provides essential services to individuals with developmental disabilities.
TICKETS AND PARKING
Tickets for adults are priced at $10. Children under 10 years of age will be admitted free of charge.
There’s free parking at Wagner College with ongoing shuttle service to and from the Wagner College parking lot to Casa Belvedere.
And parking at Notre Dame Academy across the street from Casa Belvedere is $10.
A LITTLE ABOUT CASA BELVEDERE
Founded in 2009, Casa Belvedere is dedicated to preservation at its core, inasmuch as its mission is to preserve and celebrate the rich heritage of all things authentically Italian, while safeguarding the history and beauty of the 1908 Roebling-Stirn mansion, which is proudly called “Casa,” home.