St. Anthony’s Festival:  Family Traditions, Family Fun

            In an era when family members are pulled in so many different directions, the St. Anthony’s Festival is a sure-fire way to bring families and friends together for a wonderful time.  On Saturday June 16th and Sunday June 17th, one block of Pomeroy St. in Cortland will be a hub of fun activities, delicious foods, musical entertainment for all ages, and, of course, meaningful traditions carried on in our area since 1905.
            The festival will begin Saturday afternoon with indoor and outdoor events.  In the Church Hall from 4 to7 P.M., there will be a Spaghetti Supper (with authentic sauce by Cortland’s great cook, Clara Pace).  The faithful will have the opportunity to experience the Mass in Italian at 5:30 PM.  Following Mass and outside on the church grounds, there will be Italian novelties, a themed basket raffle, and Italian food booths, in addition to a Silent Auction, musical entertainment by The Tribal Revival Band, and fireworks.
          Sunday events will start with the celebratory 9:30 A.M. Mass, featuring a hymn in Italian sung by thirteen monks followed by benediction.  Immediately after, the Old Timers Band will lead the traditional procession around Cortland’s East Side. “Grow with St. Anthony’s Family,” the theme of this year’s Sunday morning procession, emphasizes opportunities for spiritual growth and fellowship in St. Anthony’s rich parish life.  The procession also includes beautiful religious floats, the statue of St. Anthony and his ornate banner from Italy, the thirteen monks and other parish children, colorful Italian regional banners by local artist Mario Venturini, parish organizations, Italian folk costumes, accordion player Armando Natale, and parishioners at large. 
            After the procession returns to St. Anthony’s, Sunday festival activities will begin at 12:30 P.M.  on the grounds of the church at 50 Pomeroy Street.  Throughout the day, families and friends can sit under the big tent to enjoy mouth-watering meals of ethnic foods such as verze e fagioli (greens & beans) and pasta e fagioli (pasta & beans) or St. Anthony’s delectable sausage and peppers, followed by pizza fritta (fried dough) and other dolci (sweets).  Youngsters may prefer fare from the kids’ food booth before they participate in the kids’ games and Bounce House.  Events such as the Silent Auction, the themed basket raffle, and our annual raffle will give those attending a chance to win some great prizes.  An additional event that takes place on Sunday is the famous St. Anthony’s Cake Wheel.  Place a chance on a winning number to win a delicious homemade cake or other Italian dolci.
            Festival goers will be entertained by a variety of musical performances all day.  Inside St. Anthony’s, local high school choral groups will perform.  On the stage outdoors, the audience will enjoy contemporary groups, and the annual concert of marches, standards, classical numbers, and Broadway show tunes by the Old Timers Band.
            Please visit our website at www.saintanthonysfestival.org  for updates about this year’s festival, including ethnic foods, Silent Auction items, family-friendly activities, and the indoor and outdoor entertainment schedule.
              For two days of experiencing beloved traditions, eating great food, enjoying quality family time, seeing old friends and making new ones, and enjoying entertainment for all ages, don’t miss this year’s St. Anthony’s Festival.  Buon divertimento alla festa!  Have a great time at the festival!