Borough President Oddo is pleased to announce the entertainment schedule for this year’s Festa Italiana at the Mount: The Biggest Columbus Day Celebration in Staten Island’s History. The festival will take place at Mount Loretto on Friday, October 6th from 5-11pm, Saturday, October 7th from 1-11pm, and Sunday, October 8th from 4-9pm.
The opening night will feature a “decades concert” that showcases music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Local bands Airtite, Illegally Blind and Radio Daze will perform.
Saturday’s entertainment includes local artists Charlie Romo, Vinnie Medugno, and Alex Leonard, who will all perform hits made famous by Italian and Italian-American musicians and/or songwriters. Throughout the day, there will also be performances by the Susan Wagner High School Marching Band, Candice Guardino and her Italian Bred Comedy Show, the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company, and the Giglio Band. Alfonso’s Bakery will also be sponsoring their Second Annual Cannoli eating contest.
All of this will lead up to the returning headliner, Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses, who will take the main stage at 6:30pm on Saturday. The performance is sponsored by Lois and Richard Nicotra.
Rounding out the weekend on Sunday, there will be a live performance by the Italian-American Band R3, as well as performances by local musicians.
Over the course of the three-day event, guests will be able to enjoy delicious food, rides and attractions, carnival games, and vendors. On Saturday, there will be educational displays from local cultural groups, including the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, the National Lighthouse Museum, NYC Compost Project/Snug Harbor, Historic Richmond Town, Capodanno Lodge, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Catholic Charities to present a festival that celebrates so many aspects of Italian and Italian-American culture,” noted BP Oddo. “It truly will be the biggest Columbus Day celebration in our borough’s history. All are welcome to join in the fun, enjoy some tasty treats, learn about our history, and listen to world class music this Columbus Day weekend.”
Additional sponsors include Senator Diane Savino, Broadway Stages, Richmond University Medical Center, Mark Tranchina/Vanderbilt/Grand Oaks/South Fin, Project One, Gerald Peters Gold Mine Jewelers, HealthFirst, and the Italian American Women of Staten Island.
“It’s a privilege to join forces with my good friend and Borough President Jim Oddo,” said Vincent Ignizio, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. “We’ve made this event even bigger than year and are looking forward to celebrating Columbus Day with the Staten Island community.”
Admission will be a $5 donation for adults. Children under 12 will be admitted free. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the programs at Mount Loretto. Parking will also be free for the event.
Limited vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit mountloretto.org, text the word “MOUNT” to the number 313131, or call (718) 490-5023.
The opening night will feature a “decades concert” that showcases music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. Local bands Airtite, Illegally Blind and Radio Daze will perform.
Saturday’s entertainment includes local artists Charlie Romo, Vinnie Medugno, and Alex Leonard, who will all perform hits made famous by Italian and Italian-American musicians and/or songwriters. Throughout the day, there will also be performances by the Susan Wagner High School Marching Band, Candice Guardino and her Italian Bred Comedy Show, the Staten Island Shakespearean Theatre Company, and the Giglio Band. Alfonso’s Bakery will also be sponsoring their Second Annual Cannoli eating contest.
All of this will lead up to the returning headliner, Louis Prima Jr. and the Witnesses, who will take the main stage at 6:30pm on Saturday. The performance is sponsored by Lois and Richard Nicotra.
Rounding out the weekend on Sunday, there will be a live performance by the Italian-American Band R3, as well as performances by local musicians.
Over the course of the three-day event, guests will be able to enjoy delicious food, rides and attractions, carnival games, and vendors. On Saturday, there will be educational displays from local cultural groups, including the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, the National Lighthouse Museum, NYC Compost Project/Snug Harbor, Historic Richmond Town, Capodanno Lodge, Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America, and the Federated Garden Clubs of New York State.
“We’re thrilled to partner with Catholic Charities to present a festival that celebrates so many aspects of Italian and Italian-American culture,” noted BP Oddo. “It truly will be the biggest Columbus Day celebration in our borough’s history. All are welcome to join in the fun, enjoy some tasty treats, learn about our history, and listen to world class music this Columbus Day weekend.”
Additional sponsors include Senator Diane Savino, Broadway Stages, Richmond University Medical Center, Mark Tranchina/Vanderbilt/Grand Oaks/South Fin, Project One, Gerald Peters Gold Mine Jewelers, HealthFirst, and the Italian American Women of Staten Island.
“It’s a privilege to join forces with my good friend and Borough President Jim Oddo,” said Vincent Ignizio, CEO of Catholic Charities of Staten Island. “We’ve made this event even bigger than year and are looking forward to celebrating Columbus Day with the Staten Island community.”
Admission will be a $5 donation for adults. Children under 12 will be admitted free. Proceeds raised from the event will benefit the programs at Mount Loretto. Parking will also be free for the event.
Limited vendor and sponsorship opportunities are still available. For more information, visit mountloretto.org, text the word “MOUNT” to the number 313131, or call (718) 490-5023.
