This Saturday, September 22, DelGrosso’s Amusement Park presents its 13th annual Italian Food Festival, sharing a bit of Europe with Northern Blair County. Whether its for the food, authentic Italian music and entertainment, or simply for the chance to get together to share in the richness of the Italian heritage. Actually, it’s the food.
From classics like lasagna and Italian wedding soup to gnocchi, rigatoni in zesty tomato vodka cream sauce and chicken parmesan.
DelGrosso spokesperson Tom Riley noted that the event was originally the brain-child of DelGrosso patriarch, the late Ferdinand (Fred) DelGrosso.
“He wanted it to be a day when people could get together and enjoy Italian food, fellowship and entertainment,” Riley said. It has grown every year and this year Riley said the festival will have a few new offerings, including cold and creamy European Gelato from The Frozen Cow as well as cappucino and espresso. Angelo Pacifico and Sons Bakery will be on hand with their much loved specialty breads and pepperoni bread.
Besides DelGrosso’s, who will serve their menu from pavilion no. 2, the Tyrone Elks will be preparing stuffed shells and festival guests can dig in to sausage sandwiches and pasta faioli from the Buccinese Society. Our Lady of Mount Carmel Social Committee will be dishing out deserts and Joephine Risoldi is making hot pizelles. Don’t forget the Italian love cake and pizza frittas from the DelGrosso’s kitchen.
Besides the aroma of all that wonderful food, the air will also be filled with the sounds of Italy. Dr. Joseph Bentivenga, George Pacifico, Guido Zambotti Philadelphia’s popular Italian-American duo —The Sounds of Europa, are set to take visitors on a musical tour of the old country as they sample Saturday’s selections.
Riley said that 3,000 to 4,000 people turn out for the special occasion and expects this year to be no different. “The food and fun start at 11 a.m.,” Riley said. “Besides, with an all-day ride pass guests can enjoy a round of Championship Golf or Speedway G-Karts. As always, admission and parking are free. It’s a wonderful way to spend the day and take part in the centuries old Italian culture.”
