TAPPAN, N.Y.––The Rockland Lodge 2176 of the Sons of Italy will host the 8th Annual Blauvelt Sons of Italy Italian Feast and Carnival at Tappan Masonic Park Fair Grounds, Sept. 14-17.
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The event draws thousands of people from around the Tri-State area during the spectacular four-day celebration of all things Italian and has been recognized as one of the biggest events in Rockland County. More information can be found at www.blauveltsonsofitaly.org.
“Whether you want to learn to dance the tarantella, listen to Italian favorites sung from the stage, enjoy sausage and peppers or just enjoy a day of rides and games with the kids, the Rockland Lodge 2176 Annual Italian Feast and Carnival is a sensory extravaganza unlike any other in the county,” stated Lodge President Michael Guzzino.
Admission is $5 for adults and free for kids under 12.
The feast features an amazing array of Italian food, main dishes such as sausage and peppers, brick oven pizza made right on site, a huge variety of pasta dishes and seafood specialties, a section devoted entirely to barbecue favorites, as well as delicious Italian desserts and pastries including zeppoles, cannolis and sfogliatella, Italian ices and ice cream as well as typical carnival fare such as kettle corn, cotton candy, chicken and lamb kabobs and more. Beer and wine are available each day.
The Italian feast offers a separate area with rides and carnival games for all ages. From carousels, teacup and dinosaur rides for the little ones, to an enormous Ferris wheel, gravity defying Pirate Ship, and dizzying octopus whip and the challenge of a mechanical bull for teens and adults, there is a thrill ride for every member of the family. Carnival games include fishing and ring toss type games for the younger ones to more challenging games of skill for older attendees. Carnival bracelets, which offer a discount, are available at the gate each day.
For adults over 21, the Italian feast features a casino with tables for blackjack and poker as well as wheels of chance. Located inside the pavilion, the casino comes alive each night.
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More than 50 vendors are on site each year at the feast selling items such as jewelry, home goods, hand-made artwork and clothing including Italian culture themed items such “gravy or sauce” T-shirts and sweatshirts, hats and more featuring the Italian flag and outline of Italy. Every year the feast features hand-rolled cigars made right on site while you wait.
The four-day festival is also a showcase for area talent and the live entertainment. The schedule changes right up until the week of the feast and updates can be found on the Sons of Italy website at www.blauveltsonsofitaly.org.
Hours for the festival are Thursday 5-11 p.m.; Friday 5 p.m. to midnight; Saturday 11 a.m. to midnight and Sunday will begin with an outdoor mass at 10:30 a.m. and the festival will be open from noon until 9 p.m.
The festival takes place at Masonic Park, located at 89 Western Highway in Tappan, N.Y. Updated information can be found on the Sons of Italy website at www.blauveltsonsofitaly.org.