Benvenuti Italia
Italian American Heritage in Buffalo goes back a long way - back to when the first Italian immigrants stepped foot on U.S soil up until today. Starting in 1976 on Connecticut Street, as a tradition to remember Italian heritage, faith, and customs, Buffalo's Italian Festival continues the celebration each year. Many people don't know that it wasn't until 1988 that the festival picked up and moved to its current location, Hertel Avenue in North Buffalo.
Now the festival is more "festive" than ever. With thousands of people coming to enjoy it each year, the festival is the 2nd largest Italian Street Festival in the country.
This summer the festival has a variety of entertainment to offer. The Ilio DiPaolo Italian Heritage Hall offers a new theme in Italian culture, a variety of Italian foods, and local and national talent for everyone's enjoyment. Also, local members of the Italian American community are honored each year for their contributions to the society. '"Flags of Fame" are attached to all of the lamp posts on Hertel in recognition of each achievement.
Another exciting event is the third year "Italian Idol" contest, sponsored by Budwey's Supermarket. This contest is held in memory of Jalana Palma, a beautiful and enthusiastic 16-year old who tragically died of meningitis in October 2000. Much like the popular "American Idol" contest, contestants must be a minimum of 13 years of age and are required to send in a 2-3 minute tape or CD, demonstrating their ability. Applications can be found on www.buffaloitalianfestival.com/events.htm, along with the address for the applications to be sent.
Miss Italian Festival, Jessica Limina, along with alternates Victoria Chwalinski and Genna Brown, will strut their stuff along Hertel every day of the festival. This year's Miss Italian Festival is held in memory of Tony Miceli, a compassionate man who never complained and always put others in front of himself. Tony's family is giving a memorial scholarship to the Miss Italian Festival recipient in order to help out the winner and keep Tony's memory alive.
The Bocce Open Tournament, a charity event sponsored by Mineo & Sapio Italian Sausage, will take place July 19th at 11:00 am. All teams consists of four members, one being the team captain. Games will be played to a sixteen-point win, while the championship game will be played to 21 points. An application can be found on the website and team captains are contacted with the rules of the game and a schedule.
Also, Mr. Russell Salvatore has sponsored the "Salvatore Scholarships" that will be awarded to three outstanding Italian American students.
The show schedule is as follows:
Thursday, July 17, 2008 6:00 - 7:00 pm Opening Ceremonies 7:00 - 7:15 pm Sorrento Cheese Building Contest 7:15 - 8:15 pm Joanne Paladino & Sons 8:30 - 10:00 pm The Gaylords
Friday, July 18, 2008 Noon - 4:00 pm TBA 4:45 - 6:00 pm The Formula Band 6:30 - 8:15 pm Bella Buscarino & The Infinity School 8:30 - 10:00 pm Mike Costley w/ Special Guest Gary Syracuse
Saturday, July 19, 2008 Noon - 1:30 pm TBA 2:00 - 3:00 pm Jalana Palma Italian Idol 3:00 - 4:15 pm San Glovanni Dancers 4:45 - 6:00 pm Exit 6:30 - 8:00 pm McHayes 8:30 - 10:00 pm Dancing Under the Stars w/ Jim Tudini
Sunday, July 20, 2008 9:30 am Italian Billingual Mass 1:00 pm San Glovanni Dancers 2:00 - 3:00 pm Jalana Palma Italian Idol 3:45 - 4:45 pm Ashley Amoia 5:00 - 6:15 pm TBA 6:30 - 7:50 pm The Billy McEwen Band 8:30 - 10:00 pm Junction West
Visit Buffaloitalianfestival.com for more information on all of the food, music, and events. The Italian Festival Board, as always, has worked very hard to make this year a success. So, make your way over to Hertel for a fun filled Italian good time.
Be sure to check out the Italian Flag Thrower movie from last year's festival!
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TranspoGuy
"Miss Italian Festival, Victoria Chwalinski"
That might be the least Italian last name I have ever heard, pretty comical though.
Does anyone have any attendance figures for the Italian Festival? I would be curious to know where it ranks in terms of attendance against other local summer events (Allentown Art Fest, Taste of Buff, etc...)
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