Italian Fest shows off the best culture, cuisine of Italy

UPPER PROVIDENCE » Rain came here and there during the cloudy day, but not enough to dampen the spirits and fun at the Ninth Annual Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park on Sunday. Origi- nally set for June 3, the event, hosted by The Co- alition of Italian Ameri- can Organizations of Dela- ware County (CIAO Delco) was postponed to June 10 because of the park’s saturated grounds on the original date.

Hundreds of ItalianAmericans and lovers of Italian culture came out for the day to enjoy Italian food, dancers, live music, games, an Italian car show, Italian authors, bocce, and a multitude of activities for children and adults all afternoon.

“This is always a wonderful day,” said Nick Rapagnani, member of CIAO Delco and one of the organizers of the event. “I am happy to see so many families out today enjoying themselves. This is really, what it’s all about.”

Performers included 15-year-old award-winning singer Donnah Lisa Campbell, accordionist/singer Moreno Fruzzetti, oneman-band Nick Desiderio, and opera singers Joshua Graves and Heidi Starr, as well as the Neglia Band and Coro Gabriele D’Annunzio.

In addition to the entertainment on stage, the festival featured a line of notable dignitaries, including local government officials, judges and community leaders, as well as special guest 6-ABC Action News veteran Cathy Gandolfo. Mary Lou Koch and Melissa Cannavo-Marino were the masters of ceremonies who emceed the event.

Dozens of food vendors enticed attendees with food and desserts and the aroma of Italian food was heavy in the air. Vendors, many whose names are synonymous with excellent Italian cuisine, had non-stop lines of hungry customers.

CIAO Delco was formed to promote the vitality and longevity of Italian-American culture and consists of the following organizations: Associazione Regionale Abruzzese Delco; Justinian Society; Associazione Regionale Abruzzese of the Delaware Valley; Sons and Daughters of Italy; Christopher Columbus Memorial Association; Filitalia Delco Chapter; Saint Anthony DiPadova Society; and LaSocieta Da Vinci; with Widener and Neumann Universities as associate members.

Sponsors of this year’s Italian American Heritage Festival included PECO, Cento, Neumann University, Wilmington University, DELALLO, Farmers Insurance, Carman Fiat, Widener University, Ariano restaurant, Coldwell Bankers, Springfield Country Club, Crozier Keystone Health Systems, Lawns for Less Landscaping, Catania & Parker, LLP, Maserati of the Main Line, Danjolell Funeral Home, Citadel, Rosa and Devon Wealth Management.

For more information, visit ciaodelco.org/.

PEG DEGRASSA – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA The Raspa family gathers at Rose Tree Park to enjoy the food, fun and music at Delaware County’s Italian American Heritage Festival Sunday. Family members include, on left side of picnic table, Lexy Raspa of Edgmont, Liza Raspa of Edgmont, Sophia Mele of Havertown, Mary Mele of Havertown and Lea Spitaleri of Philadelphia, on the right side, Paula and Christian Raspa of Havertown, Lizette Raspa of Edgmont, Vincent Raspa of Broomall, Rita Raspa of Broomall and Joe Spitaleri of Philadelphia.

PEG DEGRASSA – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA Friends Michele Deery, Kate Linehan, Candice Linehan and Marty and Denise Wusinich spend Sunday afternoon enjoying the food, music and activities at the Ninth Annual Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park.

Members of the Saint Anthony diPadova Society, founded in 1922, a fraternal and charitable organization dedicated to preserving Italian traditions and customs, stand by the statue of Saint Anthony, always an attraction at the Italian American Heritage Festival in Rose Tree Park. PEG DEGRASSA – DIGITAL FIRST MEDIA

PEG DEGRASSA – DFM Mary Lafferty of Newtown Square, left, is surrounded by her daughter Colleen Lafferty, her sister Sue Stephan and her grandson Nate Lafferty at the Ninth Annual Italian Heritage Festival at Rose Tree Park. The day brought families together to enjoy Italian food, culture and car show.