St. Liberata Italian Festival Saturday, September 28

This Saturday, September 28, all along Main Street between 12 Noon and 6 PM, the Greater Patchogue Chamber Foundation will be holding our Annual St. Liberata Italian Festival.

This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever, with more Italian specialty food, music and family activities for all to enjoy.

Though a relatively recent annual event in its current format, the Patchogue St. Liberata Festival has a rich history. Dating back to the 1940’s, this festival has its origins to a thriving Italian immigrant community centered around Waverly Avenue, that would gather annual to commemorate their homeland, as well as their love of their new home in Patchogue. Today, many decedents of these families remain as active community leaders, including our Mayor, Paul Pontieri.

Another such community leader is this year’s Italian American of the Year, John Ferrante. John, a long standing, active member of the Patchogue Fire Department, is also one of a handful of individuals responsible in reviving the St. Liberata celebration. Sometime in the 1990’s John decided it was time to have a gathering of the families of the old Waverly Avenue Community. While expecting maybe a few dozen to attend, this reunion attracted hundreds that then became another annual event. Through these reunions it was learned that the original St. Liberata Statue was still intact and in a local basement.

From this discovery came the current St. Liberata Italian Festival on Main Street, now in its 6th year. The St. Liberata Festival is now one of our community’s most popular celebrations where everyone is Italian for the day. The Festival will start at 12 Noon with a traditional Parade and Procession of the Saint that includes an authentic Italian Marching Band. The day will include three stages of music and entertainment and over a dozen of our fine local Main Street Restaurants coming out to the street with their exceptional cuisine, including Zeppoles, Canoles and other popular Italian specialties.

Another popular activity will be the Annual Bocce Ball Tournament. This year the tournament is the most competitive yet, with 16 teams competing for the Crown of Bocce Ball Champions of Patchogue.  This year the Bocce Ball Courts will be located on property just east of the Bargain Bilge on Main Street (near intersection with West Avenue.) There are a few openings left so contact the Chamber Office (207-1000) soon if you are interested.

Please visit our facebook page for updated information.

All in all, Saturday’s St. Liberata festival will be a fun-filled day for the entire family. Hope to see you all there. Buona Fortuna!