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Old World Tradition
ON THE INSIDE The latest happenings in our area Page 2
September 8, 2016
It’s Felittese time in Old Forge
by Caitlin West STAFF WRITER
An Old World tradition continues in the New World of Old Forge this weekend with the 29th edition of the Felittese Festival. The annual celebration of Our Lady of Constantinople will take place Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 10 p.m. at the Felittese fairgrounds, 145 Third St. It carries on a tradition brought to Old Forge by immigrants from Felitto, Italy, which holds its own celebration at the same time as the borough’s, said John Saleski, a member of the Felittese Association’s board of directors. While Old Forge’s original Felittese celebration ceased around World War II, he said, locals revived it nearly three decades ago, and it continues to go strong with its mix of traditional Italian food, live entertainment and religious reverence. It brings back a lot of old memories for people, too, Saleski said. They might run into others they don’t see regularly. “We also get a lot of people that come from all over the United States that come here to get back to their roots, people that have family in the area,” he said. “It’s usually a good time.” Several thousand people turn out each night, Saleski estimated, and organizers start preparing the food in June. He said the group already had 4,500 meatballs, 600 pounds of tripe and about 700 pounds of sofrito ready to go a little more than a week before the festival’s opening. And in the days just preceding it, they start cooking porketta and preparing peppers. The festival also has a pastry tent, where visitors can find homemade cannoli. Saleski said the traditional, creamy dessert “are a pretty big seller.” As they empty their plates and fill their bellies, visitors can check out the night’s entertainment, which will include The Luongo Brothers on Friday from 6-10 p.m., Fuzzy Park Band on Saturday from 6-9 and Sweet Pepper and the Long Hots on Sunday from 5-9. On Sunday at 9 a.m., the festival will hold
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Organizers include, from left, front row: Christine Mordente Gibson and Marie Mordent. Second row: Jim Moran, Bob Calpin, Louis Terruso and Chris Guida. Back row: Charles Saleski, Kevin Calpin and Brian Guida.
its fifth annual Race for Our Lady of Constantinople, a 5K race and fun walk that begins at the Old Forge High School football field, 301 First St., and ends at the chapel on the fairgrounds. As it takes place on the 15th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, this year’s run/ walk will honor first responders. Participants can register in advance or on the day of the race for $20, and proceeds will benefit Our Lady of Constantinople Chapel, Prince of Peace Parish and local charities. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Sunday. Awards will be given to first- and second-place runners in several age categories and for the oldest and youngest male and female participants, while walkers will receive ribbons. Italian baked goods and refreshments will be served after the race. Felittese Association president Lou Terruso said people have responded well to the 5K since its inception. “There’s a lot of competition now with the repeat runners,” he said. Also on Sunday, the festival will begin the
traditional procession of the statue of Our Lady of Constantinople after the 10 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church, Lawrence and West Grace streets. The group will walk from the church to the Our Lady of Constantinople Chapel at the fairgrounds. “It’s the kind of a thing that brings you back to your heritage, when you started as a kid, and your grandparents,” Saleski said. “What they used to do is they would gather on the chapel grounds here, and everyone would bring a covered dish. … [Now] it’s kind of a little party and religious thing all wrapped into one.” IF YOU GO What: 29th annual Felittese Festival When: Friday and Saturday, Sept. 9 and 10, from 5-10 p.m. and Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 10 p.m. Where: Felittese Fairgrounds, 145 Third St., Old Forge Details: Visit Facebook.com/FelitteseAssociation. For race information or a registration form, email LTerruso@comcast.net, call 570498-0178 or visit the Facebook page.