Tag Archives: summer

La Festa Italiana Celebrates 40th Year

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As La Festa Italiana celebrates its 40th year, the annual end-of-summer festival in downtown Scranton is expanding its schedule by opening on Friday evening for the very first time.

La Festa take place over Labor Day weekend—Friday through Monday, Septe. 4 – 7—on the Courthouse Square in the heart of the city. The event hours are: Friday, 4-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Monday, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. As usual, more than 80 vendors will be offering great Italian food, and continuous live entertainment will be featured on multiple stages around the square. There is no admission charge.

This year’s event also coincides with First Friday in the city, giving visitors a full array of entertainment, culinary and cultural activities at nearby venues—all within walking distance.

La Festa’s inaugural Friday night will feature one of the festival’s most popular acts, the Duprees, who will perform on the main stage at 7 p.m.  The Duprees are well known for their romantic interpretations of beautiful love songs. They have made a career out of giving new life to old hits. Starting out in the early 60’s, in Jersey City  the Duprees were discovered by George Paxton of Coed Records and former big band leader. Impressed with their smooth vocal quality, he had them record Jo Stafford’s 50’s ballad “You Belong To Me” with big band arrangements. It was an instant national hit and the group’s first million seller.

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La Festa Italiana will conclude with a superb act that will be making its debut performance at the event—the Bronx Wanderers. The group will hit the stage on Monday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. Consisting of a father and his two sons, the Bronx Wanderers are living the American rock n’ roll dream by performing 50’s, 60’s and 70’s hits, including a tribute to Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons.

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A variety of other continuous live entertainment for both young and old tastes will be presented on the Mohegan Sun Main Stage, the ShopRite Picnic Tent Stage, the Spruce Street Stage and the Children’s Stage each day.

Among the many other acts that will perform are the famous Poets, Italian tenor Christopher Macchio, comedian Uncle Floyd, Ray Massa’s EuroRhythms from Ohio, Chris DiMattio’s tribute to Sinatra, a Connie Francis tribute featuring Nikki Rasmus, Deano Noto’s tribute to Billy Joel, Los Vega New York Italian Show Band, the Italian Continentals, the Magics, Gene Dempsey Orchestra, Paul LaBelle’s Exact Change, country recording artist Dani-Elle plus many others including jugglers, magicians, street acts, cooking demonstrations, favorite local bands and dance groups.

The annual Mass in Italian will be held at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Sept. 6, in St. Peter’s Cathedral, located one block from the festival site. Reverend David Cappelloni, La Festa chaplain, will be the principal celebrant. The Most Reverend Joseph C. Bambera, D.D., J.C.L., Bishop of Scranton, will preside and give the homily. The Mass will also be televised live by CTV, Catholic Television of the Diocese of Scranton. Fireworks will be displayed on Sunday night.

A new tradition will also continue this year. While Coney Island has its hot dog eating contest, and Philadelphia is the site for Wing Bowl, La Festa will crown a Cannoli Eating Champion. The contest will take place at 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 7  in front of the main stage.

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In celebration of La Festa Italiana’s 40th year and the City of Scranton’s 150th birthday, two local yoga studios are hosting special events to benefit the Children’s Advocacy Center. On the festival’s opening night, Friday, Sept. 4, at 7 p.m., Jaya Yoga Studio is holding “Glowga On The Square,” a one-hour event—taught with glow sticks—on the grass near the fountains on the North Washington Ave. side of the Square. Then on Saturday, Sept. 5, Mind Body Spirit Co-op will lead a session at 11 a.m. on the grass. Participants are asked to meet in front of the stage on Linden St. on Courthouse Square.

For both events, all levels and children are welcome. Recommended donation is $10 per person. All proceeds will go to the Children’s Advocacy Center. Checks should be made out to La Festa Italiana; credit cards also accepted. Participants for both events are asked to register at the merchandise tent on North Washington Ave.

For more information and the complete entertainment schedule, visit www.lafestaitaliana.org.

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La Festa Italiana will literally hit the ground running with the James R. Minicozzi Memorial 5K Run/Walk on Saturday, Sept. 5. The race is being sponsored by the Scranton Chapter of UNICO, the Italian-American service organization, and proceeds will benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Pre-registration for the race must be received by Aug. 27 by contacting Jack Trapani at (570) 878-3780 or unico5k@gmail.com by or sending the $20 entrance fee by check made out to UNICO National Scranton Chapter, P.O. Box 278, Dunmore, PA 18512. Registration will also be accepted the day of the race from 8-9:30 a.m.

Festival patrons are also invited to Lackawanna Railfest ’15, hosted by the nearby Steamtown National Historic Site Sept. 5-6. Shuttle transportation will be provided between La Festa and Steamtown. For details on Railfest, visit www.nps.gov/stea.

Sherwood Park Prepares for Annual Summer Festival

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By Steve Svetovich

Sherwood Youth Association will host their annual Dunmore Summer Festival this month. (Photo Credit: Sherwood Youth)

Sherwood Youth Association will host their annual Dunmore Summer Festival this month. (Photo Credit: Sherwood Youth)

The Sherwood Park Youth Association will hold its third annual Dunmore Summer Festival on August 13, 14 and 15 at Sherwood Park.

Robert Plappert, president of the Dunmore Sherwood Youth Association, is chairperson for the event. Trish Fedor is co-chairperson and is in charge of the vendors for this year’s festival

“It has been a big success the past two years,” said Fedor. “All of the money goes directly back to Sherwood Park. We now have a splash pad which is going to be a favorite at the park. The children and their parents love it. It is going to be a big attraction.

“We are hoping this year’s festival will be a big success once again. We are ready to go.”

Matt Fedor is Vice President of the Sherwood Park Youth Association. Jeanne Jarrow is secretary. Susan Brace is treasurer.

“There will be a lot of different vendors, games, good food and bands. We are fully expecting a huge turnout,” said Fedor. “This has become an annual event to bring people together in Dunmore and at the same time raise funds for Sherwood Park.”

The event will be held from 5-11 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, August 13 and 14, and from 4-11 p.m. on Saturday, August 15.

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The musical entertainment will begin On August 13 with The Fabulous Fortunes, playing classic rock from the 50s through the 90s. The popular group has performed several decades in the Scranton Wilkes-Barre area, New York City and New York State and Pocono Mountains. The band has also performed at Scranton’s annual La Festa Italiana since its inception and regularly performs at local picnics and fairs and Nay Aug Park.

Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax will perform on August 14. Known for their multi-use of horns and percussions, Daddy-O and the Sax Maniax have been a popular group for decades performing in various clubs and local picnics in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas.

Dashboard Mary will perform on August 15. A classic rock band, this group features several Dunmore natives and residents who are looking forward to performing at Sherwood Park. The group has been performing for many years in clubs and venues in the Scranton and Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas.

The list of food items include pizza, sausage and peppers, pierogies, halushki, porketta, pizza fritta, potato pancakes, cotton candy, popcorn, chicken barbecue, pasta fagiole, clams, hot dogs, corn, various ethnic foods, delicious baked goods, cake and brownies. There will be cold drinks, including beer, water and soda.

Fedor said there will be rides and games for children, horse and pony rides, and tons of entertainment.

UNICO, always an important part of the festivities, will be in attendance once again. There will be information on UNICO available to the public just as there has been in previous years.

“The people of Dunmore keep asking for it back. We will continue making it a big event,” said Fedor. “We want it to be successful for those who attend and for the park.”

Trish Fedor and everyone involved are working hard to make this a successful, annual event. It brings money to the park and unity to the borough.

“People look forward to seeing everyone here,” said Fedor. “Sometimes you run into somebody you have not seen in years. The people of Dunmore and surrounding areas really look forward to this. We try to make it special, a fun time for everybody.”

Dunmore Seniors Busy in Summer Months

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By Steve Svetovich

The Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe, located at 1414 Monroe Avenue, has been buzzing in the summer months.

A highlight in July was the Dunmore Small Business Days and Open House. The event was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 18. There were free refreshments and door prizes during the three-hour event.

Big Bingo, with the winner taking all was held at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8. All monies collected were given out in prizes. The more who played, the better the prizes. Regular bingo continues every Monday.

Janine Holder of the Attorney General’s Office came to the Dunmore Activity Hub at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8  Her discussion was very informative and helpful to the seniors.

The Farmer’s Market Voucher Day was held Tuesday, July 14. Lunch was served during the event.

The Site Council meeting was held at 10 a.m on Tuesday, July 21. Seats were open on the Council at that time.

Congressman Matt Cartwright’s office personnel were at the Dunmore Activity Hub on Wednesday, July 29. The staff discussed senior citizen issues.

The Wii Bowling Tournament began on Tuesday, July 7, and will run through the rest of the summer months. The winner with the highest total score and the winner with the highest total average will receive $25 certificates. If you miss a day, you can make it up on a Friday.

Other activities held in the Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe in July included crafts, speakers, chair exercise group, Bible Study, Wii Brain Academy, Blood Pressure alternate Tuesdays, volunteer time stretching, oil painting, yoga and Stretchin’ with Gretchen.

State Representatives Farina and Flynn also hosted a shredding event from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, July 18 at at Scranton High School. The event was open to all.

Jeanne Hugenbruch is executive director of the Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe. “Enjoy the summer weather and keep on joining us for the summer activities at the Hub,” she said. “We have a lot to offer.”

Shirley Martinelli is reservationist at the Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe. Carol Angerson is lead volunteer. Lottie Collins is site council president. Toni Powell is kitchen coordinator.

For more information on the Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe and its programs, call 570-207-2662. The Fax number is 570-207-2640.

The Dunmore Activity Hub and Cafe for Seniors is a non-profit agency supported in part through the Lackawanna County Area on Aging, the Dunmore borough and the fundraising efforts of the Senior Site Council and the Board of Directors.