The Sons of Italy, Cellini Lodge No. 2206 Italian Festival in New Hyde Park garnered a solid turnout during its five-day run at Michael J. Tully Park last week. According to Lodge First Vice President Alfonso Squillante, the annual festival had more 1,500 people each day, with 3,200 people on Saturday night for the fireworks display.
“We’ve had a great turnout, the community has responded very positively,” said Squillante. “Last year we had 12,000 people over the course of five days and this year we are looking at record-breaking numbers.”
Squillante said that all the booths at the event have been packed, with people lining up to try many of the pasta dishes that are offered and some of the best zeppoles on Long Island.
“There have been incredible lines for our pasta booths and also our great pastry booths and even for our coffee vendors.”
The scrumptious Italian food was not the only attraction at the festival, as the numerous rides and colorful carnival gaming booths stuffed with oversized toy animals were also popular choices.
“I bought $150 worth of tickets to satisfy my two kids for the day,” said Maria Anzalone, who came to the festival on Saturday with her son, Michael and daughter, Andrea. “They saw the Gravitron ride and the Pirate Ship ride and they were in heaven. The snow cones and cotton candy also kept them going.”
Michael Arrudo with his wife and 4-year-old son, Johnathan for the festival.
“He’s not ready for the big rides yet but he really loves the merry-go-round and the Ferris wheel,” said Arrudo.
Arrudo said it was his fourth year in a row coming to the festival and he plans to return as long as the lodge holds it.
“My family is from New Hyde Park and we always make it a point each summer to come visit them when they hold the Cellini Festival,” he said.
The festival, the Cellini Lodge’s biggest yearly fundraising event, helps support many causes including the Foundation for Autism, Gift of Sight Program and Alzheimer Research Program.
