This year’s Feast of the Assumption had all the standards that have made the fair a success the past 106 years—good music, homemade Italian food, fun games, thrilling rides. And while many residents braved the threat of rain and enjoyed the weekend-long festivities, members of the Maria SS. Dell’Assunta Society knew there was one special person missing.
“We lost Joe Piscitelli in April this year and he was extremely missed,” said MaryAnn DiGuiseppi, president of the Maria SS. Dell’Assunta Society. Piscitelli, past president of the Society, was a cherished, longstanding member who played an active part in the feast. “Joe’s passing hit everybody hard. He was always there helping set up. He’s really missed this year.”
“[Joe] really was instrumental in keeping the Society intact each and every year so we could fundraise and donate to the different charities and community,” said 52-year Society member Frank Ciardullo. “We really miss him.”
As many older members of the Society pass away or can no longer be as actively involved as they used to be, the Society has made an effort to reach out to the younger generation and have them join the historic organization. At this year’s feast, they tried to engage a younger crowd as well as set themselves apart from other weekend activities by introducing a “Long Island’s Got Talent” competition, which saw 10 kids showing off their musical chops on Saturday night.
“A lot of the old timers aren’t around anymore. We want to carry the tradition on as much as possible,” said DiGuiseppi, a third generation member of the Society. “There’s so much competition with things going on in other communities, we’re trying to pull people in [to the feast]. We want to make it more entertaining for the younger crowd.”
The feast drew hundreds of people to the fair grounds at St. Brigid’s School from Aug. 11-15, and helped raise money for St. Brigid’s Church and other charitable organizations.
In addition to the talent show, the feast featured a dessert baking contest, fireworks show, live music, auction, carnival rides, games, food and a procession from St. Brigid’s Church to the feast grounds following a mass at the church on Monday evening.
“I love the camaraderie and seeing everybody enjoying the feast,” DiGuiseppi said. “I’ve been going to the feast since I was a little kid, so it’s been a part of my life since I was born. It’s a very enjoyable time.”
