By Adam Kramer
Looking for something to do as the summer winds down?
The Cellini Lodge No. 2206 Order Sons of Italy in America in New Hyde Park is holding its annual festival Wednesday through Sunday. The festival, which beings people living in the area together, raises money to give to charity.
“It is a community activity that raises funds to donate to charitable organizations in the area,” said Angelina Spero, a spokeswoman for the Cellini Lodge. “The festival also helps us maintain Italian Americans heritage.”
She said during the five days of the festival there is traditional Italian music, food and an information booth on Italian-American culture.
The Cellini Lodge was founded in New Hyde Park 31 years ago and has been holding the festival for the past 18 years. There are Cellini Lodges all across the country. The Order Sons of Italy was started in the early 1900s in Manhattan.
In addition to donating money to charity, the lodge gives out scholarships and runs cultural programs.
“The sons of Italy works to promote a positive image of Italian Americans,” she said. “The portrayal of Italian Americans as gangsters or in the Mafia is detrimental. We want to portray Italian Americans in a positive way.”
The happening takes place at the North Hempstead Park (Indoor Pool) at the Denton and Evergreen avenues interchange just north of Jericho Turnpike and south of Hillside Avenue in New Hyde Park.
Some of the attractions at the annual event are Las Vegas games of chance, rides and an international food court. There will be entertainment every night starting at 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday when the show starts at 6 p.m.
The lineup stars Savannah Sky, country and western; Mario and Joe, musical variety; Risky Business, music of the ‘50s and ‘60s; and Eurostar with Don Felice, Italian music.
Admission is $1 for adults and free for children under 8 years old. The fair is open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m., Saturday from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. and Sunday from 2 p.m. till 10 p.m.
For more information about the festival and the Cellini Lodge call (516) 488-4062.
Reach reporter Adam Kramer by e-mail at Timesledgr@aol.com or call 229-0300, Ext. 157.
