NORTH WILDWOOD — The North Wildwood Original Italian-American festival will celebrate its 16th anniversary in the Wildwoods Fri., June 25 through Sun., June 27, during a weekend of food, fun and Italian-American heritage.
Festivities for the three-day event will take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue, where street vendors will display Italian memorabilia and food vendors will offer a variety of Italian and non-Italian treats.
Activities are set to begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 25; 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 26; and noon on Sunday, June 27. In addition to vendors, free face-painting for children will take place from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.
The festival kicks off at 5 p.m. on Fri., June 25, with the Grand Opening Ceremony featuring a procession in honor of Saint Anthony. Following the procession, free live entertainment will begin at 6 p.m. with a concert featuring the Bronx Wonderers.
On Sat., June 26, continuous entertainment will take place from noon-11 p.m., with Joey Armino taking the stage in the evening. Philly Bill Culp from WIBBAGE 94.3 FM will be broadcasting live from the festival from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
In addition to games, prizes and entertainment, Rick Rock, local celebrity and DJ from WIBBAGE 94.3 FM, will make a special guest appearance during the live broadcast.
Also on Saturday, the Knights of Columbus will present the first Meatball Rolling Relay at 6:30 p.m. Participants will include invited city representatives from the Wildwood communities. This relay is scheduled to be held in the heart of the festival activities at Second and Olde New Jersey Avenues.
On Sun., June 27, everyone is welcome to celebrate faith and heritage at Saint Ann’s Roman Catholic Church, Glenwood and Atlantic Avenues for 10:30 a.m. mass. There will be a procession from the main entrance to the altar by the Knights of Columbus Color Corp, the Sons of Italy and more.
The fun will continue during the day on Sunday with a line up of entertainment and activities for the entire family, centrally located in the festival district of North Wildwood, beginning at noon. Featured artists performing include David Christopher and his band, Fulvio Ranni and friends, the Aquanets, Wayne and Jamie, Billy from Philly and Philly Cuz.
To complete this fun- filled weekend, a full-course Italian dinner will be prepared on Sun., June 27 beginning at 5 p.m. by Joey M from LaPiazza Cucina Italiana. Throughout the weekend’s festivities, The Knights of Columbus #2572 will host an open house at the chapter’s Council home, located at 206 New York Avenue in North Wildwood. Visitors can dine, relax, enjoy the entertainment and become familiar with the organization and its council home.
This festive three-day event is sponsored by Knights of Columbus No. 2572. The Knights of Columbus is a non-profit organization and proceeds from the festival benefit Catholic education and various other local charities.
