At Fusco’s, Italian Ice runs in the family
Italian Ice has been part of the family for generations for Joseph Staffieri. Now that Fusco’s Original Italian Ice is branching out, the business’s founders would find its reach ‘surreal.’
William Bretzger, Delaware News Journal
- The annual St. Anthony’s Italian Festival kicks off on June 8 and runs through the next week in Wilmington.
- Best advice is to park in a lot near Salesianum School and take festival shuttles.
- Opera, dancing and authentic Italian food from the state and region will be available all week.
The St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is back for the 100th anniversary of its host church, and there are some new foods and events to check out.
The festival will kick off on June 8 at 4 p.m. at St. Anthony of Padua Church in the Little Italy district of Wilmington and go until 10:30. The festival is sticking around for the rest of the week as follows:
- June 9: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 10: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 11: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 12: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 13: 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 14: 4 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.
- June 15: 2 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Unless there is severe weather, the events are rain or shine. An unstable weather pattern of showers and storms is in store from June 8 through June 11, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service.
There will be food, rides, games and more at the festival. Anthony Albence, St. Anthony of Padua Parish trustee and festival coordinator, said simply walking around and trying as much as possible is the best way to enjoy it.
“It’s a beautiful environment with the church and the school and just a very tranquil setting here,” he said.
Where can I park for the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival?
Parking in the surrounding dense neighborhoods is tough and competitive. There are options for people who are willing to park a little farther away, Albence said.
A gravel parking lot near Salesianum School, near 18th and Broom streets, will be available. Shuttles will consistently bring people to and from the festival entrance gates.
What events will be happening at the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival in 2025?
This year’s festival is starting off with a bang.
OperaDelaware will be singing arias at a pop-up concert in the church at 3 p.m. on June 8. That will join a home winemaker competition and Italian dance performances from the Brandywine School of Dance.
The rest of the week will continue to celebrate the church’s 100-year anniversary. There will be a procession of saints at the end of the week.
“As we enter the last few months of the centennial celebration, we wanted to really highlight that in the festival,” Albence said.
What food will be served at the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival?
Great food options are the hallmark of any Italian festival, and St. Anthony’s is no different.
Some new options for people to try include a food truck for arancini, or rice balls, and homemade Italian cuisine from Newtown Square, Pennsylvania, caterer Luigi and Giovanni.
A new food truck with mini-doughnuts called DonutNV also will be there.
Besides an abundance of Italian foods from vendors from Delaware, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, summer classics like funnel cake and water ice will be available.
A full list of vendors is available on the festival’s website.
“We have a nice mix of old and new,” Albence said.
Do I have to buy tickets to attend the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival?
Single-day and festival-long passes are available on the festival’s website. You can also purchase in person.
Daily admission is $7, and a weekly pass is $20. The weekly pass is $17 online if bought before the festival. The last day, June 15, is free.
Don’t bother to take cash, as the entire event is cashless except for in-person admission.
All proceeds go to the St. Anthony of Padua Catholic School.
Shane Brennan covers Wilmington and other Delaware issues. Reach out with ideas, tips or feedback at [email protected].
发表回复