103rd Mount Carmel Feast celebrates Italian culture
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWNY) - Games, rides, music and sausages: Saint Anthony’s annual Mount Carmel Feast is back. It’s an entire weekend to celebrate Watertown’s Italian Culture.
It’s the 103rd Mount Carmel Feast at St. Anthony’s Church.
“It’s special to the church because it celebrates Italian culture, St Anthony’s is historically the Italian parish here in Watertown. The Italians are proud of their culture, their heritage, and of course the food here is amazing,” stated Father Christopher Looby, Pastor of St. Anthony’s.
And behind that amazing food are all volunteers.
“All of the people here working are from the church, so its a great comradery and it helps build community,” said volunteer Peter Souch," They’re fillling canolis by hand right now. Its a love affair for the folks that are here. it is a great evening, the place is packed, I havent seen a Mount Carmel Feast this busy for 30 years"
Most of the people there will tell you they came for the Italian sausages, pizzas and sweet treats.
The lines were long just for the fried dough. Its one of the many treats at Mount Carmel Feast. They say it’s a secret family recipe that only the church knows. But the food isn’t the only thing that people love about Mount Carmel.
Philomena Weir, Carnine Puccia, and Pencil the goldfish enjoy the games and rides.
“I’m going on a lot of rides and its really fun, first I went on that car one,” enthused Philomena.
But perhaps even more important than the food, rides and games, the event brings people together.
“You just get to hang out with family and friends and its really nice,” said Rocco Grazier.
“If you wanna have a great time, enjoy some great music, and especially the food here tonight, come out to Mount Carmel Feast here on Arsenal Street,” stated Father Christopher Looby.
Mount Carmel Feast continues Saturday and Sunday.
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