Knights of Columbus Announce 20th Annual Italian American Festival

NORTH WILDWOOD – Buon Giorno Amici’s – The Knights of Columbus Council #2572, a non-profit organization, proudly presents The 20th Annual “Original” Italian American Festival Friday, June 27, through Sunday, June 29, 2014. This traditional Italian American festival features free live entertainment, dancing, celebrity appearances, as well as food and craft vendors. Our 2014 special guest and grand marshal will be Angelo Cataldi, 94 WIP Sports Radio Morning Show Host.

The festivities take place on Olde New Jersey Avenue in North Wildwood and begin at 4 p.m. on Friday and 10 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Here, street vendors will display their Italian memorabilia and food vendors will offer a variety of delicious Italian and non-Italian treats. Other activities include special events like the “Great Meatball” relay race, the ever-growing signing of the “Olive Tree” and the “Little Miss Italy” contest. Don’t miss the numerous activities planned for adults and children alike. Stop by and visit the Knights of Columbus tent located in the heart of the festival for performance schedules and additional information.

On Friday, June 27, the grand opening ceremony will begin at 6 p.m. with a procession in honor of Saint Anthony. Please come and be a part of our procession, everyone is welcome. The festival continues throughout the weekend, with entertainment on the main stage at 2nd and Olde New Jersey Avenues. Performances will include “Lights Out”, a tribute to Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, Felicia Punso (YouTube sensation and advocate for the anti-bullying campaign), Angelo Venuto, WIBBAGE 94.3 FM radio personality, Rick Rock, “our own Italian Festival MC” Philly Cuzz, and more. Saturday there will be a special children’s area with games and prizes to make this event memorable for the young ones.

The Knights of Columbus would like to acknowledge and thank Mayor Patrick Rosenello and City Council for their annual support of this event! This event is co-sponsored by Greater Wildwood Tourism Improvement and Development Authority.

For additional information, visit us on Facebook, contact the Knights of Columbus at (609) 729-4676, or visit www.kofc2572.org.

Italian Festival 2014
Entertainment Schedule
(At the stage – Second and Olde New Jersey Avenues)

Friday, June 27
4 PM – Merchandise and Food Vendors
5 PM – Philly Cuzz – Welcome Party
6 PM – Grand Procession in honor of Saint Anthony (all invited). Followed immediately by Official Opening Ceremonies.
7 PM – Just in Time performs
8:15 PM – Angelo Venuto performs
9:30 PM – Felicia Punzo performs

Saturday, June 28
10 AM – Merchandise and Food Vendors
Children’s Games and Prizes all day long
11 AM – Live Broadcast with Rick Rock WIBBAGE Radio 94.3 FM
2 PM – Exotic Bird Show “Parrots Do More Than Fly”
Archer’s Balloon Creatures
5 PM – Philly Cuzz and the 5th Annual Meatball Relay
6:30 PM – One and Done Band performs
8:00 PM – “Our Own” Philly Cuzz performs
9:00 PM – Lights Out (tribute to Frankie Valli and the 4-Seasons) performs

Sunday, June 29
10 AM – Merchandise and Food Vendors
11 AM – Registration for the 3rd Annual Little Miss Italy Pageant
12 PM – Philly Cuzz performs Sounds of Sinatra
1 PM – Little Miss Italy Pageant
3 PM – Gary and the Kid performs
5 PM – Closing