“Let’s pray the weather forecasters are correct,” John Ricci, the long serving co-chairman of the Saint Rocco’s Church Feast and Festival, said Tuesday night. “Let’s keep our fingers crossed.”
If meteorologists are indeed correct, the annual fun and food-filled event could enjoy its largest attendance in recent memory.
“They’re calling for four straight days of sunshine,” Ricci said as he stood underneath the huge 180-by-90-foot “Big Top” that will host the event. “We’ll have our delicious variety of home-style foods, excellent entertainment … there will be something for people of all ages to enjoy.”
It all starts tonight at 6 p.m., when the four-day Saint Rocco’s Fest and Festival opens its annual stay at Festival Field, located behind the Roman Catholic Church at 927 Hartford Ave.
While the annual event has become famous for its pasta and meatballs, doughboys and home-baked pastries, the event will also offer some of Rockwell Amusements most popular rides and games.
Tuesday afternoon, despite a few sprinkles of rain, Rockwell Amusements staffers set up rides such as the Scrambler, Disney Express and Rodeo Round-up.
“And the Rockwell people aren’t event finished rolling out their entire lineup,” Ricci said.
He added with a smile, “I won’t be riding the Ferris wheel this year, but I maybe I’ll take in the merry-go-round.”
Ricci shows no sign of slowing down after 80-plus years, and at festival time has the enthusiasm of a rookie starting his first-ever World Series baseball game.
“Fun and excitement for everyone – those are the trademarks of our feast and festival that’s put on by countless people of this great parish,” he said.
Thus, Ricci and Montella both announced: “We’re excited about this year’s lineup. We’ll have entertainment for four days. There will be fireworks Saturday night at 9:30, a grand raffle drawing for a new car and some of the best food this side of Boston’s Italian North End.”
In keeping with tradition, the 2019 grand raffle top prize is a two-year lease on a 2019 Lincoln MKC that comes with 21,000 miles. Second and third prizes are $1,500 and $1,000 in cash.
There are also ride ticket specials, and on Sunday people can purchase a ticket and ride all day for just $25.
Attendees can also visit the Beer Garden and enjoy their favorite beer, wine or cocktail while listening to entertainers like Christina Rodi and Derek Capabianco.
On Saturday, Gemini takes the stage, and Sunday there will be three shows – a concert by the Rhode Island Veterans Band from 1-2 p.m., the R & J Review from 3:30-5 p.m. and Ambrosiani from 5:30 p.m. up until the grand prize is drawn at approximately 9:30 p.m.
There will also be early-bird specials and the Holy Name Society’s Pan Game and Lucky 7, among other games that help fund the parish. A religious article stand will be offered by the Legion of Mary, which serves the local community throughout the year.
On Sunday, Saint Rocco’s Church will have crowds in the morning and into the evening, beginning with the always-colorful procession that will follow the 11 a.m. solemn Mass.
Members of the Holy Name Society will carry the statue of Saint Rocco during the Sunday’s procession. Special bread – panini – blessed in honor of Saint Rocco will be distributed after all the Masses on Sunday as well as during the procession.
“We welcome the pilgrims who join us each year in honoring our parish patron, Saint Rocco,” Ricci and Montella announced. “We also welcome people from throughout the state to come and sample our fantastic foods and hospitality.”
The festival hours are today, Aug. 15, from 6-10:30 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 6-10:30 p.m.; and Sunday, 1:30-10 p.m. Those who would like more details can call Saint Rocco’s Church at 942-5203.
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