Last week, the Chickahominy area of town was busy as ever as hundreds of people from Greenwich and from all over Fairfield and Westchester Counties convened together at the St. Roch’s Roman Catholic Parish to enjoy the lively array of festivities at the annual St. Roch’s Feast.
This much-anticipated summer festival, held on the grounds of St. Roch’s Parish and Hamilton Avenue School from Wednesday, August 9th through Saturday, August 12th, was, throughout its entirety, teeming with people who enjoyed its carnival rides, games, raffles, live music and Italian food selections, among other things.
“I think everyone has been having a really good time and it’s great to be part of this event. All the volunteers and helpers have been working hard to make sure everything runs well so everyone enjoys themselves,” said Paul Cappiali, longtime organizer and volunteer at the St. Roch’s Feast. “There’s something special that happens here when everyone comes together.”
In characteristic fashion, this year’s St. Roch’s festival was a runaway hit on all fronts as the hundreds of attendees could be seen enjoying themselves, whether partaking in the rides, walking around or sitting with one another at one of the tables under one of the tents eating pizza fritta, sausage and peppers, cannolis and ice cream, among other things.
“We’re having great time. It’s such a friendly and lively atmosphere and there’s so much going on,” said Amanda Lolli of Greenwich, who was there with her daughter, Valentina. “It’s a beautiful night with the gorgeous sunset and later, when it gets dark, it’ll be spectacular to see all the lights lit up as well.”
Most definitely, this event was high-charged, especially in seeing the huge crowds that showed up there nearly every night, something the organizers and volunteers were excited about.
“This is a big event that many people look forward to attending every year,” said Salvatore Dipietro of Greenwich, a longtime St. Rochs parishioner who is Officer of the Societa San Rocco Di Morra De Sanctis of Greenwich, Connecticut Inc. “It’s great to see how well-attended this feast is every year. It’s a special event and there is an interesting and important history involved in regard to the St. Roch’s Parish with its founders and original builders.”
Others agreed.
“I have friends who live in Florida who used to live here in town and belonged to the St. Roch’s Parish. They always went to the feast every year and miss being here. So a lot of them have asked me to send them pictures, so that is great,” said Warren Frattarola of Greenwich who was working at the 50/50 Raffle table with Donald Mohr of Greenwich and whose wife, Marie, was working at the popular pizza fritta tent that is said to be one of the biggest draws at the festival. “My wife and I always enjoy being part of the Feast each year and it’s very special.”
For the St. Roch Parish and feast organizers, the fact that the festival takes place each year during the time during which Saint Roch, the patron saint for which the Parish has been named after, is celebrated, represents the main impetus of this event. (August 16th is the celebration day for Saint Roch, who is the patron saint of dogs, invalids, falsely accused people and bachelors.)
“The Feast is held at the same time during which Saint Roch is honored and celebrated,” said Cappiali. “And that is what this whole event is centered around.”
Each year, on the Sunday following the final night of the festival, a group of individuals that includes the St. Roch Pastor, its parishioners, feast volunteers and others all gather together to walk a beautiful Saint Roch statue in a procession down Hamilton Avenue and its surrounding areas, something that is always powerful to see and also be part of.
In considering how faith and the celebration of St. Roch is the bedrock upon which this incredible and dynamic event has been built, it, in turn represents an experience that is one that is inspirational, memorable and meaningful, among other vital things.
“A lot of people say the St. Roch’s Feast captures the heart and spirit of Greenwich and you can see that here,” said Cappiali. “You see everyone having a good time in the spirit of celebrating St. Roch, which is wonderful.”
Further adding to the excitement and energy of this feast was the fact that numerous town and state political figureheads such as First Selectman Fred Camillo, Town Clerk Jackie Budkins and Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio were also there helping to serve customers at the busy wine and beer area.
Throughout the weekend, Camillo, Budkins and Fazio, along with numerous other volunteers spent hours waiting on customers at this venue, many of who they could be seen saying hello to and chatting with, something that further bolstered the whole exciting ambiance there.
Certainly, this year’s St. Roch’s Feast was a memorable experience on all fronts and one that that seemed to leave a lasting imprint on many in an extensive variety of ways.
“It’s great to be here. It’s summer and this is an event where everyone comes together to just relax, enjoy themselves and have fun,” said Ashley Lourenco Fargo of Greenwich. “It’s a highlight of the year.”
