Sink your teeth into Italian fare at annual San Gennaro Feast
San Gennaro is a patron saint of Naples, Italy, whose dried blood - collected by a peasant after his martyrdom in 305 A.D. - liquefies thrice yearly.
What better way to celebrate this reputed miracle than to take a spin on the Tilt-A-Whirl and eat some Italian sausage?
The San Gennaro Feast, now in its 33rd year, is scheduled to return to the Silverton, 3333 Blue Diamond Road, Sept. 11-16.
"It's good ol' fashioned family fun," said San Gennaro Feast President Anthony Palmisano. "We want people to bring their grandmas and grandpas; we've got big tables and chairs."
Organizers are expecting more than 100,000 people to attend the five-day event, and this year's location can accommodate the increased numbers, Palmisano said.
"It's a bigger location with more parking," he said. "Silverton has been good to us."
The feast is set to host approximately 70 food vendors, some of whom have been with Palmisano from the celebration's inception.
Al Rioni, owner of Jan and Jina's Fried Dough, began selling his Italian fried dough at the San Gennaro Feast 27 years ago, when the feast was held at the Landmark.
"(The feast) is a tradition for the Italian people," Rioni said. "It's reminiscent of celebrations back east and in the old country."
The native of Springfield, Mass., added that maintaining one's culture is valuable, and the feast provides that opportunity.
Cast members from the Strip production of "Jersey Boys" are scheduled to serve as masters of ceremonies. Clint Holmes is set to honor local agencies by singing patriotic songs during the Sept. 11 opening night, and, as in previous years, cast members from "The Rat Pack is Back" are also set to perform.
According to Palmisano, the traditional Italian procession featuring the image of San Gennaro is scheduled for 7 p.m. Wednesday.
The event will also feature approximately 60 amusement rides and carnival games.
Parking is free, but Palmisano said people should arrive early.
The feast begins at 4 p.m. and runs until 11 p.m. Sept. 11-13; 4 p.m. until midnight on Sept. 14; and 11 a.m. until midnight Sept. 15 and 16.
Nightly admission is $9 for adults, $8 for seniors and free for children shorter than 54 inches.
For more information, call 227-0295 or visit sangennarofeast.com.
Contact Southwest/Spring Valley View reporter Nolan Lister at nlister@viewnews.com or 383-0492.
