A popular Italian festival is back for its 40th year. The St. Angela Merici Festival is celebrating its 40th anniversary. The two-day event kicks off Saturday evening and features Italian food, live entertainment, children’s activities and a three-on-three soccer tournament. Festival co-chair Frank Gualtieri says a highlight of the event is Sunday night’s outdoor mass and candlelight procession. “To see this mass of people form a line and walk Erie Street to the roundabout and back to the church, leading the statue of St. Angela and following the statue of St. Angela, it just brings tremendous joy to everybody and fills your hearts with gratitude,” says Gualtieri. He says organizers are very happy to reach 40 years. “Who would have thought 40 years ago that we still be going strong from our original individuals that started the festival with the clergy that was there at the time to what we have today?” he says. Gualtieri says it’s wonderful to see the community support the event. “They’re still interested in coming out to see what an Italian cultural event of a religious nature is, and it just basically brings joy to us to see the community come out and enjoy themselves,” says Gualtieri. “You know we need some good in our lives, not all bad.” The event starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday. It continues on Sunday from 12 p.m. until 12 a.m. Gualtieri says Erie Street will be closed from Lillian Street to Parent Avenue for the event.
