San Gennaro Festa at The Marina This Weekend
The two-day festival in Safety Harbor celebrates all things Italian while benefitting a number of charitable organizations.
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The San Gennaro Festa, a two-day event celebrating Italian traditions and culture, takes place this weekend at the Safety Harbor Marina.
The LIADO club, an organization based in Dunedin made up entirely of Italian-American women, is hosting their 10th edition of the event, which features food, entertainment, games and vendors.
According to LIADO president Julie Calabrese, attendees do not have to be Italian in order to enjoy the festival.
“The festival is for people who love all things Italian,” she said. “You don’t have to be Italian to love all things Italian.”
"It's a family friendly event, and our goal is to promote a realistic image of Italian-Americans."
Every year the LIADO group, which was founded in Clearwater 20 years ago, contributes proceeds from its fundraising events to a number of area charities and organizations.
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The primary beneficiaries of this year’s festival include St. Joseph’s Hospital (children’s cancer); the Paul B. Stephens Exceptional Children Center (autism); the Alzheimer’s Association of Florida’s Gulf Coast chapter; and the LIADO Scholarship fund.
Calabrese says helping children is a priority for the group.
“Our goal is philanthropic, and we really look to help children," she said. "To date we have donated more than $80,000 to Italian-American students though our scholarship program.”
“We really work hard,” she added.
That work also includes cooking. In fact, Calabrese says the ladies have already prepared over 1,700 meatballs — by hand — for the festa’s famous meatball tasting contest.
And like any Italian cook worth her salt, she is quick to brag about her work.
“LIADO women make the best meatballs ever. And if you don’t believe me, come to the festa and see for yourself.”
If You Go:
What: San Gennaro Festa
When: Saturday, Feb. 23, 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.; Sun, Feb. 24, 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Where: Safety Harbor Marina, 110 Veterans Memorial Ln.
Info: The Italian festival features plenty of family friendly entertainment, including puppet shows, grape stomping, a rock wall, fireworks and street performers. Vendors will be selling food, drink and merchandise. Live entertainment will be provided by area and out-of-state performers.
Cost: $5.00 admission, free for children under 12
Contact: Visit the LIADO website at www.sangennarofesta.com, or call 727-724-4045 for more information.
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
5:16 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
“LIADO women make the best meatballs ever”
Meatball wars come to The Harbor. Speaking to an unnamed co-meatball lover yesterday. I was prompted to chime in. On St Pats day everyone is Irish, at the Feast of San Gennaro every one is Italian. I will change my name to Saltzmanalini and look forward to get a taste of some of the delicacies that will no doubt tantalize my taste buds. I'm also looking forward to seeing Joey Dee and his Starlighters review. Certainly should be a good time for all. So bring your bambinos and your appetite "its-a gonn-a be a good-a time-a for all-a!!!
Jeffrey Rosenfield
9:43 am on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Bobby, when you said "meatball wars" I assumed you were going to challenge the LIADO ladies by bringing your own for a comparison test!
Robert "Bobby" Saltzman
1:29 pm on Thursday, February 21, 2013
Not a chance just going to taste theirs and of course say "mine are better". But i may be a wee bit bias....LOL