The Rockland Lodge 2176 of the Sons of Italy hosted the 8th Annual Blauvelt Sons of Italy Italian Feast and Carnival at Tappan Masonic Park Fair Grounds September 14th through the 17th, 2017. The event draws thousands of people from around the tri-state area during the spectacular four-day celebration of all things Italian and has been recognized as one of the biggest events in Rockland County.

FOOD
The Feast features an amazing array of Italian food, main dishes such as sausage and peppers, brick oven pizza made right on site, a huge variety of pasta dishes and seafood specialties, a section devoted entirely to barbecue favorites, as well as delicious Italian desserts and pastries including zeppoles, cannoli’s and sfogliatella, Italian ices and ice cream as well as typical carnival fare such as kettle corn, cotton candy, chicken and lamb kabobs and more. Beer and wine are available each day.

RIDES AND GAMES
The Italian Feast offers a separate area with rides and carnival games for all ages. From carousels, teacup and dinosaur rides for the little ones, to an enormous Ferris wheel, gravity defying Pirate Ship, and dizzying octopus whip and the challenge of a mechanical bull for teens and adults, there is a thrill ride for every member of the family. Carnival games include fishing and ring toss type games for the younger ones to more challenging games of skill for older attendees. Carnival bracelets which offer a discount are available at the gate each day.

For adults over 21, the Italian Feast features a casino with tables for black jack and poker as well as wheels of chance. Located inside the pavilion, the casino comes alive each night.

SHOPPING
More than 50 vendors are on site each year at the Feast selling items such as jewelry, home goods, hand-made artwork, and clothing including Italian culture themed items such “gravy or sauce” T-shirts and sweatshirts, hats and more featuring the Italian flag and outline of Italy. Every year the Feast features hand-rolled cigars made right on site while you wait.

LOCAL ENTERTAINMENT
The four-day Festival is a showcase for area talent and the live entertainment. The schedule changes right up until the week of the Feast and updates can be found here.

HOURS, TICKETS AND LODGING
Hours for the festival are Thursday 5pm – 11pm, Friday 5pm – midnight, Saturday Noon – midnight and Sunday will begin with an outdoor mass at 10:30am and the Festival will be open from noon until 9pm. The festival takes place at Masonic Park located at 89 Western Highway in Tappan, New York.

The Holiday Inn in Orangeburg is the official lodging sponsor again this year and offers special discounted rates to feast attendees. Call 845-359-7000 and mention the Italian Feast for more information.

MORE ABOUT THE ROCKLAND LODGE 2176
The Rockland Lodge 2176 Order of The Sons of Italy was established in 1966 with the goal of enhancing the image of people of Italian descent and has grown into one of the most active organizations in Rockland County. The group, with members from Rockland and Bergen County, donates funds to a variety of non-profits from the proceeds of the Italian Feast and also provides scholarships to students throughout the year. More information, including how to become a member, can be found on their website at www.blauveltsonsofitaly.org. Be sure to follow up dates on their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/blauveltsons  The Lodge, located on Van Wyck Road in Blauvelt, is available for hall rentals and more information can be found on the website.