The Sons of Italy-Columbus Lodge #2143 President Tony Ragno announced the Sixth Annual Italian Feast and Festival will be held on Sunday, Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on North Broadway in North Massapequa, just south of the Southern State and just north of Jerusalem Avenue. The Columbus Lodge #2143, in conjunction with the Township of Oyster Bay, is presenting the festival, for the enjoyment of the community, all with an Italian atmosphere.

Each year, over 23,000 local residents and the curious enjoy the Italian Feast & Festival. Throughout the day, there will be rides for the kids, venders with special sale items, and diversified musical entertainment that will vary from acappella to traditional Italian Music. Fried calamari, tortellini, cannoli and zeppole are some of the Italian cuisine that will be available.

Thirsty? During the day look for Columbus Lodge members Kenny Parker, Vincent Vilinoti and their entire crew to provide refreshing beverages at affordable prices. Looking for entertainment for the kids? Look for Farmingdale's Joe Bermudez, Frank DiFazio, and Massapequa's Frank Beltrani, (Pres. of Beltrani CPAs) as they join other lodge members at the children's rides ticket booth, located at the south end of the festival.

With the health and safety of all visitors a top priority, the North Massapequa Fire Department will provide volunteer EMS workers throughout the day. Columbus Lodge's Joe Pesale, an EMS volunteer who has patrolled the Italian Feast and Festival in the past, is expected to be on tour. Pesale, a member of the Lodge's softball team, will be joined by teammates Pete Gisonda, Ed Bochynski, Anthony Curran, Joe Contorno, Tony Novarro, and Dave Saviano, as they perfrom various tasks.

Columbus Lodge member Frank Gatto, who had been chairman of the event since it's inception, has passed the baton to this year's co-chairmen Paul Calissi and Al D'Ulisse. Columbus Lodge Officer Tony Ventiera, who has served as Gatto's co-chairman in the past, will join over 60 fellow members as they volunteer their services throughout the day; set-up time begins at 6 a.m. should you want to observe.

At the Columbus Lodge #2143 booth, located at the north end of the festival, residents can pick up an application to join the Columbus Lodge #2143, a not-for-profit fraternal organization and member of the Order Sons of Italy in America. Residents that fill out the application at the festival will receive a special application fee benefit. In addition to community and charity involvement, the Lodge offers its members various social and recreational activities.