Italian American Festival Brings Summer Fun to Freehold Raceway

The Italian American Festival returned to Freehold Raceway Wednesday for its fifth year of rides, games, food and summer fun. The fair will continue, rain or shine, through Saturday from 6 p.m. to 11 p.m.

“It’s a nice family event. We try to keep things affordable,” said Cheryl Scuorzo, president of the Italian American Association of Monmouth County (IAAMC). Scuorzo said the IAAMC aims to provide a variety of activities at the festival so that all age groups are sure to have a good time. She estimated that in years past the event drew between 3,000 and 4,000 a night.

DJs, Italian singers and local dance studios provide live entertainment, and the rides were brought in by Majestic Midways, which Scuorzo called one of the best mechanical ride providers in the business. The newest addition to the food vendor court was a brick oven pizza station.

Beyond providing traditional fair trappings, the Italian American Festival is a celebration of cultural heritage. On Friday at 6:30 p.m., Vinny La Franca of Tuscany Italian Specialties in Marlboro will demonstrate the process of making mozzarella. At 7 p.m., Mariuiccia Romano of Coro d'Italia will lead a demonstration of traditional Italian dances.

On Saturday, a mass will be held at St. Rose of Lima honoring Our Lady of Mt. Carmel, followed by a procession to the festival featuring the Giglio Band.

“Alot of Italians in the area say it reminds them of home,” Scuorzo said.

The Italian American Festival will end with fireworks on Saturday at 9:45 p.m.

The money raised from the fair will fund scholarships the IAAMC gives to area students, Scuorzo said. Now in its sixth year, the IAAMC has about 185 members and sponsors cultural events and enrichment programs, such as its summer camp at St. Mary’s in Colts Neck. The group holds regular meetings at the Yorktowne Club in Manalapan. Visit the organization’s Web site for more information or to find out how to join the IAAMC.