Greenwich's St. Roch's Feast Returns In 2025 With Major Change

GREENWICH, CT — The annual St. Roch's Feast in Chickahominy is one of the most anticipated events every summer, and this year, the event is returning with a different look.

Since the Hamilton Avenue School grounds are closed due to ongoing construction of the school's parking deck, St. Roch's Church is unable to use the playing fields. Therefore, this year's feast will be held within the parish's footprint from Aug. 15-17.

"It's a historied tradition to have the St. Roch's Feast in Chickahominy, for the sake not simply of our own parish community celebrating itself and its longevity, but also in offering a wonderful moment for the community to get together and have some summer fun," said St. Roch's pastor, Peter Lenox, during last Thursday's Board of Selectmen meeting. Lenox was at the meeting to request a road closure for the feast. "This year, it has been a little complicated due to the construction that's happening at Hamilton elementary with the closure of the parking deck, and of course, we are not, unfortunately, able to use the fields."

The event has been condensed, said Lenox. Instead of requesting a four-day road closure, the church is looking for a two-day closure.

"Friday evening and then a good portion of the day on Saturday, because we're trying to combine what would usually be spread across five days into just two. That's the basis of the request for the road closure," Lenox said.

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No action was taken, and the selectmen indicated a vote would come at the next meeting on July 24.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said the contractor for the school's parking deck project needs access to the campus. Camillo encouraged Lenox to contact Greenwich Public Schools Chief Financial and Administrative Officer Ben Branyan over the next two weeks to coordinate a way to open up the roadway for when the contractor needs to go to and from the school.

"We're not looking to hamper anything," Lenox added. "We're actually happy the construction is fixing the issues with the deck. We're just trying to be able to have our feast in more of a streamlined fashion this year."

According to the most recent bulletin from St. Roch's Church, the feast will begin on Friday, Aug. 15 at 5 p.m. with delicious food (such as the feast favorite pizza fritta), beverages, a variety of vendors, rides for kids and live entertainment for all ages.

On Saturday, Aug. 16, the feast will run from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. A bilingual feast mass will take place at 5 p.m., and the grand raffle drawing will occur at 11 p.m., with a chance to win $20,000.

On Sunday, Aug. 17, there will be a breakfast served after the 7:30 a.m. and 10 a.m. masses. A lunch will then follow the 12 p.m. mass.

"We invite everyone to join us for three full days of celebrating our parish, our neighborhood, and our heritage," Lenox said in the bulletin. "Who wouldn't want to enjoy a relaxing weekend with family and friends right before the school year begins - with delicious food, fun activities and a chance to win $20K? There's truly something for everyone at the St. Roch Festival."

Proceeds from the event will directly support the mission and ministries of St. Roch's Church.