SCOTCH PLAINS, NJ — The aroma of zeppole, sausage and peppers, calzones and pasta will return to Westfield Avenue as the 52nd annual St. Bartholomew/UNICO Italian Festival takes over St. Bartholomew the Apostle Roman Catholic Church during Labor Day weekend.
The free four-day celebration runs from 4:30 to 10:30 p.m. next Friday through Sunday and 3 to 8 p.m. Monday at 2032 Westfield Ave.
Organizers call the feast "perhaps the best-kept secret in New Jersey," but it has been a Scotch Plains tradition since 1974. Hosted by the church, St. Bartholomew Academy and the Scotch Plains-Fanwood Chapter of UNICO, it honors San Nicola di Bari, patron saint of Montazzoli, Italy.
Families can expect amusement park rides, carnival games and Italian favorites including clams, mussels and calzones. Attendees can also grab a sweet treat like funnel cake, fried Oreos, flavored Italian ice or traditional Italian desserts such as cannolis or torrone.
Live entertainment begins with 1980s rock tribute band Simply the Best on Friday at 7 p.m. on the main stage. Saturday brings an Italian Mass at 5 p.m., procession, and traditional music with Mike Aromando and the Metropolitan Italian Strolling Band. Country, Southern and Classic Rock band Wolf Creek will perform at 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Classic rock act The Broadcasters take the stage at 7 p.m. Sunday, while Jimmy Buffet tribute band Jimmy and the Parrots close out the festival at 5 p.m. Monday.
The festival's Super 50/50 raffle will also be drawn Monday. Organizers said last year's jackpot topped $76,000.
For longtime visitors, it is a familiar end-of-summer gathering, and for newcomers, it is a festival to eat, listen to music and celebrate Italian heritage close to home.
Have a correction or news tip? Email dani.sepe@patch.com.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Scotch Plains Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.