Ossining’s Columbus Day Italian Feast Embraces Food, Fun, Family & Heritage

The Ossining Christopher Columbus Lodge #692 will be hosting their annual Italian Feast at Veteran Memorial park in the Village of Ossining this weekend. The Italian Feast is in conjunction with Columbus Day weekend; it’s a family friendly celebration featuring mid-way rides, carnival games, food, raffles, live entertainment and free admission and parking for attendees.

 “Many years ago, Italians were considered second class citizens and degraded for
their heritage. They stuck together and assimilated into the culture of America
today, however, some stereotypes do exist. Not all Italians are in the mafia,
and sometimes media portrays us in the wrong light. When we see this, we
respond. We have denounced shows like The Sopranos and Jersey Shore. As a
group, the Columbus Lodge is a benevolent order and gives back to the Ossining
Community” said John Girolamo, an active member and feast leader.

The annual feast is expected to attracted hundreds to the Ossining areas during the three nights’ it is being held, according to feast coordinators.

“We have the festival to honor our Italian heritage and make the community aware of our presence" said Angelo Manicchio, president of the Ossining Christopher Columbus Lodge #692.

Feast attendees will be able to choose from many fresh and homemade Italian specialties such as sausage and peppers, pasta, meatballs, and fried dough prepared right in front of them.

“It is a great time when Italians gather to enjoy good food and great music” said Cindy Smart, an Ossining resident and lodge member.

The Ossining Christopher Columbus Lodge is part of The Order Sons of Italy in America, which is the nation’s oldest established and largest organization for men and women of Italian heritage in the United States. The organization was officially established in 1905 as a mutual aid society for early Italian immigrants according to its website. Currently The Order Sons of Italy in America have more than 600,000 members and supporters. Their networks include, but are not limited to, 700 chapters across his coast; making it a leading organization base on service to others for people of Italian descent.

“I was raised in an all Italian neighborhood, where we were isolated from the outside world. All of our wants and needs were taken care of by us. My first day of school was a culture shock; I thought the whole world was Italian. I was actually sent home because I was staring at the other kids, mainly because I had never seen anyone who looked like them except on TV. I felt protected in my neighborhood. I get that same feeling today when I am at the Columbus Lodge. I am proud of my Italian heritage, and I am happy to share my culture with others.” said Girolamo.

According to The Order Sons of Italy in America’s main
website, its mission is to encourage the study of the Italian language and
culture both in schools, colleges and overall communities.  The organizations main initiative is to preserve its Italian heritage and promote closer cultural relations between the United States and Italy. In addition, the organization is dedicated to
helping others. In 1959, The Order Sons of Italy in America established
The Sons of Italy Foundation, which is a private, philanthropic institution. To
date, the organization has donated and given more than $93 million (which
consist of aiding medical research, educational scholarships, disaster aid and
relief, cultural preservation and others).