Port Washington's Annual Italian Festival Kicks Off: PHOTOS

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — The 40th annual Italian Festival began Thursday under the backdrop of a brilliant sunset and classic rock music at North Hempstead Beach Park. The fun-filled night offered plentiful sweets, such as zeppoles, deep-fried oreos, fresh-squeezed lemonade and cotton candy. Food options also included meaty — and possibly — heart-stopping Italian sausage, corn dogs, burgers, pasta fagioli, cheesesteaks and more.

With school beginning this week for Port Washington kids, the event provided a much-needed break from daunting new homework assignments. Numerous kids flocked to the opening night of the festival, lining up for rides that whirled, twirled and swirled, or flipped, dipped and zipped.

Rides are provided by Blue Sky Amusements. A pay-one-price wristband is available each day of the four-day event, with Thursday's cost being the lowest at just $10. The price triples to $30 on Friday and Saturday, before dropping to $25 on Sunday.

The festival is sponsored by the John Michael Marino Lodge in Port Washington and a share of the proceeds will benefit multiple charities and scholarships, an event flyer said.

See also:Fireworks, Rock Music, Casino Tent: 40th Annual Italian Festival

Below is a roundup of Patch's photos of the event.

Did you go to the Italian festival? Send us your photos! Email them to Dan.Hampton@Patch.com and you could see them here.