By Rebecca Hall
It is not everyday you see parents cheer as their kids stuff gobs of spaghetti and meat sauce into their mouths.
Some kids remember their manners and use a fork to neatly slurp the noodles. Others bypass utensils altogether in favor of their hands.
The winner, 9-year-old Jace Grissom of the Highlands, used a combination of the two techniques.
“I just tried not to puke during it,” said a sweaty, orange-faced Jace.
The spaghetti eating contest was one event at Festa Italiana 2008 held at St. James Church on Edenside Drive Sept. 12-14. In its fifth year, the Italian festival featured a meatball-putting contest, pizza decorating and tossing, live music, local food and art vendors, Italian folk dancing lessons, and a wine and beer garden in eye’s view of a children’s play area. Situated in a large courtyard behind the church, the festival captured the feel of a quaint Italian village permeated by American culture.
“You take ten steps off Bardstown Road and you’re in Italy,” said Bernardo J. Carducci of Jeffersonville. Wonderful quote. Carducci, president of the Italian-American Association, said they expected between 10,000 and 12,000 visitors to the festival over the weekend.
While adults sipped their wine underneath the soft glow of lights strung through the trees, children ate slices of pizza from Tony Boombozz and danced to “I Will Survive.”
“We love that we can walk to it,” said Maria Cates of the Highlands who has attended the festival with her family for the last three years. “It’s a fun thing to do with your kids.”
The festival featured the work of local artists for the first time this year. Artisans sold jewelry, paintings, stained glass, and wood utensils.
Don Stevens of Bardstown and owner of Fusion Fire sold his handcrafted glass creations.
“It’s a great festival. The people are phenomenal. It’s a real honor to be here,” said Stevens.
Stevens, who has fused glass for two and a half years, said this was his first year attending the festival. He thought his business was a good fit with the family fetival.
“I already expect the weekend to exceed my expectations based on what I’ve done tonight,” said Stevens. “I haven’t had the chance to try the food yet. I’m looking forward to trying the food.”
“I haven’t had a chance to try the food yet. I’m looking forward to trying the food.”
Authentic Italian fare provided by local restaurants filled the air with the smell of lasagna and pizza and Italian sausage. In addition to traditional dishes, desserts by
Adrienne & Co. Bakery and Café were served with coffee. Cannoli were the most popular treat offered by the bakery located in Jeffersonville.
“It’s a true Italian dessert,” said Gabrielle Martino, whose sister Adrienne Holland owns the bakery.
Holland, who is Italian and has attended the festival for five years, was happy about being a part of the event for the first time.
“My favorite part about the festival is sharing my culture and seeing the joy it brings to others,” said Holland.
“And the food,” she added with a smile.
