Community News

Four days of fun at Maria Regina

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Young Dancers performed during Maria Regina’s Got Talent at the opening night of the church’s Family Festival on June 23.
Young Dancers performed during Maria Regina’s Got Talent at the opening night of the church’s Family Festival on June 23.
Jack Healy/Herald

There was plenty of fun to go around at Maria Regina Church last weekend. The parish held its annual Family Festival from June 23 to 26 in the church’s back parking lot.

Between food, dining and raffle tents, a performance stage, and rides and games, the lot was packed. About 75 people volunteered at the fair each day. Local businesses donated food, raffles and labor, and money was raised for the parish.

“It’s a great event to raise money for the school and church,” said Mike Zarro, co-chairman of the event.

Melissa Messina, co-chairwoman, said the fair has been running successfully in the three years since its return. “It’s hard work. I have a lot of jobs here,” she said. “It’s always fun, though.” She added that she enjoys giving back to the school she once attended.

To kick off the festival last Thursday, the church hosted the third annual “Maria Regina’s Got Talent.” Young musicians, singers and dancers took the stage. There were also performances by the school’s drama club and Spotlight Dance Studio. 

Chris Frommeyer, 16, of East Meadow, went to see his sister perform with the dance studio. He said he attends the festival every year and always has fun.

“My favorite part is probably the rides,” he said. “And the zeppoles, because why not?”

 Tickets were sold for carnival rides, including a Ferris wheel. The food tent had plenty of favorites, like zeppoles and fried Oreos, along with dinner combos. There was even a dining tent where attendees could sit down, relax and be served.

 “It’s just relaxing, and the kids get to hang out with their friends,” said Lisa Capolino, of Massapequa, whose two children attend Maria Regina School.

Thursday was the unofficial “end-of-school” night for students to see their friends again and kick off the summer, according to volunteer coordinators Lenore Genovese and Jill Murphy. They said the parish began recruiting volunteers for the event in March through the weekly newsletters and sign-ups after mass.

“The event really integrates the parish and school communities and brings everyone together,” Genovese said.

Rich Genovese, a volunteer at the Italian ice tent, called the weekend a true bonding experience. “The community joins hands to volunteer,” he said. “It’s a great thing, and it’s why people send their kids to school here.”

The festival lasted four nights, each with its own theme. Thursday was “Parish Night,” with DJ John Iovino and the talent show. Iovino returned to DJ on Friday for “Celebrate the 60s” night, and a 1960s band performed. Saturday was “Italian Night” with performances by singer Sal Manzo and The Jenna Esposito Band. The weekend ended with “Celebrate America” on Sunday. The festivities began at 1 p.m. to make time for a cook-off and performance by the Tappan Zee Bridgemen.