June 22, 2016

Watertown - St. Anthony's Church will celebrate the annual feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel June 24-26
Notably, Watertown’s Mount Carmel Celebration is one of the longest continuously running parish festivals in northeastern United States..

The Mount Carmel celebration, first held in July 1916, celebrates and promotes family activities, food, entertainment and spirituality. The feast  provides renowned Italian food as well as rides and games.

Ontario Amusements provide the rides and games for the very young and old.  Unlimited rides will be provided on Sunday afternoon for $13.

This 100th Anniversary celebration will provide an enhanced menu of entertainment. 

On Friday, Lisa Scrivani-Tidd and her sons will share their musical talent from 5 to 6:30 p.m., followed by Lester Gates, a local entertainer well known in the North Country, until 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Michael Beyette (3 p.m. to 5) will mystify the young with his magic; Chuck Ruggiero (5 p.m. to 6:30) will grace his audience with his beautiful tenor voice; and Nick Mulpagano (6:30 pm to 9:30) will present his “Legends of Music Impersonations Show,” impersonating especially Elvis Presley.

On Sunday, the entertainment schedule reaches new heights as La Banda Rossa (redbandutica.com) from Utica will play from  4 p.m. to 5 and 6 p.m. to 7.

In addition, during the religious procession, La Banda Rossa will change its repertory from popular Italian music to classical religious melodies.

At 7:30 p.m., the premier dance band, Fred and the Eds will take over the entertainment spotlight from 7:30 pm to 9:30.

Religious procession
The two well-known events are the religious procession and the fireworks.

To honor Our Lady of Mount Carmel, the people of the parish and community, organized by the Men’s Mount Carmel Society, walk in procession through the local streets beginning at 5 pm.  Prayer and an atmosphere of honor and respect permeate this event. 

The procession ends with Benediction of the Blessed Sacrament in church.  The parish and community are honored to have Bishop Terry R. LaValley serve this year as Grand Marshall.

The Feast culminates in a spectacular display of fireworks at 9:30 pm. 

To highlight the 100th Anniversary, this year’s fireworks display will be enhanced.  At the end of the fireworks display, the winners of this year’s raffle will be drawn.

In addition to all of these events, there will availability of homemade Italian specialties such as sausage, pizza, meatballs, shells, eggplant, fritos, famous Italian cookies, and elaborate Italian pastries. 

Also, hot dogs, hamburgers, soft drink, wine and beer will be available.

On Thursday, June 23, a spaghetti supper from 4:30 pm until all are served will introduce the three-days of festivities.  In addition, there will be bingo on Friday at 7 pm in the school building.