PRESS RELEASE - For Immediate Release

Mount Carmel Celebrates 100th Edition

St. Anthony's Church, 850 Arsenal Street, will celebrate the annual feast of Our
Lady of Mount Carmel on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, June 24, 25 & 26. Notably,
Watertowns Mount Carmel Celebration is one of the longest continuously running
parish festivals in the whole Northeast.
The Mount Carmel celebration, first held in July 1916, celebrates and
promotes family activities, food, entertainment, and spirituality. The feast proudly
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 pm, followed by Lester Gates, a local entertainer
well known in the North Country, until 9:30 pm.
On Saturday, Michael Beyette (3 to 5 pm) will mystify the young with his
magic; Chuck Ruggiero (5 to 6:30 pm) will grace his audience with his beautiful
tenor voice; Nick Mulpagano (6:30 pm to 9:30 pm) 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 4-5 pm and 6 - 7 pm. In
addition, during the religious procession, La Banda Rossa will change its
repertory from popular Italian music to classical religious melodies. At 7:30 pm
the premier dance band, Fred and the Eds will take over the entertainment
spotlight from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
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 Mens Mt. 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 years fireworks display will be enhanced.
At the end of the fireworks display, the winners of this years 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. Of course, there will also be hot
dogs, hamburgers, soft drink, wine, and beer.
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.