Every summer, this little sandstone church holds a GIGANTIC event in the quiet hamlet of Hulberton. The hours....12-6pm. We got there at 12:25 and had to park almost half a mile away! The three main events are eating, Bocce and music. What a classic affair. First we bought tickets (I should say our friend Judy bought tickets) that we could use to buy the food. The most popular item is eggplant parm and people like us drive many miles to get it. We tried shells with sauce and cheese, Italian sausage with peppers and onions and left with some fried dough. They also had a farm market and sold baked items (we participated in both of those departments). At 1pm a three piece began started playing and people were dancing on the grass. I was found by Christy, a friend of Jenny's that has become a very good friend of mine. Every year her husband Paul participates in the Bocce Tournament and we like to support his team. Believe me, there are some 100% Italian speaking, golden oldies who give these younger guys a run for their money. It makes you think that you are back in the old country. Just another "out of the movies" experience that you get when you live in this area.
Oh that looks so great! I love Italian food, and living near Philly we have a lot of choices. There used to be a church near hear that did something similar, but, alas, they were closed by the diocese.
ReplyDeleteMy Dad (second youngest of 9)was born on Hulberton Rd. His Dad, a stone cutter from the quarries, assisted in building the beautiful/quaint St. Rocco Catholic Church. We attended the first of many festivals in the 70's when the doors of the church opened after being closed for many years. We continued the tradition each year. And yes, bringing the next generation back to our roots. I would like to know if the Labor Day Festival still exists? We moved from New York 10 years ago. I am now a grandmother, and would love to share our heritage. I thank all my deceased relatives who cooked, baked, and worked the festival year after year. God bless all of them and I thank you for the fondest of memories.
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