St. Anthony’s Italian Festival Celebrates Ascoli Piceno

WILMINGTON, DE — St. Anthony of Padua will host its 40^th annual Italian Festival, beginning Sunday, June 8. For 2014, the Festival is highlighting the Ascoli Piceno, a town in the Le Marche region of Italy. Many Italian-Americans in the St. Anthony’s Parish and the Wilmington area can trace their heritage to this region.

The St. Anthony’s festival runs from June 8 to 15 at St. Anthony of Padua, located at 901 N. DuPont Street. Weekly passes are available online for the discounted price of $12 (through 6/6). Otherwise, weekly passes are available on-site for $15. Daily admission is $5 for ages 14 to 61 and free for seniors (over 61). Children (under 14) also receive free admission when accompanied by a parent or guardian (age 18 or older). All proceeds benefit St. Anthony of Padua Grade School.

The opening Sunday (June 8) kicks off with the 33^rd annual 5K run through the streets of Little Italy, starting at 9 a.m. Throughout the week, the Festival will feature Italian food and drink, classic and modern live concerts, authentic Italian products, and family rides and games. The final Sunday (June 15) features the annual Festa Patronale (St. Anthony of Padua Feast Day Mass in Italian and Procession of Saints through the streets of Little Italy).

Days and times are as follows:

• Sunday, June 8: 2:00–10:30 p.m.
• Monday–Friday, June 9–June 13: 5:30–10:30 p.m.
• Saturday, June 14: 2:00–10:30 p.m.
• Sunday, June 15: 2:00–8:30 p.m.

For full details, visit StAnthonysFestival.com.