Love, zeppoles power Cellini Lodge’s annual Italian Feast

The Island Now
Anthony Calabro (left), chairman of Italian Feast, shows of freshly-made Zappoles with volunteers Maria Bevilacqua (center) and Victoria Hughes. The zeppole, an Italian pastry, is a popular item purchased at the event. (Photo by David Pollard)

By David Pollard

The love that the members of Order Sons of Italy Cellini Lodge No. 2206 put into their annual Italian Feast draws thousands to Michael J. Tully Park in New Hyde Park over four days each year.

But the impact of their efforts continues year round.

Among the carnival rides and independent food vendors, members of the local lodge sell their own food, which includes pasta dinners, beer, wine and desserts — the zeppoles they make being the most popular, according to lodge members.

Anthony Calabro, a lodge member and the festival’s chairman, said it’s the love that goes into the Italian pastry, which is made of fried dough dusted with powdered sugar, that makes it so special.

The love could be seen on Saturday, as members of the lodge worked each station, handling tasks from taking zeppole orders to mixing the dough to cooking and serving the pastry.

A smile of pride and a look concentration was on the face of Teresa Tallini, who dropped the dough into the fryer to cook. She backed up Calabro’s testimony that the zeppoles were “made with love.”

The zeppole sales, other food purchases, raffle sales and other activities all generate money that helps the lodge give back.

“We use the money we raise to give out scholarships to students going to college and other charities like cancer research,” Calabro said. “It’s about giving back to your heritage and culture but the most important is giving back to your community.”

Carnival rides and games were popular with people in attendance. There was also live entertainment, with Vinny Pizzo of the Demensions singing doo wop favorites and other songs for the crowd for most of that day.

Christien Callipari of Franklin Square brought her 8-year-old son to the event for the carnival rides and to try his hand at winning a carnival prize, but she had her own motives for coming as well.

“It’s for the kids, but I love carnival food,” she said. “I like the atmosphere. It makes you feel like a kid.”

The Walker family came to the feast for the first time and said they will be back next year.

“We were looking for a place to come and hang out,” said Chester Walker, 38. “It’s nice and it’s something for the kids to enjoy, good family time.”

Calabro said the love put into the event over the five days does come with a price, but he believes he and his fellow lodge members wouldn’t have it any other way.

“We are very tired, but it’s worth it,” he said.

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