Carnevale Italiano returns next week BY JENNIFER AMATO Staff Writer "People like to get together. People are calling me every day and asking me, 'When is the carnival going to be?' ... " - Vito Puleio NORTH BRUNSWICK - Citizens of every nationality can enjoy la dolce vita at the Carnevale Italiano, to be held next week from Wednesday through Sunday at Route 130 and Apple Orchard Lane. For the 20th year, the Italian-American Social Club of North Brunswick will hold its carnevale, a weekend-long festivity of food, fun and friendship. "People like to get together. People are calling me every day and asking me, 'When is the carnival going to be?' It is a family-type carnival where people meet who haven't seen each other in years and they can sit down, eat and get together," said Vito Puleio, president of the Italian-American Club. Although the event first began two decades ago at the North Brunswick Township High School, the carnival has since grown to include more vendors, more food, more rides, more games and most importantly, more entertainment. "We started at the high school and had limited vendors and small entertainment. We've been on Route 130 for five years now and the club has more rides and more entertainment," Puleio said. The carnevale will run Wednesday through Friday from 6-11 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 5-11 p.m. Admission and parking are free every night. Each day there will be live entertainment provided by local bands. On Friday the high school students will sing on the main stage. On Saturday the special attraction is a performance by The Duprees from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. Afterward, a fireworks display will be presented at 10 p.m. by Grucci. On Sunday, any children with a wristband can enjoy the rides at one set price. At 9 p.m. the Super 50/50 raffle will be drawn. "We've been very fortunate. Every year someone wins between $7,000 and $8,000," Puleio said. However, the intentions of the carnival are not just about entertaining, but focus more on the Italian value of togetherness. On Wednesday at noon, hundreds of handicapped children from Middlesex County will have access to free rides and refreshments, including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream and toys, according to Puleio. For information about volunteering with the carnevale or any of the scheduled activities, contact Puleio at (732) 246-1278 or (732) 297-9727.