A carnevale-like atmosphere in N.B.
Event celebrates Italian heritage for 20th year
BY JENNIFER AMATO
Staff Writer

STEVE BARON Fair-goers take a spin on one of the many rides featured at Carnevale Italiano, held last week by the Italian-American Social Club of North Brunswick.

For local residents of Italian heritage, the next best thing to Italy winning the 2006 World Cup was the annual Carnevale Italiano, held last week by the Italian-American Social Club of North Brunswick.

For the 20th year the carnival provided live entertainment, food, rides, games and an altogether sense of community for a population comprised of all heritages.

Butch Weiss of Somerset, who is only half Italian, came to the festival with Lillie Tur of South River to get a break from their children.

"I've never been here before, so I wanted to see what it's like. I'm impressed, and I'm very surprised that The Duprees are here," Tur said on Thursday. "I like carnivals, and it's the first time without the kids, so we don't have to spend a fortune."

They had already played a few carnival games; sampled the food, which included sausage and peppers, pasta fagioli, gyros and an Oriental barbecue; and bought a 50/50 raffle ticket in the hope of winning the grand prize on Sunday, which generally raises $7,000 to $8,000.

PHOTOSBY STEVE BARON Above: Gabrielle Giliberti (l) and Zoey Woody have a few laughs while enjoying Italian Ices at the carnevale Italiano, held last week in North Brunswick on Route 130. At right: For four nights last week the Italian-American Social Club of North Brunswick hosted its 20th annual Carnevale Italiano, a combination of rides, games, food and entertainment to celebrate cultural diversity and Italian heritage.

"There is a variety of everything, so it's a good night," Weiss said.

"And it's nice to go out for Italian food and know you're getting real Italian food," Tur added.

Friends Megan Pietracola and Christina Lalama, both of North Brunswick, also came to celebrate their culture.

"I've come every year because it's a tradition for me to come, walk around and see what's here," Pietracola said. "People of all ages are here. You can find a friend, listen to music and enjoy the rides. There is something for everyone here."

After being located at the North Brunswick Township High School for 15 years, the venue needed more space, warranting a move to Route 130 and Apple Orchard Lane to accommodate the expanding rides and attractions.

"There are still a lot of people here and the games and the atmosphere are still the same," said Mehul Shah, of North Brunswick, who last visited the carnival about three years ago. "It's fun. There are a couple of different rides."

Since he lives and works locally he decided to bring his friend from Manhattan, N.Y. to experience the festivities.

"There's grass here," she laughed about the difference between a New York street fair and a New Jersey carnival. "It's good to keep traditions especially for little kids so they get a taste of their heritage."

In addition, on July 19, hundreds of handicapped children from Middlesex County had access to free rides and refreshments including hot dogs, hamburgers, pizza, ice cream and toys.

Whether Italian or not, thousands of participants were able to enjoy a piece of la dolce vita.