STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Under overcast skies and a steady drizzle, with temperatures in the mid-60s, Catholic Charities of Staten Island officially launched the 10th annual Italian Festival at The Mount on Friday, Oct. 10, to the delight of thousands of attendees.

The highly anticipated four-day celebration of Italian heritage, food, and music runs through Columbus Day weekend and concludes Monday, Oct. 13.

Headlining this year’s festival are freestyle icon Judy Torres and the MGM Guarnera Brothers, along with dozens of local performers, food vendors, and family-friendly activities spread across the scenic Mount Loretto campus in Pleasant Plains.

Despite the weather, early crowds turned out in strong numbers to browse a bustling farmers market, enjoy carnival rides, and sample specialti

See Full Page