When it comes to summer church festivals, longevity and tradition matter. But so does having a good time. Just ask Tom Rizzo, the longtime festival chairman at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church. “As I like to say, ‘come for the cannoli, stay for the entertainment,’” he said.
The parish is celebrating its 71st annual festival this weekend, and he couldn’t be happier. “That’s a number we are very proud of,” he said. “And it’s held in the same place, Columbus Park, for every one of them.” A cherished tradition at the festival each year is the Sunday Procession, featuring the carrying of the statue of the Blessed Mother through the Columbus Park area.
