Every year since 2015, a procession down Commerce Street has signaled the start of the Yorktown Feast of San Gennaro, a now five-day Italian heritage festival with food, carnival rides, live music and a festive atmosphere.

Hundreds participate in this yearly tradition, during which the statue of Saint Gennaro, on loan from New York City’s Most Precious Blood Church, is carried to Railroad Park, its home until the festival ends. Among the sea of proud Italian descendants is Yorktown’s musically inclined town justice, Sal Lagonia. This year, he can leave his trumpet at home.