The annual Feast of Saint Theresa will celebrate its 13th year with a five-day extravaganza set to begin on Wednesday, July 22.
Over 10,000 people from the Bronx and the metropolitan area are expected to come to the feast, converging on St. Theresa Avenue between Westchester Avenue and the Hutchinson River Parkway from Wednesday, July 22 to Sunday, July 26.
The feast, which this year centers on the theme of “Celebrating 50 Years of Teaching Catholic Values,” honors the 50th graduating class at St. Theresa School and the parish’s religious education program winning the Mustard Seed Award for excellence. It promises a week of food, fun, and fellowship.
“We have seen this feast start out as a block party and grow from three blocks to six blocks over the past 13 years,” said feast committee member Lou Aurrichio. “I think the feast is a great way to promote the church and the community with family and friends. It is about building and maintaining relationships.”
Aurrichio said that he was most proud of almost 400 parishioners who have dedicated their time to raise money for St. Theresa’s by agreeing to volunteer for the feast.
Helping to attract residents are a plethora of amusement park rides, games of chance, casino games, and a flea market. In addition, there will be traditional food, from sausage and peppers to zeppoli, which are always one of the biggest attractions.
As in previous years’ feasts, there will be live entertainment every night.
Wednesday night opens with the sounds of In the Pocket, Thursday evening will see A Moment’s Worth and A Shattered Reflection, while on Friday TCH Live Entertainment will play. On Saturday night, Emil Pulcicchio returns with Crystal Blue, while on Sunday the feast closes with the FDR Drive Band. Throughout the feast, community magician John Turdo of Simply Magic will wow all those in attendance with his illusions.
Tickets for the much-anticipated grand raffle are limited to the first 1000 sold, and are available for a $100 donation. The cost can be split among donors. The grand prize this year is the winner’s choice of a 2009 Mercedes C300 or $30,000.
As always, religious services will be held each night starting at 7:30 p.m. and the church will remain open all night. A procession through the streets with the statue of St. Theresa will occur at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday.
The feast runs from 5:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and from 3:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. on Saturday, and Sunday. For more information, call the rectory at (718) 892 -1900.
