Orange Celebrates 11th Annual Italian Street Festival in “Little Italy’ Neighborhood

The 11th annual Orange Italian-American Festival was held on Saturday September 10th and Sunday September 11th in the heart of Orange’s officially designated Little Italy, Mechanic Street and Lincoln Avenue.

There were rides, games, local entertainment and venders selling food and various products. Approximately 2500 people attended over the two days.  The Festival was founded by businesswoman and Former Council President Maria Vandermeer in 2002. This year’s event was sponsored by the Orange American Italian Organization. Andy Farro, President, Maria Vandermeer, Vice President and Lucy Di Iura, event coordinator.  Live music was provided by the band, The Jersey Sound.

At the Festival, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr. and the City Council issued a proclamation naming Paul Ippolito IV, owner of the Ippolito Memorial Funeral Home in Orange, as Man of the Year in recognition for his work for Orange and the Italian community.

Two years ago, in advance of Orange’s 9th Annual Italian Street Festival, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins had proclaimed the city’s core Italian neighborhood as “Little Italy.” Mayor Hawkins said that he views the designation as part of making the historic neighborhood a destination for dining and tourism and an important part of Orange’s economic development efforts.

Little Italy notable locations include: stores (John’s Italian Market at Essex and Freeway), Sanitary Bakery, and  churches, i.e. Mt Carmel & St. Venantius Church & School,  still active Italian/American clubs, and Ippolitto Funeral Home on Henry St.  Some of these establishments have been in this area since the turn of the century.  In the area of Lincoln & Mechanic, a renaissance of architecture and restaurants is emerging including Cafe Sport, Café Roma and Just Like Nonna’s.  Church feasts and festivals continue as they have in the past. Italian/Americans and those of every ethnic group continue to flock to the church feasts & festivals.

Text of Mayor’s Proclamation:

Whereas, Paul Ippolito, IV,  was born in the City of Orange Township on April 29, 1969 to  Paul Ippolito, III and JoAnn Piserchio; and

Whereas, Paul Ippolito, IV, graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Seton Hall University; and

Whereas, Paul Ippolito, IV, graduated from the American Academy McAllister Institute of Funeral Service in 1992; and

Whereas, Paul Ippolito, IV, in keeping with his family tradition is serving as the current Owner of the Ippolito Memorial Funeral Home in the City of Orange Township; and

Whereas, Paul Ippolito, IV, is the past President and current member of the Orange/West Orange Chapter of Unico National, a non-profit organization that promotes the enhancement of the image of Italian Americans and for the members to be of service to the community; and

Whereas, the Paul Ippolito Memorial Funeral Home and family have been a part of the City of Orange Township community since it was established in 1917; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Eldridge Hawkins, Jr., and the Municipal Council of the City of Orange Township, New Jersey, hereby recognizes Paul Ippolito, IV, as the Man of the Year, for his stellar service and outstanding commitment to the City of Orange Township, and the Italian Community.