Event Preview: San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons

The second annual San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is set to kick-off Columbus Day weekend, drawing large crowds to Hampton Bays in an effort to give area businesses a shot in the arm before the winter sets in.

The feast, which is sponsored by the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce, is expected to be even larger than last year's event with the addition of a free Grucci Fireworks show on Sunday night at 9 p.m., which will take place rain or shine; a car show; and an expanded carnival rides section.

The festival, according to Joyce Gilbert, of the chamber, will kick-off on Saturday at 11 a.m. with a parade down Main Street. It will then run until 10 p.m. on Saturday and open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday.

The parade, said Gilbert, will be led by this year's grand marshall, Domenico Pensa, a 47-year resident of Hampton Bays who owns Villa Paul.

The feast, which takes place on Good Ground Road, will feature some 100 vendors selling Italian delicacies and local favorites, as well as live music, including performances by Franco Corso, Johnny Avino, Carmelo Raccuglia, Desert Highway Band and the Groove Buffet (a schedule of performances can be found here.)

The car show, which is sponsored by the Suffolk County Coalition against Domestic Violence, will take place on the grounds of the Hampton Bays Middle School, with a free shuttle service available from the feast.

Proceeds from the event, said Gilbert will be used for Chamber scholarships with a portion of money going to Maureen's Haven, which provides a safe haven for the homeless during the winter.

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