San Gennaro Feast Of The Hamptons Adds Opening Night Light Parade And Sal Valentinetti To The 2016 Line-up

The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is starting a new tradition this year with the addition of its kick-off Light Parade, Carnival, and Party – adding another evening of exhilarating family-friendly festivities. On Friday, September 30th at 7:30 p.m., watch as the Festival shines brightly through Hampton Bays during the inaugural happening. The Light Parade will begin at the Hampton Bays Ambulance Grounds and head to Ponquogue Avenue and then north to Montauk Highway, west on Montauk Highway to Springville Road and south on Springville Road to Good Ground Road. It will culminate at the Hampton Bays Fire Department, and a Carnival and Party under the tent – with music by Souled Out – will follow from 7 to 10 p.m.

“Our 6th Annual San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons is bigger and better than ever,” shared Rick Martel, San Gennaro Feast Committee Member, who noted attendees can enjoy “Two full days of entertainment, including Sal Valentinetti from Americas Got Talent, and more!”

The Light Parade will kick-off the Festival. (Photo: Nicole Barylski)

On Saturday and Sunday, the Festival – which is taking place at Good Ground Road in downtown Hampton Bays – will feature live entertainment, food eating competitions – including gelato, pizza, meatball and zeppoli races – a Beer Stein Holding Contest, dunk tank, the 1st annual Dance Party, fireworks by Grucci, Italian delicacies, artisans, a carnival and more.

Carmello kicks off the live music on Saturday under the tent from 12:15 to 2:15 p.m. Positively Soul will follow on the stage from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Franco Corso – “the voice of romance” – is up next on the stage from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and New Life Crisis is the final musical act of the day. They will take the stage from 7 to 10 p.m. Saturday night will also include an impressive fireworks display that will blast off at 8:30 p.m.

The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons’ conclusion will begin with a special performance from Sal Valentinetti – who appeared on season 11 of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. He will take the stage from 12 to 2 p.m., and stick around because a few special guests will make an appearance from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. If you missed Franco Corso on Saturday, don’t worry because he’s back on the Festival’s final day and will showcase his vocals from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on the stage. At 6 p.m., the lucky winner of the car & Vespa will be announced on the stage, and Souled Out will wrap up the concerts from 6 to 8 p.m.

The Festival is a fall East End highlight. (Courtesy Photo)

Attendees can also meet Joe Gannascoli – AKA The Sopranos’ Vito Spatafore – who will be signing autographs at the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons.

The San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons will be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday.

Created as a way to accentuate the beauty of the Hamptons and Hampton Bays past the summer season and boost fall tourism – the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons has turned into a beloved autumn ritual for many – attracting thousands of visitors from throughout the tri-state area each year.

Proceeds from the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons will be donated to Maureen’s Haven, the Coalition for Women’s Cancers at Southampton Hospital and the San Gennaro Feast of the Hamptons Scholarship Fund.

For more information, visit www.sangennarofeastofthehamptons.com.