St. Philip Neri Italian Festival
May 18-20, 2023
Events
2023 CHILDREN’S BENVENUTI PARADE
During the 2023 Italian Festival’s Children’s Benvenuti Parade, we will continue the tradition of having children (through age 12) march in their favorite costumes. All children participating in the parade will receive a goodie bag.
KICK-OFF FOR THE FESTIVAL FUN ZONE
On Friday, May 19th at 6:00 pm, the Benvenuti Parade kicks off the opening of the Kid Zone. Let the games and fun begin! The children will assemble in the Kid Zone at 5:30 pm and receive a blessing from our pastor. The parade begins at 6:00 pm. The parade will march through the festival grounds, ending at the outside main stage where the judging will occur for prizes. Winners will be chosen and the 2023 Prince and Princess Benvenuti will be crowned for the best overall costumes.
The Royal Capes will adorn the newest royalty – the Prince and Princess Benvenuti 2023. After photographs, the capes will be returned to the “vault” for safe-keeping for next year’s royal winners.
After the winners are chosen, the parade will march to the Festival Fun Zone to enjoy the games and activities.
COSTUME CATEGORIES & PRIZES
Costumes and decorated entries (wagons, bikes and strollers) will be judged in this year’s 3 categories
- Saints/Biblical Figures
- Super Silly
- That’s Italian!
Prizes awarded for:
- Best “Saints/Biblical Figures” Costume
- Best “Super Silly” Costume
- Best “That’s Italian” Costume
- Best Decorated Entry
- Prince & Princess Benvenuti for Best Overall Boy & Best Overall Girl Costumes
We hope you’ll dress up in one of the 3 categories to join the 2023 Children’s Benvenuti Parade!
Participation is free
Be sure to register and participate in the Children’s Benvenuti Parade. All dressed-up participants (ages 12 and under) will receive 10 free festival tickets to use in the Kid Zone Friday night and Saturday. Online registration is encouraged but not mandatory for participation. Click on the button below to register.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Contact: Parade Coordinator l Luanne Kokolis | llkokolis@comporium.net
