Italians take center stage

Passers-by will catch the enticing aromas of homemade spaghetti sauce and Italian desserts. If they stop by, they will be treated to authentic Italian music, dancing and crafts, designed for kids and adults who will be learning more about their Italian heritage.

"Everyone is invited," said Dolores Scalise, one of the main planners of the sixth annual Cappiello Festa Italiana of the Greater Capital District. It will kick off on July 5, 4 p.m., with the National Anthem performed in both English and Italian. It runs until 8 p.m. on July 7.

Old country

"Every year, this festival just gets bigger and bigger," she told The Evangelist. Planners expect thousands to gather over the three days of the festival. One reason is to hear tenor Michael Amante, who sings traditional and classical Italian music.

"He is absolutely wonderful," Mrs. Scalise said. His performance is expected to draw an even larger number of people than last year, which was between 20,000 and 30,000.

Heritage

Mrs. Scalise, a parishioner of Sacred Heart/St. Columba parish in Schenectady, loves Italian traditions and admits that being involved in planning the festival gives her an opportunity to share her ethnic knowledge with others.

"I am always ready to learn new things," she said. "And when I learn something new, especially anything about being Italian, I want to share that with others. I think it is very important that Italians know about their heritage because we have such rich traditions."

Pitching in

Mr. Viscusi owns Viscusi Wholesale Grocers, Inc. in Schenectady, which produces a line of spaghetti sauces called Casa Visco.

"Dolores Scalise is a great person to work with," he said, adding. "She is a fantastic worker and organizer. If it weren't for her, I know I probably wouldn't even be involved in the festival. She has a lot of energy and enthusiasm that she gives. She makes this festival the success that it is, each year."

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