San Gennaro Feast has music, amusement rides, oh, and food

Oh, what a night.

Make that nights - tonight through Sunday night, and Saturday and Sunday afternoons as well - as the 33rd annual San Gennaro Feast brings even more than its usual allotment of food, music and fun to the parking lots at the Silverton.

Anthony Palmisano, president of the event (which kicked off Tuesday with a recognition night for members of the military, veterans and law-enforcement officers in memory of 9/11), said the grand marshals are "Jersey Boys" cast members, who will perform sometime after 8 tonight. Denise Clemente is a grand lady and will perform nightly. Other entertainers include Clint Holmes, the Society of Seven with Jasmine Trias and many others. Free live entertainment begins at 4 p.m. daily; after 8 p.m., Las Vegas entertainer Tony Sacca will host a lineup on the feast's main stage.

And what's a feast without food? Count on more than 70 booths with a wide variety of traditional Italian dishes such as linguine and clams, shrimp scampi, Italian fried dough, meatball sandwiches, chicken Parmigiana, and tortellini and tons of other pastas. New this year will be lobster sandwiches and rolls and lobster fra diavolo.

If that's not enough to whet your appetite, there also will be more than 80 amusement rides, midway games and specialty vendors, and a petting zoo and pony rides for the smallest feasters.

Palmisano said he expects 80,000 to 100,000 people over the six days of the event. "There's free parking. Get here early."

There also are several discounts, including unlimited rides for $25 today, or $30 Friday through Sunday. Dads ride free tonight.

Gate admission is $9 for most adults, $8 for seniors and members of the military, and free for children 54 inches tall or less. For discount tickets, group rates or more information, go to www.SanGennaroFeast.com.

Contact reporter Heidi Knapp Rinella at hrinella@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0474.