Thousands attend the Italian Festival Submitted by Larie Tedesco Source Times Picayune September 21, 1908 ************************************************* Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/la/lafiles.htm ************************************************ Thousands attend the Italian Festival Second Day Far Eclipsed First in Its Enthusiasm Mayor Behrman Was Present and Delivered Address Dr. Francesco Gaspanini Was Orator of the Day Children's Games and Distribution of Gifts to Little Folkw Were Among Interesting Features The second day of the Italian Festival, to celebrate the victory of Garibaldi and the independence of Italy, far eclipsed the first day, and thousands gathered at the City Park race course and from early in the afternoon to the birth of the new day dancing and general merrymaking were in order. The Italian Hall Committee with Messrs Antonio Patorno, Joe DiCarlo and Arturo Dell Orto directing things generally, accomplished far more yesterday than had even been hoped for, and every feature of the interesting programme, from the patriotic speeches to the children's games, was carried out with never the suggestion of a hitch. Mayor Martin Behrman was the distinguished visitor of the day. The Mayor was given a splendid ovation. At 4 o'clock the roll of the drum attracted the crowd to the band stand, where the speakers were gathered. President Antonino Patorno acted as master of ceremonies and made the opening address, introducing Dr. Francesco Gaspanini as orator of the day. Dr. Gaspanini spoke in Italian and was most effective and patriotic in his remarks. Mayor Behrman was then called upon and the city's chief executive stirred the Italians to enthusiasm by his able and friendly speech. The Mayor expressed deep regret at having been unable to attend the opening of the festival Saturday. He had accepted a previous invitation to attend the diamond festival and could not be in two places at one time. Mayor Behrman said thathe was proud of the splendid progress the Italians of New Orleans were making. The fact that the entire colony rose up and worked with the authorities in the suppression of crime proves that the Italians are good and desirable citizens. This evoked much applause, and the Mayor had to pause for some time until the Bravas! had ceased. The Mayor continuing wished the Italian societies every success, congratulated them upon the festival and complimeted them upon the manner in which it was handled soon be realized and rear a monument to Italian progressiveness and add to the greatness of Greater New Orleans. A bent and aged man of venerable aspect and kindly face next took his place before the people. He was introduced as Cavallero Carlo Alberto Solaro, and when the name was mentioned the Italians voiced a chorus of cheers. Cavallero Solaro is 83 years of age, and when Garibaldi took Rome he was a major commanding the volunteer army who battered at one gate while the great leader battered at the other. Mr. Dell'Orto assisted the Cavalero to and from the platform, and showed him every attention, the having having been the schoolmate of Mr. Dell'Orto's father long years ago in Italy. Cavallero Solaro wore the decoration which had been pinned upon his breast by King Victor Emmanuel after the immortal city fell. Cavallero Solaro spoke in Italian. He told of three Romes. First, the ancient Rome of the Caesars, the Rome dominated by foreign forces, and the Rome of united Italy. He graphically described the fall of the city, traced Italy's rise to greatness, and during his address moved many of his emotional countrymen to tears, and fired all of them with enthusiasm. After the speaking the children's games were held in the paddock. Dr. Oscar Soloman with the true Santa Clause spirit, presided over this function and he had as his assistants Messrs. Herman Boettner, Ed Boeottner, Charles Hamilton and Joseph Liuzza. Dr. Soloman is always popular with the children, and he marshaled a small sizd juvenile army and put the lad and lasses through running races and guessing contests to the amusement of a big crowd. There was a long table loaded with toys at one end of the paddock, and winners and losers alike received prizes. In fact, Dr. Soloman wasn't overlooking any of the little ones, and any tot had a ball, a wagon, a doll or other toy, for the asking. There was one track event, a one-mile race between members of the Moonwink Pleasure Club. Those who entered were: A. Cusimano, Ignatius Tedesco, P. D'Anna, Antonio Giaconiazzo, Antonio Lafuci, M. Mancuso and J. Signorelli. The track was wet and very heavy, and the runners in their white athletic suits, getting off well together struggled and splashed through slush and mud the entire distance. Mancuso won by a big margin. Tedisco tagged second, and D'Anna came third. The first proxe was a gold medal, the second a silver medal, and the third a bronze medal. L. C. Tortorich and Louis Legarde were the judges. Mayor Behrman was an interested spectator of the race, occupying a chair in the judges' stand. As soon as darkness fell there was a display of fireworks, and a moving picture exhibition. The grand ball then opened and was continued far into the night. The members of the Festival Committee were well satisfied with the success gained, and expect to realize considerable from the two days' festival. Amoung local merchants who made donations for the benefit of the Italian hall were: D. Sciortino, P. Banquet, J. Bruno, A. Cassow, V. Scaffide, Moncada Brothers, C. Graffagnino, Macaluso Brothers, A. Cusimano & Co., F. Lombardo & Son, J. Mandot, L. Frederico, J. Cusimano, F. Sunseri, J. Marsiglia, J. Cangelosi & Co., V. Taormina, Cosmopolitan Ice company, Orleans Ice Company, French Market ce Company, P. Giaccona, J. L. Lyons & Co., F. Hollander & Co., Italian Swiss Colony, San Francisco, Cal., A. G. Riffell, agent; Hy Block Company, Limited; P. Torre, Lanasa Brothers, J. DiLosa, H. H. Ruch.