West NY News

Senator George Borrello, President of the Conference of Italian American State Legislators, has declared that this year's Italian-American Day will take place on Monday, May 20. The day's events will feature the Mulberry Street Fair in the Well of the Legislative Office Building, the Festa Italiana in Troy, and an awards ceremony for three distinguished guests.

"We are very excited to present a full schedule of Italian American Day events again this year. This is the continuation of a tradition that stretches back more than five decades and an opportunity to celebrate the impact that Italian Americans have had on the history and success of New York State," Senator Borrello stated.

The senator also revealed the identities of three renowned New Yorkers of Italian American heritage who will be honored for their contributions: sports media personality Gregg Giannotti, iconic musician Johnny Farina, and acclaimed composer and performer Bobby Previte.

Giannotti co-hosts Boomer & Gio, a popular morning drive sports radio program in the New York City metro area. Farina is a quintessential steel guitarist known for his instrumental hit Sleep Walk with musical duo Santo & Johnny. Previte is a composer and performer whose collaborations span across leading figures in music and beyond.

The day's events will commence with the Mulberry Street Fair at the Legislative Office Building. The free event celebrates Italian culture with food from local vendors and scholarship presentations to four college-bound students. These scholarships are awarded by a panel from the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute.

The day concludes with "Festa Italiana" at the Italian Community Center in Troy, New York. This primary fundraiser for college scholarships features authentic Italian cuisine and live music. Honored at this event will be this year’s celebrity guests as well as legislative honorees Senator Mario Mattera and Assemblymember Jo Anne Simon.

"Italian American Day is a wonderful tradition that has endured for decades here in the Legislature. Our events are a great opportunity to gather with colleagues and friends, celebrate Italian food and culture and honor special individuals whose contributions have enriched the Italian American legacy in New York. I am already looking forward to May 20 and encourage my fellow legislators to make plans now to join us for the festivities," said Senator Borrello.

Tickets for Festa are available at $125 each by contacting Sarah Killeen in the Office of Assemblyman Ed Ra or online at https://www.nyiacsl.org/sponsor-opportunities (choose ‘partner sponsor’ option).