Little Italy, Rockland Edition

Here's what Nyack, Piermont and Tappan residents took in this weekend: classic Italian movies, tasty wine, zeppolis (authentic, not fake) and mobsters (fake, not authentic).

From Thursday to Sunday at the Masonic Park on Western Highway in Tappan, Blauvelt's Sons of Italy, Rockland Lodge, put on the Italian Feast and Carnival.

The festival's highlights included outdoor films, bona fide Italian spreads and celebrity visits (including an appearance by The Soprano's gangster Vito Spatafore).

Blauvelt's Sons of Italy were anxious Thursday evening for the start of the festivities—they gathered at the front gate of Masonic Park, greeting residents who streamed in.

And with free admission (but encouraged donations to local charities and scholarship funds) and live music, most people couldn't think of an excuse not to check out this event. Cars lined up and down Western Highway—and its side streets—all weekend long.

(For about an hour on Thursday the rain came in full force—but it was a short lived, and did no lasting damage).

The carnival featured rides and games, an enclosed casino and—perhaps one of the more popular events—a screening of the Yankee game.

But the festival's food stole the spotlight all weekend long; up for grabs were Italian staples like penne vodka, brick-oven pizza, cannolis, zeppolis, fried ravioli, pulled pork, gyros and empanadas.

I think the eats alone were worth braving the parking nightmare.

There was an unusual wine table, too—The Sopranos Wines were displayed and for sale, a product made by HBO's fictitious Soprano family. And who was promoting it? On Saturday night, the show's Vito Spatafore (played by Joseph R. Gannascoli) made an appearance, signing copies of his new book, as well.

And there was something for the aging star-watchers, too, who may not be up on HBO drama: The Karate Kid's Ralph Macchio stepped in for a visit.

Each night drew enormous crowds—at times it was difficult to move—which bodes well for the next international carnival: Traubenfest (a sort of Oktoberfest). Tappan's salute to German and German-American culture will be at Masonic Park Sunday, Oct. 3 at 11 a.m.

Sponsored by German lodges in Manhattan, the event will feature authentic food and drink—so mark your calendar.