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Volunteers are key to success of annual St. Joan of Arc Ethnic Festival

 
Gypsy Star returns this year, playing at 5:15 p.m. Thursday.
Gypsy Star returns this year, playing at 5:15 p.m. Thursday.
Published Oct. 14, 2015

SPRING HILL

It was 22 years ago when Sal Napoli began lending a hand with the annual Ethnic Festival at St. Joan of Arc Catholic Church.

Every year, Napoli has been at the church a week before the festival, setting up the grounds and making way for a large 120- by 60-foot tent. And during the four-day festival, he has always been there, faithfully assisting, from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. each day.

At age 88, the St. Joan of Arc parishioner is back this year, helping to put on the 24th annual Ethnic Festival, which kicks off Oct. 22 on the church grounds.

"Sal is a barrel of energy," said Jim Knight, the event chairman. "We really appreciate his dedication."

Knight said the event is made possible by the hard work of numerous volunteers.

"Many, like Sal and (volunteer) Frank Mezzachapo, have been helping for many years," he said. "I'm one of the newer ones. I've only been doing this for 18 years."

The ethnic festival's popularity has continued to grow throughout the years. In fact, attendance has often exceeded that at the annual Hernando County Fair, organizers say.

"We have a very wonderful reputation of being family friendly," said Anne Cofone, the church's business manager. "The Ethnic Festival is such a nice place to bring the family."

The success is twofold, Knight said.

"All the food is done by the parish," he said. "And we have great local entertainment."

Knight said the festival also benefits from its midway company, Premier Amusements. This year's midway will include at least 25 rides for young children, as well as for teens and adults. There will also be carnival games.

"We are really impressed with them," Knight said.

Napoli believes the biggest reason for the success is the cost.

"Prices for the food and rides are fair," he said. "People aren't getting overcharged."

The event's largest draw, of course, is the cuisine. From pierogies at the Polish booth and gyros at the Greek booth to brats at the German booth and corned beef and cabbage sandwiches at the Irish booth, there is something for everyone. There will also be American staples, such as burgers, turkey legs, chicken and fries.

"But the most popular items are the funnel cakes," Knight said. "People tell us they come just for that alone. … At the end of the night, we have to cut them off. It's hilarious."

As for Napoli, when he isn't working the grounds, he plans to be over in his favorite area — the food tent.

"This is a labor of love," he said. "I like to help out the church, and I thank God I'm able to do it. I really enjoy it."