Families come from near, far to enjoy annual Festa Italiana at Mount St. Peter in New Kensington

Festa Italiana is a long-running tradition for the families that attend and the families that volunteer for the fundraiser at Mount St. Peter Church in New Kensington.

But for the Rev. Dan Blout, who took over as pastor of Mount St. Peter four weeks ago, this year’s 44th Festa was his first.

“I was told I’m never going to believe it,” he said. “No truer words have been spoken.”

After this summer’s long run of severe storms, heavy downpours and recent a run of intense heat and oppressive humidity, the two-day festival was blessed with weather Blout deemed “immaculate” — no rain, sunny skies, comfortable temperatures and drier air.

It began Friday and concluded Saturday.

“People are having a great time,” Blout said. “The vibe is all good. There’s happiness going around.”

The first night was “crazy busy,” said Don Kastelic of Allegheny Township, who was grilling zucchini, red peppers, yellow squash and mushrooms for chicken wraps.

“It was good, though. We got through it,” he said. “There were long lines all night.”

It could be said it’s hard not to be happy when facing a menu that includes lasagna, spaghetti, meatballs, sausage, polenta, cannoli, pizza and fried dough.

Lynn Keener said she drove more than an hour from her home in Bethel Park to have some food, including lasagna and meatballs, and take some home. She comes every year.

“It’s very good. They make everything homemade,” she said. “I’m a dietician, so I know good food.”

Joseph Paletta of Ross brought his sons, Alexander, 7, and Gabriel, 11. He had lived in New Kensington and attended Mount St. Peter.

“I wanted to show them where I grew up, and its fun,” he said. “I run into old friends, contemporaries who have stayed around here, and support the church.”

The boys were loving it, Paletta said.

“We’re all loving it,” he said. “It’s a great family fun experience.”