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| - We have been to this event in previous years, however this experience reminds me why we do not make it out to the bi-annual event. First issue was the entry fee. At $9 a head I would seek out a special discount or coupon to make this expense more manageable. We searched online and found one for two $$'s of each adult. A plus was the no charge for the Kiddos. They do get you however at the carnival area where they charge anywhere from $3-5 per ride. Ouch! The best deal would be to get the wrist band for $30 and this will allow you to ride as much as the little kids desire (big kids too).
Now to the food....they have just about every type of food imaginable which is odd seeing that is an Italian festival with feast in it's name. They had Thai, Middle Eastern, Mexican, American and many more. The food was rather high priced for what you get I feel. Example being a Philly Cheese Steak with no side for $9 or the $11 Falafel or the $5 Slushy. This most likely not the vendors fault but the organizers and there high cost of space or booth rental for the 4 day event.
Some of the Vendors were a little odd as well, many of which were not in any way related to Italian American Culture or Heritage. I was surprised to see vendors promoting magic pain lotions, shoe polish, cell phone accessories, and portable fans and misters. The cover count for an event like this I am sure is up to at least 10,000 visitors a day. If you want to beat the crowd arrive early in the afternoon to avoid long food lines. Quality is sacrificed because cooks are not making as much fresh food. If you like a big party come when the sun starts to set and I am sure you will enjoy the event with adult beverages.
Entertainment wise at San Gennaro, the kids on stage were pretty cute singing there top forty songs and doing there little dances. I enjoyed the eating contests the most. We witnessed "El Torro" become the 3 time meatball eating Champ. The Cannoli one was quite gross because it looked like vomit both coming and going.
Overall some disappointments with the Feast. We will most likely be back, it might be a year or two.
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