Enfield Italian Festival Canceled For 2020

ENFIELD, CT — Concerns over the new coronavirus pandemic have prompted officials of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Society to cancel one of Enfield's largest summer events, the 95th annual Italian Festival.

Society president Carl Sferrazza announced the cancellation Tuesday night, marking the first time the feast will not be held since its inception in 1926. He said the decision was made following deliberations among members, town officials and the administration of the North Central Health District.

"With all the sacrifice and loss we as a country have suffered, this is the responsible decision," Sferrazza told Patch Tuesday.

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The three-day festival had been slated to open Friday, July 31. Homemade food, top-notch entertainment and a carnival midway have always been staples of the annual gathering, drawing thousands of area residents to the society's Park Avenue grounds.

"The health, safety and welfare of our members, patrons, vendors and entertainers is the most important priority we must commit to," Sferrazza said. "The unprecedented cancellation of our celebration is a tremendous disappointment to not only our membership, but to the entire community. However, this decision is the most responsible decision and the correct decision for all concerned."

Sferrazza said hopes are that the traditional Sunday morning Mass, spoken partly in Italian, will be able to continue.

"If by August legal restrictions with respect to social distancing have eased, and public safety and health concerns can be mitigated, we aspire to at least hold our annual Mass," Sferrazza said.