Italian Heritage Night, Frawley Stadium

Italian Heritage and Culture was celebrated at the Blue Rocks’ Frawley Stadium in Wilmington on Aug. 2. The evening began with the Italian National anthem performed by students from La Piazza di Giustina Italian Language Summer Camp directed by mezzo-soprano Andrea Arena. Following the Italian National Anthem, radio personality Melissa Cannavo-Marino gave the bi-lingual welcoming address and introduced guest speaker Rick Di Liberto, chairman of the Delaware Commission on Italian Heritage and Culture. After the ceremonial “first” pitches, radio personality Nick Alessandrini invited all to stop by the ARA Delco/CIAO Delco table for a free chance to win a food basket supplied by Cento Foods, Rosa Foods, DeLallo Foods and Serpe’s Bakery. Other prizes included assorted miniature Italian flags and ARA Delco and CIAO Delco shirts.

Members of the Italian-American community join Rocky Bluewinkle on the field for the
ceremonial “first” pitch. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RYAN GRIFFITH, ROSE PATTON

Special pennants were made for the occasion.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RYAN GRIFFITH, ROSE PATTON

From left: Brian Marucci, Marianne Marucci, Massimo Patton, Nick Alessandrini, Marie DiMattia, Giulianna D’Ortone, Rose Patton and Nick Rapagnani. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RYAN GRIFFITH, ROSE PATTON

Yes, it’s a baseball game but there’s always time for a quick round of bocce. PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RYAN GRIFFITH, ROSE PATTON

From left: Richard Serpe, Joe Cannavo, Justin Del Borrello and Lauren Abercrombie at the ARA Delco table.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF RYAN GRIFFITH, ROSE PATTON