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By Colin Mixson
Brooklyn Daily
The St. Bernard Church celebrated its 10th annual Feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel from Friday through Sunday, drawing thousands of reverent merrymakers to the fair-like festivities, which included music, rides, games, and some choice Italian delicacies.
“It was delicious,” said John Napoli, who came all the way from Dyker Heights to enjoy the obligatory sausage and peppers.
The three-day celebration culminated with Sunday’s bash, which was kicked off by the Most Reverend Raymond Chappetto, who gave mass and led the congregation in a procession throughout Bergen Beach accompanied by the Giglio Band, before returning to E. 69th Street for some good eating.
Amidst all the zeppoli and pizza, children found time to ride the Ferris wheel and carousel, and compete in various carnival games, including whack-a-mole, while older kids looked for partners to dance the tarantella with.
Sunday night’s musical entertainment was provided by the excellent Neapolitan tenor Antonio Guarna, who was a big hit with the older crowd.
“I’d heard him before,” said Napoli. “The first time I heard him was great, he actually sang at a dinner party I was at. It wasn’t as intimate as the first time, but he was still good.”
Napoli said this was his first time at the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Feast, but it wouldn’t be his last.
“I had a great time,” he said. “I can’t wait to go back.”
Reach reporter Colin Mixson at cmixson@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-4514.