First Posted: 8/14/2014
“Let the drums roll out, the trumpets call, and the cymbals clash”, while feet tap to the sound of the bands marching down Main Street in the annual 31st Tomato Festival Parade which will be held on Saturday, Aug. 23 beginning at 10:30 a.m. The parade an intrical part of the festival is one of the original activities organized at the inception of the festival in 1984.
William Burke of West Pittston, who had great expertise in parade organization, chaired the event for six years. When Bill stepped down in 1990, I took over the reigns and was thrilled to do so because “I love a parade.” A drum beat is an automatic adrenaline rush, with the feet lifting off the ground in harmony with the drum cadence. At the sound of a patriotic march I have to hold back from marching alongside the band. That’s a carryover from high school days when marching with the highly rated Pittston High School band. I am remembering Mr. Harold Eder, the band master, who marched alongside the band straight and tall with a military flair attired in a crisp white uniform. What a picture he made!
Like any function that is being organized, the most important aspect is the people who serve on the committee. I had the pleasure of working with a reliable, dedicated and enthusiastic committee, namely Chester Montante, Jim Deice, Judy Russo Clairellen Hopple, Mary Chiarelli, Samuel Miceli, Rose Chiarelli, Gertrude Manganaro, Lee Marcino, Debra Brogna, Ross Dominick and Toni Reggie.
Marching to a drum beat, real or imaginative, for 10 years can take a toll, and it was time to pass it on to two very capable and devoted people – Jim and Judy Russo Deice. The annual 31st parade will mark their 15th year as chairs and 21 years of Tomato Festival Parade affiliation.
What makes them committed to the parade? Jim states, “A good feeling. Watching the people especially the children enjoying the parade. Knowing they look forward to and want to be in downtown Pittston viewing the parade. Each year the crowd grows larger and we welcome newcomers to come and enjoy.
We have kept the parade non-political, avoiding any negativity. We are proud of how smoothly it runs and the positive exposure it brings to Pittston and Northeastern Pennsylvania. I love doing this for our city.”
Judy, the “Unsung Hero” as Jim calls her, states, “Our parade may not be the biggest, but it is one of the nicest.”
I asked Jim and Judy if they are expecting any surprises. Jim responded with, “One never knows who will show up. One year Governor Rendell joined the line of march.”
There is much tradition and pride in the Tomato Festival Parade. It belongs to the people of Greater Pittston. Yearly participants, organizations, clubs, and bands repeat their appearance. Many have been participating since the first parade. What is remarkable is children who marched in the parade are now taking their children to either be part of or to enjoy watching the parade.
The drum beat that has been heard in the line of march for the past 31 years is that of the Cino Paci Band. The band, which is sponsored yearly by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County, has a unique sound of the banging of the drums and the blare of the horns. Currently under the direction of Jack Brogan, the band members do not march but walk. The music, which is primarily marches, has the crowd clapping their hands and stomping their feet.
In the early years of the festival, the Cino Paci Band performed in concert following the opening ceremonies. Joe “I” Infantino, a noted musician, Pittston native, and proud of his Italian heritage, was the band leader.
In early July this noted and popular band that is also seen and heard at church processions performed in concert in downtown Pittston sponsored by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County as part of their program for promoting Italian culture. Herman Castellani, Louise Castellani, Jim Deice and Judy Deice, officers of the association, chaired the event. Following the concert, Councilman Michael Lombardo in his closing remarks stated, “The concert which was well received and enjoyed should become an annual affair in Pittston City.”
The most honorable aspect of planning a parade is the selection of the Grand Marshal, a prestigious honor given to a member of the city or surrounding community for outstanding service to the community either through volunteerism, humanitarian endeavors, business or professional accomplishments, and service to country.
This year’s Grand Marshal is a very personable and accomplished young woman, Atty. Rose Randazzo, a Pittston native who currently volunteers as Downtown Manager. Her efforts are clearly seen in the touches that are adding class and color to a revitalized Pittston City.
Rain or shine, the 31st Annual Tomato Festival Parade will kick off promptly at 10:30 a.m. Whatever the weather (it has rained only twice), come prepared to have a great time at the parade and then enjoy the festival which will be in full swing.
Applause, appreciation and congratulations to all the committees of the Pittston Tomato Festival and thank you for your dedication and love of Pittston.
