EXETER — There’s no party like a block party, and the borough is gearing up to hold one of its own.
The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, June 30 and will not only serve as a community event but also as a celebration for Paci’s Band.
“It’s their 95th year,” said Lori DeAngelo. “Cino Paci was born in Italy and grew up in Exeter. He formed the band.”
According to information provided in a previous Sunday Dispatch article, Paci was born June 19, 1981 in Cireglio, Italy.
He migrated to America where he settled in Exeter Borough and, in 1923, formed Paci’s Band, which consists of brass instruments and percussions.
Prior to the block party, there will be a parade that begins at St. Cecilia’s Church and concludes at the borough building, in which Paci’s Band will perform.
“We chose them because of the tribute to the town of Exeter and our service members and veterans,” said Frank Pizano III. “That’s the primary focus of this entire thing, was to put those folks first and attribute those from our town.”
The borough will also honor Jack Brogan, a current member of Paci’s Band, as its Citizen of the Month for June.
The block party, which will be held at the borough building, will consist of food trucks, entertainment throughout the day, vendors and children’s activities.
Monies raised will go back into the borough towards the fire department, police department and ambulance association.
The idea for the event is the brainchild of borough mayor Denise Adams, who had no issues recruiting members of the community to assist in organizing it.
“As soon as Denise became mayor, we wanted to do something good for the town that we’ve been in since we were little,” said DeAngelo.
According to those organizing the event, the block party used to be an annual event but was discontinued in the early 80s. It was resurrected for one year, but none of the current organizing members remember when because they weren’t involved in it then. They plan to make this an annual event once more.
“It’s just a revival to bring back neighborhoods and people,” said Pizano.
The event is a little over a month a way, but more work is being done as the committee is still open to interested vendors participating.
Vendors or businesses sponsors may email DeAngelo at loridee220@comcast.net for more information.
“It’s more about the revival of the town and bringing back the closeness to make it family oriented, so that everybody knows who everybody is,” said Dave Balent. “The face of the town has changed, and nobody knows anybody anymore.”
