St. Anthony’s Italian Festival Captures Culture And Community

By: A’niyah Kenner, Follow South Jersey Community Journalist

GLASSBORO, N.J. – Glassboro came alive as the community gathered in Town Square for the 12th Annual St. Anthony’s Italian Festival on Sep. 13, 2025.

The day was filled with tradition, food, and music that honored the borough’s deep Italian-American roots. 

Kim, a previous attendee, described the atmosphere of the event. “It is a wonderful festival. I feel like people are having a great time. I have been before, and I would definitely recommend it to others.”

Friends Ewin and Gael agreed that the festival was a good experience. “The experience has been good. I was able to get a blue crystal necklace, and the food is really good, but a bit expensive.” Gael said, “Everything is spaced out well, so I don’t feel crowded even though there are a lot of people. I would definitely recommend it.”

The festivities began at 2:00 p.m. and concluded at 10:00 p.m. The day was filled with family and friends, bringing the entire community together along with many from around the South Jersey area.

The music included the band “99 Reasons” featuring a mix of 1980s classic rock, 1990s dance-pop, and some country to get everyone singing and dancing. Then Mr. “Smooth” Greg Armstrong with Friends played some soulful acoustics and Italian-American classics for a more relaxed and intimate, nostalgic moment as the sun lowered. To finish off the night, “Right Turn at 40” performed a high-energy party set featuring dance rock covers and party hits spanning decades, sending everyone home on a high note.

For Giovanna, another festival goer, the festival is a family custom. “I love it. I come every year, and this year is amazing. It is so nice to see everybody out here; it is a wonderful time. I always come with family and friends; we are Italian, so this feels like a celebration of our culture. I would absolutely recommend this.” 

Vendors and visitors alike expressed their excitement about the day’s events.

Ryan Anderson with “Stevie G Jerky” expressed the welcoming environment. “It has been a really good experience. Everybody is very friendly, it is very lively here, and we are having a good time. I would definitely recommend the festival. It is very family-friendly and a good experience overall.”

Kara Carolla, a vendor based in Mullica Hill, had a very positive experience. “So far, it’s been really great! I’m having fun. The weather is beautiful, and a lot of people came out, so that’s fun. There is really awesome food and live music. Overall, it’s been an enjoyable experience.” 

The St. Anthony’s Italian Festival is made possible with generous support from sponsors. This year’s sponsors include Nexus Properties, Liscio’s Italian Bakery & Deli, the Law Office of Timothy D. Scaffidi, Young Realty, Chick-fil-A Mantua Square, Fulton Bank, Edifi Credit Union, The Residences at Academy Row/McCann Team (Keller Williams), ParkeBank, Power Home Remodeling, Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers, Renewal by Andersen, Sport Clips Haircuts, Window Nation, Brida Stone Inc., Atlantic City Electric, ERCO Ceilings & Interiors, European Wax Center, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW).

With laughter, music, and the warmth of shared culture, St. Anthony’s Italian Festival offered more than just a celebration of food and tradition. It gave the whole community an experience to remember.

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