GoFundMe Seeks To Bring Back St. Ann’s Italian Festa In Raritan

RARITAN, NJ - A petition launched last month is seeking to revitalize St. Ann’s Italian Festa, a Somerset-area tradition at the Catholic Church of St. Ann for over 100 years.

The fundraiser for the family-friendly food and game festival seeks to repurchase $100,000 in expenses and antiquated products (some over 60 years old) currently in disrepair needed for the event, which weren’t able to be purchased in time for the anticipated relaunch of the festivities in 2022. Instead, event organizers plan to continue FESTA in 2023, providing that the funds are acquired in time.

“For Festa to return, we need help,” the fundraiser reads. “If we are going to relaunch Festa we need everyone’s support in the following financial call to action. St. Ann’s Church is limited on resources, so for the Festa to return annually it will require a massive community effort. Whether you are a parishioner, a long-time Festa fan, a Pizza Fritte lover or a combination of the three, we ask for your help.”

Some of the materials in need of repurchase include a 40-gallon industrial sauce vat, which - with installation costs - will run up between $40,000-$50,000, the fundraiser said.

“Several professionals have looked at this appliance for repair, but each recommended it is time for a new vat,” the GoFundMe adds.

Other costs include inflation expenses and an emergency fund.

“Had we had emergency funds, the Festa likely would have returned sooner,” fundraiser organizers said.

The last FESTA was in 2019, just before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to event records. The family event, which typically includes homemade Italian food, games, rides, 50/50s, beer garden and entertainment, is the principal fundraiser for the local St. Ann School.

Donations can be made via the GoFundMe link, a check made out to St. Ann’s Church or corporate sponsorships.

“St. Ann’s Parish and the community want Festa back,” organizers concluded. “Let's not let this tradition be a thing of the past. Festa has created many unforgettable memories…as well as many sauced-stained shirts! We are confident that our great supporters will help in the efforts for a strong return of Festa in 2023.”