The second annual Italian Fall Fest took place on November 14 in the Islip Middle School gymnasium, bringing together more than 200 attendees for a vibrant celebration of Italian language and culture. Middle and high school students, along with their families, enjoyed an evening filled with activities inspired by Italy’s rich traditions. The event was organized by Giovanna Stanco, a 7th-grade Italian and Spanish teacher at IMS, with support from her classes and the Italian Club, who created posters, signs, and displays. 

Italian Fall Fest featured an array of games, crafts, and raffles, each connected to a cultural component. Students created Murano glass–inspired keychains, suncatchers modeled after Italy’s iconic stained glass, Venetian masks, and mosaic coasters. Guests also participated in an Italian trivia wheel, Pin the Pepperoni on the Pizza, Italian Wordle, and Tombola (the Italian version of Bingo), a temporary tattoo station, and a balloon arch with Italian-themed props, adding to the fun and photo opportunities.

No Italian celebration would be complete without food. Thanks to generous donations from local businesses—The Pizza Corner, Americano Pie Bar, The Pizzeria of Islip, Gio’s Pizza, and Stanley’s Bakery—guests enjoyed a delicious assortment of Italian dishes and desserts. The Marconi Lodge #2232 Order Sons and Daughters of Italy in America (OSDIA) also contributed to the event. Geraldine Iannello Graham, district chairperson of the Commission of Social Justice, a branch of OSDIA, attended and showcased displays highlighting the contributions of Italians and Italian Americans. High School FACS students added to the evening by baking fresh focaccia.

Leading up to the event, students participated in a poster contest organized by Stanco with the theme “Italy’s Footprint in America.” Twenty-three students submitted creative entries that were displayed during the fest. Attendees voted for their favorites via QR codes, and the top three were announced at the end of the night. Seventh grader Ralph Alvarez took first place, followed by seventh grader Angelina Medina-Borja in second, and tenth grader Max Carminio in third. Cheers filled the gym as the winners accepted their prizes. Festgoers then awaited the drawing of fourteen raffle baskets featuring Amalfi Coast–themed accessories, sports gear, apparel, tumblers, and more.

“Italian Fall Fest was a great night for our community, with so many families and friends of different ages participating in the fun and beauty that the Italian language and culture offer,” said Stanco.