BELMAR — The San Gennaro festival drew thousands to Belmar’s Pyanoe Plaza Saturday, a site selected to give the annual event a more “hometown center feel,” according to event coordinator John Walsh.
Previously, the event had been spread out on side streets around Belmar Elementary School, Mr. Walsh said.
Father Edward Arnister led the festivities in an opening prayer and shared the event’s historical roots and significance to people of Italian heritage. It’s namesake, Januarius, also known as Januarius I of Benevento, was Bishop of Benevento and is a martyr and saint of the Catholic Church, he explained.
Dozens of vendors, from food to craft vendors were present in the plaza, either selling items or promoting their own organizations.
Live music was performed on stage, a newly added dog costume contest was added and one of the most popular traditions, the cannoli eating contest, sponsored by Sweet!
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