Twice a year, carnival and food fans head to the Las Vegas Valley’s San Gennaro Feast. In truth, getting to the May 10-14 Feast at Craig Ranch Regional Park took me a couple tries. However, on Sunday afternoon with the help of my GPS, I made the journey to North Las Vegas and an almost-free parking spot ($4). Admission to the Feast was $10, but upon immediate entry a drawing resulted in a couple of discounted show tickets — a good deal.
The Feast, in honor of San Gennaro, the patron saint of Naples, Italy, is full of colorful streamers and booths with products and food for sale. Lots of rides and activities are available for youngsters, so families attend in large numbers. For older folks or tired folks of any age, a stage and chairs offer free professional entertainment. What follows are just a few of the pictures I took at last week’s event.
After parking at Craig Ranch Park, Feast-goers purchased tickets at these booths. Photo by Diane TaylorCalories on display: this photo of large trays of food was taken at the Feast’s Italian Specialties booth. Photo by Diane TaylorA beautiful day and mild weather was for some, a perfect time for barbecue. Photo by Diane TaylorOnce food was obtained, plenty of tables in a tented area provided places to sit and enjoy. Photo by Diane TaylorThe San Gennaro skyline, of course, featured a Ferris wheel. Photo by Diane TaylorA petting zoo at San Gennaro Feast was filled with llamas, goats, pigs and chickens. Photo by Diane TaylorPetting of a different kind took place when this snake could be “borrowed” for pictures. Photo by Diane TaylorThe Walk on Water attraction had kids falling and laughing inside floating balloons. Photo by Diane TaylorSome folks like riding sideways and upside-down and the Star Dancer filled the bill. Photo by Diane TaylorColor was in lavish supply among a number of food booths selling to riders on Feast attractions. Photo by Diane TaylorThese horses were actually motorized and gave kids a lower-to-the-ground riding experience. Photo by Diane TaylorAlthough live and motorized pony rides were available, other folks chose the horses in the merry-go-round. Photo by Diane TaylorA large ice cream truck at the Feast featured LOTS of choices. Photo by Diane TaylorThe San Gennaro Feast even had its own roller coaster. Photo by Diane TaylorT-shirt lovers had lots of choices. Photo by Diane TaylorThe gentleman had lots of signs, but he was a bit lonely when this photo was taken. Photo by Diane TaylorFree entertainment on the San Gennaro stage included nightly appearances by Shades of Sinatra whose members are, from left, Ron Smith, Lisa Smith, Carmine Mandia and Ryan Baker. Photo by Diane TaylorSome folks will remember the San Gennaro Feast because they flew high off the ground. Photo by Diane TaylorAnd yes, after a day of activities for some folks, relief was in sight. Photo by Diane TaylorMore fun than looking at an iPad? Yes indeed. Photo by Diane TaylorThe whole family can share a memory after Sunday at the Feast. Photo by Diane TaylorTwo misting fans attracted attention, even though Mother Nature’s wind last Sunday was far more effective than the fans. Photo by Diane TaylorThe May, 2017 San Gennaro Feast was a tribute to entertainer Tony Sacca. Sacca appeared and organized entertainment at the Feast for 36 years, but passed away earlier this year. For the May event, the entertainment host was singer Kelly Clinton appearing with the Tony Sacca Band. Photo by Diane Taylor
2 responses on “Feast, Fun & Entertainment: San Gennaro”
Thanks for the photo album. Looks like a lot of fun.
Thanks for showing us highlights of the San Gennaro Feast. Loved seeing the old ornate style of the Merry-go-round and some other rides. Of course, I loved the bottom photo best! I have eaten 4 Cannolis since the Feast closed. My daughter is so generous!
Great coverage, Diane.
P.S. The Llamas in the petting zoo looked adorable.
Thanks for the photo album. Looks like a lot of fun.
Thanks for showing us highlights of the San Gennaro Feast. Loved seeing the old ornate style of the Merry-go-round and some other rides. Of course, I loved the bottom photo best! I have eaten 4 Cannolis since the Feast closed. My daughter is so generous!
Great coverage, Diane.
P.S. The Llamas in the petting zoo looked adorable.