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The Caledonian Highlanders perform in the parade.

Photos from the Festival

WATKINS GLEN, Aug. 4 -- The 34th annual Schuyler County Italian-American Festival concluded its 3-day run Sunday, but its major events were Saturday -- the annual parade up Decatur and Fourth Streets at noon, and fireworks after dark.

Here are some photos from Saturday, and below that photos from Friday, the festival's opening day.

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Photo at right: Festival fireworks lit the sky Saturday night above Seneca Lake.

A member of the Williamson Junior-Senior High School Marching Band, which entertained parade spectators along Decatur and Fourth Streets.

Allison Stamp competes in the annual Pasta Eating Contest.

The musical group Midnight Special, which performed Friday night, was back for another performance Saturday afternoon.

Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton, left, and trustees Scott Gibson (obscured)
and Tony Fraboni ride in the parade atop a Watkins Glen fire truck.

Left: A member of the Kirby Band from Nichols. Right: Megan McCloud, last year's Pasta Eating Contest winner at the festival, competed again Saturday, finishing second. (Photo provided)

There are plenty of festival food stands to choose from. For these fellows, lunch is ready.

Along the parade route at Lafayette Park: From left, Julie O'Brien and Michaela Olafson; Megan Matthews, and Watkins Glen High School freshman Amanda Pike.

Left: Drummer in the Fairport Fire Department Marching Band. Right: An Iwo Jima tribute on a Freedom Village float.

The festival Prince and Princess, Salvatore Purpura and Sarah Jones, wave to the parade spectators along Decatur Street.

From left: Grand Marshal Judy Scaptura, chauffered by Tony Specchio (visible behind her); Watkins Glen Police Chief Tom Struble in the parade; and a bocce tournament player.

Kids were enjoying the rides at the festival.

Sailboats were much in evidence on Seneca Lake Saturday, visible from the festival.

Left: James Overly of Erin raises his arm in victory after winning the Pasta Eating Contest at the entertainment tent..(Photo provided) / Right: Bob Lee, left, and Kevin Field at the festival.

Parade emcee Jim Howell, foreground, chats with members of the day's final float,
a pirate-themed vessel from the Little Venice Ristorante in Trumansburg.

Left: One of the Freedom Village singers in the parade. Right: Watkins Glen Mayor Mark Swinnerton waves to parade spectators from his perch atop a village fire truck.

A member of the K&R Catering food booth, which specialized in chicken dinners.

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Photos from Friday at the Festival:

A young pitcher tries his hand at one of the midway's games of chance.

The drummer of Midnight Special, the band performing Friday night.

Amedeo Fraboni plays Bingo in the pavilion.

Rod Weeden points to a wine cooler-chest available as a prize
in a raffle at the Watkins-Montour Lions Club booth.

Left: Chicken is ready at the K&R Catering booth. Right: An 18-year-old Quaker Parrot named Mance perches on the hand of festival visitor Charlie Haeffner. The bird belongs to Doug Winstanley of Elmira Heights, who was wandering about the festival with the bird perched on his shoulder. Mance can speak a few words, and feeds on a diet of seeds.
(Both photos are by Liz Fraboni)

Allison Stamp, left, and Katie Ray enjoy the festival with friends.

Rides are a major attraction at the Italian-American Festival.

Photoshopped rendering of a young girl crossing a footbridge on a midway attraction called Raiders.

Glenda Gephart Phoenix calls out a number during bingo competition in the pavilion.

The True Love schooner passes by Clute Park, site of the festival.

Left: Nancy Peters enjoys a slice of pizza. Right: The Midnight Special's lead singer.

Rides are a major attraction at the Italian-American Festival.