Senate Resolution No. 918

BY: Senator O'MARA

COMMEMORATING the 40th Anniversary of the Schuyler
County Italian American Festival and Parade

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to pay tribute to
those organizations and events of true purpose and worthy accomplishment
which foster a spirit of community and service and, simultaneously, work
diligently to preserve their rich cultural heritage; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Schuyler County Italian American
Festival and Parade; and

WHEREAS, The Schuyler County Italian American Festival and Parade
has partnered with the Village of Watkins Glen, New York, to honor the
county's heritage with the Lafayette Park Legacy Lane, located at the
corner of Decatur and 4th Street; Legacy Lane provides opportunities to
commemorate families, organizations or exceptional moments with engraved
bricks; and

WHEREAS, The celebration of this momentous occasion will begin with
a pre-festival gathering on Wednesday, August 7, 2019, to officially
unveil the bricks added to Legacy Lane, and will continue with its
Annual Festival and Parade August 9-11, 2019; and

WHEREAS, The Schuyler County Italian American Festival and Parade
was founded by a small group of Italian Americans residing in Watkins
Glen, as a way to honor the Feast of the Assumption which occurs each
August; and

WHEREAS, During this inaugural celebration, a procession of men
carried the Virgin Mary statue on their shoulders through the streets of
the village; and

WHEREAS, Through the years, the Schuyler County Italian American
Festival and Parade has grown tremendously to become a three day event
and the location was moved from Lafayette Park to Clute Park; and

WHEREAS, Furthermore, proceeds from the Schuyler County Italian
American Festival and Parade are given back to charities within the
local community, and scholarships are provided to a graduating senior
from each of the three area high schools; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is pleased to have this opportunity
to recognize such events of significance which foster ethnic pride and
exemplify the cultural diversity that represents and strengthens the
fabric of the people and the State of New York; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 40th Anniversary of the Schuyler County Italian American
Festival and Parade; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the Schuyler County Italian American Festival and Parade
Committee.