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25 years of Tomato Festival memories

Ed. Note: Maria Capolarella-Montante, who has been involved with the Pittston Tomato Festival since its inception, shares her memories as the Festival notes its 25th anniversary. Maria writes a column which appears in the Sunday Dispatch every other week.

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Tyler Dewald, four years old at the 2002 Pittston Tomato Festival, takes a break to enjoy some pizza. The Festival is noted for its marvelous food.

File Photo by Aimee Dilger

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Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell comes to town in 2006 with a big check. From left, Gov. Rendell, Mayor Joseph Keating, Councilman Phil Campenni, State Sen. Ray Musto, Tomato Festival Chairperson Lori Nocito, and State Rep. Tom Tigue.

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Edythe Kepics, Governor Ed Rendell, Betty Kasulonis, and Maria Capolarella Montante at the 2005 Pittston Tomato Festival.

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It’s all about the luscious Pittston Tomato and the late Val Delia’s desire to celebrate it.

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My kitchen table is covered with past issues of the Sunday Dispatch Official Program Books in preparation of this column. My mind is racing in many directions and I am talking to myself.

There is a large tomato sitting in the fruit dish purchased at the Farmer’s Market on the previous day. Looking at that red love fruit, I address my questions to it. “Do you know the notoriety you have created? Do you know how far you have come? This is our Silver Anniversary, 25 years of celebrating Tomato Festivals!”

I was shaking my head in disbelief when I heard, “Yes, I do.”

Turning I thought my husband Chet had answered the questions. How could he, it was his golfing day.

Bewildered as I am turning pages deciding where to start, I again heard “Yes, I do.”

Looking directly at the tomato I asked, “Are you talking to me?” The response was “Yes, I am.”

Great! I’m talking to a tomato and why not? We’re in this thing together for 25 years so let’s share the memories.

We began at the beginning in 1984 when a new administration took over in Pittston City Hall. The town was experiencing a down period; the newly elected Mayor Thomas Walsh and his administration were looking for an activity to bring the town together.

The late Val Delia proposed his idea of a Tomato Festival to the Pittston City Council. Val’s love of growing tomatoes, the quality of the tomato in this valley, and the fact that tomatoes were grown in gardens for generations to sustain families were convincing factors.

Pittston Tomato Festival, that is how you originated!

The first Pittston Tomato Festival was held on Kennedy Boulevard on the current Burger King lot for three days in the third week of August. Ken Scaz, City Controller and a young businessman, was named chairman. Paul McGarry and Will Toole handled the vendors, which were all from the area.

The idea was to give our local people and charitable organizations the opportunity to raise money. Some of the original vendors who come to mind are: the Serradefalco Club with the sausage and pepper sandwiches, Greeky Guarneri selling fruscha and cardoon sandwiches, Second Presbyterian Church, pasta and fassola, DAV Nino Montante Post selling raffles, Sabatelli’s Market with the original chicketta.

And who can forget Mae McHugh calling bingo for three days with the help of the ILGWU Retirees?

I came across a picture of my friend and asked the Tomato if he remembered Bob Conroy? Bob was named Grounds Chairman in 1984 and served on the committee until his passing. I loved talking to Bob since he had a sharp memory and wit. I recall an early story related by him. “The first year no one was sure how the festival would take off and how many people would attend. They ordered what they thought was an adequate number of Job Johnnies. First night was okay, the second night they ran into a problem. Not enough Job Johnnies were ordered and they also forgot to order the cleanup. Bob laughed, it was a messy and smelly situation.”

Bob was devoted to the Festival and remained Grounds Chairman even when he no longer had the full use of his left arm and left leg. He was on the grounds riding his scooter and supervising. He was given the honor of having part of the Tomato Festival grounds named in his honor. Miss you Mr. Bob. Me too, echoed the Tomato.

I love parades and the Tomato had to know that our first parade, chaired by Bill Burke and Frank Schevets, is memorable and unique. Many people chose to walk rather than ride.

Joe Rogo and Albert Antonella, dressed as a farmers, wheeled baskets of tomatoes on a wheel barrel.

Nellie Bayora Romanos and the Ladies of Lithuania dressed in their native attire walked the entire route.

Ken Scaz and P.J. Melvin (Councilman) were a picture attired in white suits as they strolled down Main Street.

Then an unfortunate thing happened: someone in the crowd threw a tomato and hit Kenny splattering his suit jacket. That was not very nice. It was the only year that occurred.

Eric Hoffman, viewed that parade in the arms of his dad Joe.

The Pittston Area Band and the Wyoming Area Band have been and are viewed with great pride. In the early years they marched in colorful full band uniforms. In recent years the bands, they combine and march in unison in tee shirts and slacks.

By 1990 when I was named chairperson of the parade, they were getting bigger and attracting hundreds of people along the parade route. This was the year that all high school bands that participated in the parade were judged by the National Judges Association Chapter 7. Through the years Lake Lehman High School, Hanover Area High School, and Nanticoke Area have been participants.

The Cino Pacci Band, founded by Mr.Cino Pacci, has been in the parade since its inception and is sponsored by the Italian American Association of Luzerne County. In past years this historic band had the pleasure of opening the festival by presenting a concert of Patriotic marches.

In 1993, Kenneth E. Burkel, Potentate of Irem Temple, was accompanied with all the Irem Temple units: Legion of Honor-Color Guard, Arab Patrol, Provost Guard, Oriental Band, Chanters, Directors Staff, Brass Band, Stage Crafters, Shepherds, String Band, Clowns, Motor Corp., Jazz Band and Transportation. Tomato, that was something to see!

Joseph Amato, a famous drag race car driver from Old Forge and former CEO of Keystone Automotive, was selected as the first Grand Marshal. He rode in the parade with his car on a flat bed. He created much excitement when the children were able to view the dragster after the parade.

Other local residents who have had the honor of serving as Grand Marshals through the years are: Eleanor Adonizio (deceased), Dolly Saporito (deceased), Michael Insalaco, Mayor Thomas Walsh, Samuel Falcone, Joseph Joyce (deceased), Albert Melone, Sr., Margaret LaBarre Daniels, Arthur Bartolai Sr. (deceased) John Grimes (deceased), Mae Reddington McHugh, Robert Conroy, Sr. (deceased), Maria Capolarella Montante, Michael Marranca, Russell Gunton, Father Robert Romano, Mayor Michael Lombardo and his administration, Rep. Tom Tigue, Joseph Taviglione, The Joyce Brothers: John, Joseph, William and David, Val Delia (deceased).

Are you ready for this Tomato? This year 2008, since we are celebrating our 25th anniversary, the Pittston Tomato Festival itself is being named Grand Marshal. That will mean anyone and everyone who has ever been affiliated with the festival in any way is entitled to ride on the Grand Marshal float. All Grand Marshals and their families are invited to participate in the parade.

The dunking machine operated by the Pittston Police Department gave residents the opportunity to take aim at their favorite police officer. Chief Ed Doran, Rep. Tom Tigue, and Officer Greg Policare had their share of dunkings.

The Miss Tomato Festival Pageant, although not held every year, has been significant. Mrs. Tammy Lee Johnson Ignatovich, Tomato Festival Queen in 1987, was the first Queen crowned. She returned to the pageant as a judge in 1997.

Linda Zaneski O’Boyle winner of the 1988 contest stated that winning the Miss Tomato Festival title helped her to win the Miss Pennsylvania contest and later the Mrs. Pennsylvania contest. She and Gina Major, also a former Miss Pennsylvania, organized and directed many of the pageants with Dr. Joseph Lombardo acting as master of ceremonies. Nice work, huh, Tomato?

Pittston Tomato Festivals Queens who reunited for the Festival’s 20th anniversary are: Tammy Lee Johnson Ignatovich, Linda O’Boyle Zaneski, Audra Campenni, Alicia Castilio (Ms. Italian America), Patti Hennigan, Gina Bell, Jolene Manta, Angel Strelish, Katie Mangan, Jamie Bartollotto, Jennifer Angelo, Lindsay Marie Pace and Stephanie DeGuillio. Others who have worn the crown are: Lindsay Marie Pace, Stephanie Degillio, Julie Terrana, Nicole Merci, Lauren Timek, Jessica Linskey and Bryn Harvey.

A few contestants remembered through the years: Teri Stine, Melisa Risko, Dena Schifano, Sophia Musto, Leanne George, Alycia Palsha, Courtney Rose Dombroska, Cindy Morris, Jessica Taroli, Jennifer Forlenza, Angel Mae Webby, Winter Rusiluski, Heather Olszewski, Jaclynn Klush, Erika Lynne Zavada, Alicia Duque, Amy Hetro, Janelle Pratko, Renee Butts, Courtney Connell, Tara McCutcheon, Amy Withers, Denise Langan, Alexis Weigand, Elizabeth Insalaco,Bryn Morgan Harvey, Alexis Kuzna, Brianna Redding, and Caitlyn Kudey.

Judy and Stanley Strelish chaired the Little Ms. And Little Mr. Tomato contest for two decades and then their daughter Angel took over the reins to keep it a family tradition. Both these contests are a delight to watch. A few contestants remembered are: Cathy Argenio, Joanne Fusco, Linnae Aufiere, Kristina Williams, Blake Barbini, James Dean Simko, KevinShewan, Patrick Martinelli, Robert Oliver.

Tomato, it’s a well-known fact that you would rather hang around and bask in the sun than put on a pair of running shoes. The first Annual Tomato Run sponsored by the Pittston City Parks and Recreation Committee was held on Sunday, August 26, 1984, beginning at 10:00 a.m. on the Mark Data parking lot. Carmen Falcone chaired the two-mile run. Samuel Falcone, President of Falcone Beverage Company, sponsored the T-Shirts. Committee was: Sandra Ostrowski, Councilwoman Maria Capolarella, Roseann Ricotta, Mini Shovlin, Bill Gladish, Ann Marie Stelma, Vince Gubitose and Mary Rita Gayz.

Following the run the Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Tomato Festival Criterium bike race sponsored by the Lackawanna Bicycle Club was held on Main Street and Kennedy Boulevard. The bikers circled the town several times creating a tie up of traffic and difficulty for those who wanted to attend church services. After a few years church won out and the races were discontinued.

By popular demand the First Annual Tomato Festival 5K race was reintroduced in 1999 with Jay Duffy, Chairman and Jerry Mullarkey, Co-Chair. The day of the race was changed to Saturday prior to the parade.

In 200l, the 5K run was dedicated to Brian Cashmere, a young Pittston Area athlete, who was killed in an automobile accident with his mother. The race was lead by Katie Terrana and Steve Buzinski, high school runners, with many Pittston Area and Wyoming Area athletes joining the race.

Pittston Police Chief Paul Porfirio and Fire Chief Frank Roman led the 5K run in 2002 as a tribute to local emergency service personnel.

The joy of living in smalltown America is that everyone knows almost everyone in town and efforts are recognized and remembered. Such is the case of the 1991 parade dedicated to Joey “I” Infantino, a prominent resident, remembered for his love of music and love of Pittston. “He was Pittston Proud.”

Others prominent citizens recognized are: Salvatore Battisti, founder of Miner’s Bank in Pittston; Samuel Miceli, (Uncle Sam), WW11 Veteran and promoter of the Veteran’s Memorial Park; Nellie Bayoras Romanos, promoted interest in Lithuania culture and preserving heritage; Millie Volpetti, Girl Scout Leader who began her service as a girl scout, girl scout leader and Neighborhood Director.

There is something for everyone at the Festival in addition to the food that is superb and delicious.

The Arm Wrestling Contest held at Diane’s on South Main Street is a favorite as well as the Tomato Fights held on Cooper’s Waterfront Restaurant Parking lot drawing large crowds. Something tamer for vegetable lovers is the contest for the Best Looking Tomato Contest.

Entertainment reigns supreme with the repeat performances of the Poets, Hi-Lites and Somethin’ Else, who have been on the Tomato Festival stage since its inception. Also on the scene from 1984 is Golomb’s Farm and Greenhouses, who provide fresh vegetables and the ever popular tomato to festival attendees.

Stopping by the Sunday Dispatch booth is full of fun, games and free prizes.

It has also been host to a few local writers. Jack Smiles signed newly released copies of EE-YAH, the Life and Times of Hughie Jennings, a Pittston native who was named to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Walter Klocko signed copies of his book “Recollections of Exeter”. Sister Josephine Palmeri, MPF, signed copies of “Tales from the Barbershop” and will be on hand this year to sign the sequel “More Tales from the Barbershop and Pittston”.

Tom Sperrazza, a former Sunday Dispatch employee, author of “Last Man Standing” in its second printing, signed copies for local residents and gave all they money, not just the profits, to the Earthly Angels Autism Fund.

We had the honor of Governor Edward Rendell walking in the parade in 2006 and later made a presentation of a grant for $5,000 to the Tomato Festival.

25 Years of Tomato Festival memories locked away for posterity in our minds, hearts and printed words. A new chapter began on Saturday, August 16, as a large bronze tomato is unveiled to mark this milestone anniversary at a cocktail party on the grounds of the Tomato Festival “Under the Stars, Under a Tent.”

Music was provided by Somethin’ Else.