Hobokenites young and old gathered to break bread and share a meal outdoors at the 12th annual Spaghetti Dinner Block Party last Thursday, Aug. 24.
Four hundred fifty people attended this year’s community meal, looking out at the Manhattan skyline near Pier A Park.
Attendees had to buy tickets in advance at City Hall in order to attend the catered feast.
The Brownstone in Paterson, whom the city has used in previous years for the event, catered. They served four types of pasta, meatballs, sausage, eggplant parmesan, salad, and bread while the local Del Frisco’s Grill donated dessert of tiramisu, biscotti, and coffee.
The Volunteer Ambulance Corps sold wine, beer, soda, and water as an annual fundraiser.
President Thomas Molta said that this has become one of their most lucrative fundraisers and the money “goes towards our general fund, which pays for medical supplies, ambulance repairs and upkeep, and general building maintenance.”
Molta said “This event is nice because it’s a family event. There is a good mix of old-time Hoboken and new families. Years ago people would come to Hoboken and move out when they had kids. Now they are raising them here and it’s nice seeing the next generation of Hoboken.”
He added, “It’s good food, good people, and good music. What’s not to like?”
Zachary Alexander, the 2016 Sinatra Idol winner, crooned Frank Sinatra favorites.
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“We have feasts and the two outdoor fairs but this is almost 99 percent Hoboken.” –Elaine Depinto
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People from all over the state came for the festivities including city and state officials, residents, and out-of-towners.
“The spaghetti dinner is a wonderful end of summer tradition,” said Mayor Dawn Zimmer. “It brings together members of our community of all ages–residents who have lived here their whole lives and those who just decided to make Hoboken their home.”
The Spaghetti Dinner began in the 1950s as a Washington Street celebration of the town’s centennial. Then, 12 years ago, the city decided to resurrect the idea for the town’s 150th anniversary and recreate it on the waterfront. It’s been an annual tradition ever since.
Elaine Depinto, a Hoboken resident of 73 years, said, “I’ve been coming since the very first one, so 12 years now. I am Italian so I love to talk with people. I’m a people person, and this is a great way to enjoy everyone and be with the community.”
She said what separates this community event from others is its almost exclusive Hoboken guest list.
“We have feasts and the two outdoor fairs, but this is almost 99 percent Hoboken. The others, they come from all over, but this is all my friends and neighbors. This is all Hoboken.”
One lifelong resident who did not wish to be identified said, “It reminds me of what Hoboken was like growing up in the ’60s. It’s like Mr. Rogers’ neighborhood!”
Former Hoboken resident and current Bayonne resident Francine Dux said, “I [never] miss it for anything. There is something for everyone. “
School board member Sheillah Dallara said this is “such a unique event where you get to share a meal with neighbors overlooking the skyline.”
“This is unlike any other event in Hoboken. It is a totally different vibe,” added Dallara. “I’ve been coming for the last three years and this is the second time for my kids and it’s a way to kick off the end of summer with friends and neighbors who just get back from vacation before the school year starts.”
Marilyn Baer can be reached at marilynb@hudsonreporter.com.
