Hundreds of people gathered along the Hoboken waterfront to break bread together at the 15th annual Spaghetti dinner Block Party.
On a sunny August evening, residents young and old mingled with neighbors and city officials over red-and-white-checkered tablecloths on a dedicated section of sidewalk along the walkway from the northwestern edge of Pier A Park to Second Street.
They feasted on pasta, salad, meatballs, sausage, eggplant, assorted breads, Italian pastries, and cookies prepared by the Brownstone in Paterson, which caters the event every year.
The Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps sold beer, wine, soda, and water for as its annual fundraiser.
According to Geri Fallo, Hoboken’s Administrator of Cultural Affairs who organizes the event every year, the event originates from the city centennial celebration.
In 1995, Hoboken celebrated its 100th anniversary with a pasta dinner along Washington Street.
On learning this, in 2005, the city decided to revive the celebration for its 150th anniversary of Hoboken’s founding.
On the waterfront
City organizers brought the event back but moved it to the waterfront to take advantage of the views of the Manhattan skyline and Hoboken’s outdoor open space.
“It’s such a great opportunity for everyone to come together and relax, talk, and laugh over a fantastic meal,” she said. “I really love it, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect!” — Annette Chaparro
Attendees had to buy tickets in advance either online or at city hall in order to attend the catered feast.
Residents dug in as Zachary Alexander, winner of the 2016 Sinatra Idol contest performed several Sinatra tunes, including “I’ve Got the World on a String” and “Come Fly with Me.”
This is especially fitting considering the event takes place a few blocks south of Frank Sinatra Park, but Hoboken is also the birthplace of the famous blue-eyed crooner.
Like other local elected officials, Assemblywoman Annette Chaparro hosted several of her constituents at five tables, noting that it grows each year.
“A few years ago I started with one table, and now look at it,’ Chaparro said. “We are up to five tables.”
She said the Spaghetti Dinner Block party is now a time-honored community tradition for her and some of her friends, which is always a fun and relaxing evening signaling the end of summer.
“It’s such a great opportunity for everyone to come together and relax, talk, and laugh over a fantastic meal,” she said. “I really love it, and the setting couldn’t be more perfect!”
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