Hilton Head's Italian Heritage Festival serves up nostalgic, good time
Rick Storzieri, of Bluffton, still remembers his grandfather who lived with him and his family when Storzieri was just a boy growing up in New York City.
"My grandfather used to make these every Thursday," he said, as he stood sampling the Zeppole at the Italian Heritage Festival held Saturday on Hilton Head Island.
Originally from Benevento, Italy, Storzieri's grandfather, Orazio, lived to be an impressive 97, he said.
As his own family now stood savoring the sweet treats Saturday afternoon, Storzieri recounted fond memories of his grandfather, who would mix and roll out pizza and Zeppole dough by hand. Without the aid of an electric mixer, he added.
"Every Thursday night was pizza night. And every Thursday he would make a bowl as full as that," he said, pointing to a large bowl nearby.
"I had no idea how hard it was to make until I got older," he said, laughing.
In fact, Saturday's festival, held on the grounds of the Coastal Discovery Museum, seemed to bring back memories for many who attended -- memories of family, of prized recipes handed down through the years and of traditions passed on to younger generations.
As the vino flowed and children played nearby, families and festivalgoers sat in groups beneath large shade trees nearby.
And for many who aren't Italian or of Italian descent -- like Georgette Alexander-Morrison and her niece Zorina Wilson -- the festival was just a great way to spend an afternoon together.
"We've had a great time," said Alexander-Morrison, who was visiting from Maryland. The two had already sampled some chicken wings and sausage and peppers and were trying their hand at bocce.
As both women took turns trying to see how close they could get to "the peanut" in the center of the court, other members of their party lounged in the shade nearby.
"That's close," Alexander-Morrison said, "but I think you're closer."
Follow reporter Mindy Lucas at twitter.com/MindyatIPBG.
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This story was originally published September 19, 2015 at 9:16 PM with the headline "Hilton Head's Italian Heritage Festival serves up nostalgic, good time."