Chatter about St. Anthony’s Festa — one of the most popular celebrations in the city — actually made it to the band waves of truckers sharing details about the fete on their CB radios. In fact, one volunteer for the 3-day festival is still connected — some 84 years later.

Mary Pratico was just 10-years-old when she attended with her parents back then. Now, at 94, she has watched the Festa grow into a huge community event intended to honor the memory of St. Anthony.