Page 6 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, August 22, 2025 ~ Malden Musings ~ Saint Rocco Feast Lovefest 2025 By Peter Levine O nce again, the Saint Rocco Feast reminded us why Malden isn’t just a place on the map. It’s a living, breathing community where roots run deep and new stories are written every year. As former Malden High School Principal (and shoulda, woulda Super of Schools), world-class traveling companion, and current voice of calm amid the city’s noise, Dana Brown, so perfectly put it after a recent Festa: “Malden can be that beacon, a shining light on that sweet spot where a near 100-year tradition collides with our new diversity and we flourish; Mission accomplished — with more work to be done!” Well said, sir. And so, on that second weekend in August, Pearl Street once again became our common ground. Just as it has ever since 1929. Neighbors, friends and families poured in, just as generations before them did. Smiles were plentiful, as were second helpings of “Richie’s Meatball Subs,” “Butch’s Sausage and Peppers” and “Lucille’s Arancini.” Friendships were forged over paper plates, red cups and shared memories while an old tradition carried on — stronger than ever — in our little corner of the universe. It was, in a word, glorious. If you missed it, don’t worry — Saint Rocco will be back next year, and Pearl Street will be waiting. Picked up pieces while walking the 95th Annual San Rock Festa Sunday Procession; my dogs are still barking but it was stone-cold blast... • Where to start!? So many familiar faces! So many fantabulous memories! So much fun! Despite no Gabbagool to be found, Mother Nature looked kindly on the 95th Festa with warm weather, clear skies and comfortable nights all three days. Many of us walking the Saint on Sunday agreed that we could have used a cumulus cloud or two, but we weren’t greedy and collectively sighed, fuhgeddaboudit and kept on walking! • The band WildFire with their cultlike following made Saturday night the most spectacular night we’ve had since the 90th extravaganza. Thank you, Kenny, and all your loyal followers. • Breaking news! Mark your calendars for August 7 and 8, 2026, because WildFire will return next year for the 96th Festa on both Friday and Saturday night! That ain’t fake news! • Contrary to what appeared Mid-grade Regular 2.83 3.35 3.45 $3.47 Over 47 Years of Excellence! 1978 - 2025 ULS Full Service $2.99 Order online at angelosoil.com on Malden Network News’s Facebook page a couple months back — the time our beloved San Rock tradition was reduced to being described as a “drunken street party where people climb greased poles” — and, of course, an anonymous quote was used; remember that? Well, contrary to the anonymous quote, I did not see a drunken street party any of the three nights (don’t get me wrong, I was a little tight one of the nights, but I was on my best behavior and had a designated driver) nor did I see anybody climbing a “greased pole.” Kind people at MNN, I eagerly wait for an apology and retraction. Insert smiley face. • A very special stop on the Sunday Procession route was Peter Antonetti’s house to wish his mom, Josephine, a happy 100th birthday (July 21). Stay well, Josephine! See you next year! • While we were stopped at Lawrence A. Simeone Jr. Attorney-at-Law ~ Since 1989 ~ * Corporate Litigation * Criminal/Civil * MCAD * Zoning/Land Court * Wetlands Litigation * Workmen’s Compensation * Landlord/Tenant Litigation * Real Estate Law * Construction Litigation * Tax Lien * Personal Injury * Bankruptcy * Wrongful Death * Zoning/Permitting Litigation 300 Broadway, Suite 1, Revere * 781-286-1560 lsimeonejr@simeonelaw.net Pete’s, I ran into my former allstar hair stylist at (the pride and joy of Maplewood Square, by the way) Salon Viara — Gina Aretusi-Holland — and reassured her that I wasn’t cheating on her as I showed her my not cut in five years ponytail LOL! Gina, I’ll be in soon for a much-needed trim. • Butch Gennetti’s grandson Robby took home “best moss at the 2026 San Rock Festa”! He was handed his invisible award juggling a piece of fried dough as his uncle Sal looked on proudly. • The Highland Smoke Shop (Highland and Oakland at Sgt. Joseph Lumino Memorial The Spadafora family traditional San Rocco photo: Gianna, Gina, Anthony and Nico. Square) once again stepped up bigly with refreshments waiting for us as we walked the Saint on a very hot and humid Sunday afternoon. Those guys are THE best, which you already know if you live in the neighborhood. Water, fruit juice and other liquid refreshments were made available, but one wise guy walking the Saint (was that you, Johnny Spadafora?) yelled, “Hey, can you guys put a few scratch tickets on the table?!” Laughter all around for — at the time — a group of hot, weary and exhausted San Rock Pilgrims looking to just finish the route and join the “drunken street party going on.” Insert wise guy smiley face. • Breakout star of the weekend? Craig and Debbie’s adorable little girl, Lilliana. Sassy, precocious, with the full spirit of the San Rock Festa in her blood, look for Lilliana to rock the weekend for a very long time to come. You go, Lilliana! • Former Mayor Ed Lucey, you put us all to shame at age (mumble, mumble). You look great and the way you were chowing on that Pisa Pizza slice, I wouldn’t want to get in your way at the kitchen table! Great seeing you, Ed — you look marvelous if I haven’t told you so lately. • Good news, bad news! Amanda and Mark Linehan were showing their San Rock spirit, looking like they were having a blast! Bad news: I sadly only got to wave at them as we walked the Procession on Sunday. Another time, my friends. Hope you folks enjoyed yourselves. • Just when you think there isn’t much more Recreation Director Joe Levine can do for the city he loves so much, then Sunday’s Procession happens where Joe stepped up bigly and was Ward 2 Councillor Paul Condon’s personal chauffeur as we escorted the Saint through the streets of Edgeworth. Due to an old football injury, Hoss was unable to walk the 4.7-mile route and reluctantly agreed to jump in the John Deere and swap stories with his old pal, Chills. Good job, Joe! • Malden Square MVP Douglas Tran from the world-famous Malden Square destination — All Seasons Table — made sure the Friday night after hours grille dudes had enough “refreshments” to satisfy their thirst and hunger. The mai tais and dumplings were a welcome sight after five hours of grilling sausage meat! Thank you, Douglas, for the care package! Malden loves you if we haven’t told you so lately! • I saw Ward 5 Councillor Ari Taylor waiting in line for some FLEET CARD Check Out Our LOW PRICES!
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