Long Island is serving up its first-ever pizza fest in the park this Saturday at Mill Dam Park in Huntington.
And some 20 local pizzerias from across the Island are bringing their best pies and specialty slices to the park for one delicious day.
It’s called The Long Island Pizza Festival.
But you can also call it a mouthwatering celebration of one of Long Island’s favorite foods, said the event’s founder, Frank Antonetti, pictured above in Huntington.
“Pizza helps make the good days better — and can also help you get through the bad days,” Antonetti said. “It’s part of the soul of Long Island and now we want to celebrate it.”
The event has been in the works for three years. Antonetti, owner of 1653 Pizza Company in Huntington, says he and his partners, Corey Gluckstal and JB Woodworth, wanted to showcase the rich culture of pizza on Long Island.
“We have so many great pizza places here,” says Antonetti. “This was the perfect way to showcase them all together.”
In addition to 1653 Pizza Company, pizzerias confirmed for tomorrow include:
- Taglio (Mineola and Massapequa Park)
- Tori T’s (Malverne)
- Donatina (Patchogue)
- Mama Theresa’s (East Meadow)
- A Slice of New York Squared (Franklin Square)
- The Onion Tree (Sea Cliff)
- Louie’s (Carle Place)
- Grotta di Fuoco (Long Beach)
- Via Cuma (Valley Stream)
- And more
A $50 admission ticket buys you four hours of unlimited tastings, in either the afternoon or evening session.
There will also be a beer and wine tent, two stages with live music and a bocce tournament.
“The potential for this to grow is unlimited,” Antonetti said. “We hope this is something that Long Islanders can enjoy for many years to come.”
Part of the event proceeds will be donated to Heavenly Harvest’, an organization whose mission is to end world hunger by providing nutritious and shelf-stable meals to those in need, Antonetti said.
Click here for tickets. Tickets will be sold at the door but cash will not be accepted.
Top: Frank Antonetti at 1653 Pizza Company in Huntington. (Credit: Andrew Theodorakis/file photo)
