Thursday, October 1, 2026
Thousands gathered at Fireman’s Field from July 10 to 13 to celebrate the 14th annual Feast of St. Rocco, organized by the Oyster Bay Italian-American Citizens Club.
The multi-day festival offered food, rides, games, raffles and live music for attendees of all ages. It has been a cultural mainstay for generations, tracing its roots to 1910 when the club partnered with the Italian-American Mutual Aid Society to honor St. Rocco.
St. Rocco, also known as St. Roch, was born in Montpellier, France, in the 14th century. He gave up a life of wealth to care for plague victims in Northern Italy and was venerated as a saint after his death in 1327. He remains the patron saint of bachelors, falsely accused people, diseased cattle and many towns across Italy.
The Italian-American Citizens Club, founded in 1906, now boasts over 300 members. The original members met with President Theodore Roosevelt at Sagamore Hill to seek approval for the club’s formation.
