FERRAGOSTO 2019

Celebrating Italy’s Summer Holiday in DC

Members, friends and family celebrated the Ferragosto on August 11

By Carmine James Spellane, Treasurer

Historic Fort Ward Park in Alexandria, Va., was transformed into a little bit of Italy on Sunday, August 11, as the AMHS held its annual Ferragosto picnic. Some 35 members, friends and family celebrated the traditional Italian holiday in a covered pavilion festooned with the green, white and red flag of Italy on a warm but comfortable summer day. ttendees were generous with the food, as there were plenty of delicious savory and sweet dishes, cold drinks and, of course, wine. As Italian music played from a portable speaker, folks swapped stories, caught up with old friends and made new ones. The bocce set was broken out, and some of the crowd enjoyed playing on the not-quite-level grassy area adjacent to the picnic pavilion. The extra challenge did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants. The Ferragosto picnic always brings out some new faces, and we hope that they enjoyed spending time with the AMHS officers and members. ❚