What To Do: It’s all about Dad this weekend

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times

The fun, food, music and activities are enough to draw you to Wilmington each June for the St. Anthony’s Italian Festival (St. Anthony of Padua Church, 901 North DuPont Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-421-2790, www.stanthonysfestival.com which is entering final weekend and will close on June 1.

This weekend, there is an added attraction with a strong Chester County connection. Tre Bella, a nationally-acclaimed trio of vocalists that includes Coatesville’s Rosie DeSanctis, will be the featured entertainment this weekend.

Tre Bella, which is billed as “Three Beauties, One Voice” includes JoAnn Robertozzi, the “architect” of Tre Bella, along with Lorraine Ferro and DeSanctis.

All three have impressive resumes as entertainers – resumes that include stage productions, composing, television acting, work on commercials and a lot of session work with other musicians.

DeSanctis, who was a multi-sport standout at Coatesville High and a West Chester University graduate, recently moved back to Chester County after living in New York City.

“I’ve been singing, acting and doing other different things in the entertainment world,” said DeSanctis, during a phone interview this week.

“I’ve done a lot of film work too. The most recent was a movie called ‘Trew Calling’ starring Lee Meriwether that was shot in February in Buffalo, New York.”

At the festival in Wilmington this weekend, Tre Bella will be performing with The Louis Vanaria Band. Show times are 5:30-10:30 p.m. on June 15, 4-10:30 p.m. on June 16 and 3-8:30 p.m. on June 17.

“Tre Bella has been together nine years,” said DeSanctis. “We’ve performed on cruise ships which ahs allowed us to travel the world.

“We’ve really grown our repertoire over the years. Everybody has their own interests, so we just keep expanding our reach. The group is something very important to us. We love singing in three-part harmony and we love reaching people.

“We do some oldies and some doo wop. We try to mix it up with contemporary music. Italian-American is still our niche. We do a lot of Italian songs like ‘O Sole Mio, ‘Sorrento,’ and ‘Al Di La.’ It’s a good selection of favorites.”

DeSanctis can also be heard and seen on “The Rosie and Bill Show” podcast at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqXHuh9UEgIZj79LumAIoUQ.

The St. Anthony’s Festival features cafes, carnival rides, live Italian music and amusement games.

This festival is more than just a carnival with rides and food. It also is an educational experience with a focus each year on a different cultural region in Italy. This year, the focus is on Puglia. Many members of the St. Anthony’s community, and many Italian-Americans in the Delaware region, trace their origins back to this region of southern Italy.

The festival has become famous for its array of tasty Italian food. Visitors will be able to enjoy such taste treats as spezzato, pizza, sausage and peppers, panzarotti, porkette, clams and spaghetti, pasta fagioli, pizza frita, meatball sandwiches, mozzarella sticks, calamari rings, spaghetti dinners and fresh espresso and cappuccino.

There is a $5 admission fee for all visitors ages 14-61. Seniors (age 61 and older) and children (age 13 and under who are accompanied by parent or guardian 18 or older) will be admitted free.

If there is a hot air balloon blimp, a helicopter or a superhero eagle in the sky above you, it’s almost a certainty that you’re going to look up.

If it’s a helicopter, the audio part emphasizes the visual part as it attracts your attention. When there is a chopper flying overhead, it is virtually impossible to resist a skyward gaze.

If you want to see helicopters flying above, just head to the American Helicopter Museum & Education Center (1220 American Blvd., Brandywine Airport, West Chester, 610-436-9600, www.helicoptermuseum.org) when it celebrates Fathers’ Day on June 17 with its annual event known as “Fatherfest.”

The American Helicopter Museum’s annual “Fatherfest” will get underway at 10 a.m. and continue until 3 p.m. Visitors can check out static displays, take a tour of the museum, and — for an extra fee — treat their fathers to a ride in a chopper.

A wide array of aircraft will be featured at the event including Magni M-16 gyrocopter; United States Coast Guard Air Station, Atlantic City, HH-65 Dolphin helicopter; Pennsylvania State Police helicopter; home-built RotorWay 162-F helicopter; Robinson R-44 helicopter; Piper J-3 Cub airplane; T-28 Trojan Navy Trainer airplane; AugustaWestland AW-119 Koala helicopter; Robinson R-66 helicopter; Waco biplane; JeffSTAT helicopter; a nd PennSTAR BK-117 helicopter.

Adding to the “Flight” theme are a birds of prey exhibition from The Falconry Girl, Margaret Young, Master Your Drone’s Kim Masters’ showing her drone pilot skills in the theater all day, and a demonstration by Mike Dupuy Falconry.

Captain Scott Anderson, U.S. Coast Guard, Sector Delaware Bay speaks from 12:15 until 12:30 in the Classroom. Captain Anderson has served as the Commander of U. S. Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay and Captain of the Port in Philadelphia, PA, since June 2017.

Additional activities and entertainment include DJ music by Full Moon Entertainment, Larry Smythe’s M.A.S.H. military collection, Gary Deaver robotics, Out of the Box Robotics Team and dogs from Paws for People™ Pet-Assisted Visitation Volunteer Services.

“Fatherfest” will also feature an “Antique Car and Motorcycle Show” with exhibitors competing for prizes, a beer garden and an array of concession booths with food, beverages and souvenirs.

Admission to the event is $10. Helicopter rides, which will be available from 11 a.m.-1 p.m., will cost $60 per person.

If you’re looking for a great fun, family event this weekend, a good place to look is Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (5105 Kennett Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org).

On June 16 from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m., the historic site, which is located on Route 52 in northern Delaware just south of the Pennsylvania state line, hosts its annual Enchanted Summer Day — the day when Winterthur’s Enchanted Woods celebrates its anniversary.

Enchanted Summer Day features crafts displays, live entertainers and food concessions. There will be an array of family activities, including storytelling, face painting, kids’ games and strolling entertainment.

Hoop chasing, ring toss, and the Game of Graces will be played on the lawn north of Enchanted Woods.

Crafts include making tiny turtle puppets, bug-eyed visors, and fluttering friends. Children can make their own flying Bee Buzzer, Colorful Critter necklace, Silly Spider ring, or decorate a Fluttering Frisbee.

The Touch-It Room, near the Galleries Reception Desk, is a kid-oriented space where everything is touchable. From 12:30-4:30 pm, children can explore spaces inspired by a 1750s parlor, a colonial-era kitchen and an 1830s general store. A tea set, kitchenware, dress-up clothes, and wooden toys provide playful ways to learn about early American life.

Enchanted Woods is a unique children’s garden at Winterthur — a three-acre area where the “fairy folk” have created a magical garden for children of all ages. The site, which is situated under a canopy of majestic oak trees, features attractions such as the Tulip Tree House, Green Man’s Lair, the Troll Bridge and the Faerie Cottage.

Enchanted Woods is located within the larger 60-acre garden at Winterthur, the former country estate of Henry Francis du Pont. Winterthur is famous for its world-class collection of over 85,000 American antiques.

Regular admission to Winterthur is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors (62 and older) and students and $5 for children (ages 2-11).

Chaddsford Winery (Route 1, Chadds Ford, 610-388-6221, www.chaddsford.com) will also be celebrating Father’s Day today through Sunday.

For “Father’s Day Weekend” at the winery, all Dads will receive complimentary traditional wine tastings from June 15-17 – 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Friday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday.

Dads can also treat their taste buds with a variety of Pennsylvania craft beer, wine cocktails and wine slushies from the Chaddsford Slushie Shack.

Want an extra special experience? Sign up for a

Visitors to the winery this weekend can also take part in the “Reserve Winery Tour” where they can gain comprehensive knowledge about the winery’s growers, wine making philosophy and production line.  The tour will conclude with an artisanal wine and food pairing featuring small bites and three of Chaddsford’s Artisan Series wine.

Added attractions on Sunday are a food truck — Natalie’s Fine Foods – and live music by Vince Zellar.

The Morris Arboretum (100 East Northwestern Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-247-5777, http://www.business-services.upenn.edu/arboretum/index.shtml) is celebrating Father’s Day on June 17 with “Grist Mill Demonstration Day” from 1-4 p.m.

“Grist Mill Demonstration Day” will focus on the Springfield Mills at Morris Arboretum — a site that has been carefully restored and made operational once again by a dedicated group of volunteers.

Attendees will be able to visit this 19th-century mill and see how corn was milled for meal and flour.

The activity, which is free with garden admission, will take place at the Arboretum’s Bloomfield Farm.

Admission to Morris Arboretum is $19 for adults, $17 for seniors and $10 for youth.

The West Chester Railroad (Market Street, West Chester, 610-430-2233, www.westchesterrr.net) is running its special “Father’s Day Express” on June 17 at noon and 2 p.m.

The ride treats dad to a 90-minute round trip train ride from West Chester to Glen Mills and return on his special day. During the brief layover in Glen Mills, passengers will be able to explore the historic Glen Mills train station as well as the railroad’s picnic grove along the Chester Creek.

All dads ride for a special reduced fare. Tickets are $15 for adults, $13 for children (ages 2-12) — and $5 for fathers.

The Wilmington & Western Railroad (2201 Newport Gap Pike, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-998-193, www.wwrr.com) will run its “Father’s Day Express” on June 18 at 12:30 and 2:30 p.m.

This event is powered by one of the rail line’s historic diesel locomotives.

Tickets are $14 for adults, $13 for seniors and $12 for children (ages 2-12). On this special day, dads ride for half-fare.

Without question, one of the most popular special attractions each year at the Strasburg Railroad (Route 741, Strasburg, 717-687-7522, www.strasburgrailroad.com) is “Day Out With Thomas.”

There is a mutual love affair between kids and Thomas the Tank Engine and it’s especially evident when Thomas gets up-close and personal with his fans during his visits to the Strasburg Railroad.

Every year, the steam locomotive named Thomas makes several visits to Lancaster County where he entertains enthusiastic children and their parents. The locomotive, which has its own PBS television series, will return to Strasburg for nine days of “Day Out With Thomas” from June 16-24.

For more than 50 years, Thomas the Tank Engine and his Island of Sodor friends have been favorites of preschoolers and their parents. Based on “The Railway Series” (classic stories authored by a father who loved trains and wanted a shared experience with his son), “Thomas & Friends” has evolved into a rite of passage that inspires imagination.

Fans will be able to get personal with Thomas the Tank Engine, a full-sized operating steam locomotive who will be talking for the first time ever. And, they will also be able to ride a train pulled by Thomas and meet the locomotive’s buddy Percy.

Percy, who is a larger-than-life, full-size locomotive just like his friend Thomas, will be there for all days of the event. A ride behind Percy may be purchased as an add-on to the “Day Out With Thomas” ticket. Percy’s ride will last approximately 12 minutes.

In between trips, Percy will talk with families and be available between trips for photos.

Tickets for “Day Out With Thomas,” which are $21, include the train ride with Thomas the Tank Engine, as well as a variety of Thomas & Friends themed entertainment such as storytelling, video viewing, temporary tattoos of Island of Sodor friends and an Imagination Station. The Percy Package is available for an additional $6.

On June 16, Philadelphia-based nonprofit Cool Cars for Kids (CCfK), Inc. will bring together families of children with rare birth diagnoses and classic car enthusiasts who share a common passion and appreciation for the one-of-a-kind.

The sophomore edition of the  Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance (http://www.coolcarsforkids.com/concours.html) will take place at the Simeone Foundation Automotive Museum (6825 Norwitch Drive, Philadelphia) from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

The Philadelphia Concours d’Elegance will include an invitation-only assembly of classic automobiles and race cars; professional judging and awards presented for historical accuracy, technical merit, and style.

The event will showcase 35 American and European classic and historic automobiles and race cars including vintage European models rarely seen on American highways — and former Eagles Coach Dick Vermeil’s 1926 Sprint racing car.

The family-friendly activities feature celebrity guests including Dick Vermeil and the Phillie Phanatic; a Car Corral behind the Museum for local car enthusiasts; food, specialty vendors; and access to the Simeone Museum’s permanent collection of classic automobiles and race cars. The Simeone Museum was just named Number Two of the top 100 classic car collections in the world by The Classic Car Trust.

Cool Cars for Kids, Inc. is a nonprofit organization based in Philadelphia, Pa. that brings together families of children with birth defects and classic car enthusiasts who share a common passion and appreciation for the one-of-a-kind. Funds raised from this unique partnership will directly forward its mission by supporting local and national charities – including The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia – to deliver care and support to children and families who struggle with the medical complexities associated with rare diagnoses.

General Admission is $25. Students and children under 18 will be admitted free.

Summertime means festivals and country fairs. The attraction of a summer fair is timeless.

From June 19-23, the sights, sounds and smells of a summertime fair will be filling the air in Downingtown when Saint Joseph Church (338 Manor Avenue, Downingtown, 610-269-8294, www.stjoesfestival.com) hosts its 11th annual “Community Festival.”

The event will feature all the traditional things associated with a summer festival — including exciting rides and amusement games. There will also be food concessions with all the standard festival fare — cotton candy, ice cream, hot dogs, hamburgers, popcorn, corn dogs, soft pretzels and cheese fries along with mozzarella sticks, tomato pie and hot roast beef sandwiches.

There will be live music every day — DeLaSalle String Band (June 19), MSG (June 19), Downingtown School of Rock (June 20), Sonar Shock (June 20), Blue Sky Band (June 21), Red Satins (June 22), Lauren Lindley (June 22), and The Wallace Brothers Band (June 23).

On June 15 and 16, Intercourse Community Park (3730 Old Philadelphia Pike, Gordonville, 717- 768-8585, http://www.intercourseheritagedays.com) will host “Intercourse Heritage Days.”

Activities will include “A Taste of Intercourse,” a pedal tractor pull, a petting zoo, a spelling bee, a volleyball tournament, a baking contest, music by the Sunny Side Blue Grass Band, a fire truck demonstration, and the “Heritage Display of History of Intercourse.”

Also featured will be the “Pancake and Sausage Breakfast in the Park,” “Seventh Annual Run, Ride, Walk & Scoot Activities,” a volleyball tournament, and juggler Chris Ivey. Saturday’s schedule also features balloon twisting and face painting, “A Taste of Intercourse,” a “Kids Variety Show,” an antique tractor show and a fireworks display at dusk (Saturday only).

“Heritage Events,” which will be presented throughout the day, include demonstrations of horseshoeing, butchering, sling shooting, and wood carving.

The roster of entertainers includes the Den & Terry Duo, Erick Hershey, Geist and the Churchmen.

On June 16, Joanna Furnace (1250 Furnace Road, Geigertown, 610-286-0388, http://www.haycreek.org) will host a very special event – the 150th Wedding Celebration of L. Heber & Ella Jane Grubb Smith.
Guests are invited to come and celebrate the Furnace’s last ironmaster’s 1870 wedding.

This elegant Victorian Wedding, dinner and reception will take place on June 16 from 5-9 p.m.

Theater master, Lawrence Fecho, and an all-star professional cast will bring the Smith and Grubb families to life. From the time the bride arrives in her elegant two-horse Victorian carriage, to the ceremony, then the dinner/reception and finally the dancing, attendees will become participants in an accurately depicted 1868 Victorian wedding. Weather permitting, after dinner, attendees can have a carriage ride for a nominal fee.

Dinner will be followed by the cutting of the beautiful Victorian Wedding Cake and then dancing as part of a traditional 19th -century wedding celebration. The 19th-century ceremony and dance music will be provided by Beck’s Civil War Brass Band. The Civil War period dance styles will be presented by the Civil War Dance Foundation. A dance master and floor managers will guide guests in dancing to the steps of the era.

Tickets, which include dinner and all activities, are $65

On June 16, the 2018 Juneteenth Festival in Germantown (www.freedomsbackyard.com) will be held along the 6300 Block of Germantown Avenue.

Midway through June each year, Historic Germantown honors the end of slavery in the U.S. during its annual Juneteenth Festival at The Johnson House.

The community festival begins with the Freedom Walk on Germantown Avenue leading up to a day of performances, family-friendly events and educational activities teaching visitors about the history of anti-slavery and abolitionist movements.

The event begins at 11 a.m. at 5109 Germantown Avenue — at the State Marker commemorating the site of the writing of the First Protest Against Slavery. From there the “Freedom Walk” parade will march up Germantown Avenue to the Johnson House to kickoff festivities.

The list of attractions includes historical re-enactments, food, live music, a cultural marketplace, a Beer Garden, the Oimah Ammi Children’s Village and guided tours of the Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground.

If it’s June 16 in Philadelphia, it’s time for Bloomsday.

On June 16, Rosenbach Museum & Library (2008-2010 Delancey Place, Philadelphia, 215-732-1600, https://rosenbach.org) is presenting Bloomsday 2018 from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

The annual event, which is free, is a commemoration of Leopold Bloom and James Joyce’s novel “Ulysses.”

Lauded as the greatest novel of all time, “Ulysses” tells the story of a day in the life of everyman Dubliner Leopold Bloom. The action of the story takes place on June 16, 1904, hence the selection of June 16 for Bloomsday, the annual international holiday celebrating “Ulysses” and its creator.

As the home of Joyce’s manuscript of the novel, the Rosenbach has observed Bloomsday in grand fashion for over 20 years. The site celebrates the occasion with a day-long, public reading of the novel, inviting international literati, local artists, and public figures to read in three different locations throughout the city.

The readings are accompanied by musical performances, and the combination of word and song brings the novel to exhilarating life in the open air.

Other attractions during Bloomsday, which runs from noon-8 p.m. are a silent auction and free admission to the museum’s current exhibit.

Rock Ford Plantation (881 Rockford Rd., Lancaster, 717-392-7223, www.rockfordplantation.org) will present its “Stories-on-the-Porch” series every Tuesday now through August 1.

A volunteer in period costume will read a story to children gathered on the porch of the Rock Ford Mansion. Following the story, children will enjoy a game or craft and light refreshments.

A parent or other responsible adult must accompany their child. The suggested age range for this event is 3-7 years, but all are welcome.  In the event of rain, “Stories-on-the-Porch” will be held in the Barn.

Admission is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors (age 65 and older) and children (ages 6-12) and free for children (under 6). All proceeds from the Second Sunday Living History Series will benefit the ongoing preservation and operation of Rock Ford Plantation.

In conjunction with the celebration of Historic Philadelphia’s 12th anniversary at Franklin Square (200 Sixth Street, Philadelphia, www.historicphiladelphia.org ), Historic Philadelphia is once again illuminating the park with its Chinese Lantern Festival.

Now through June 30, Franklin Square will come alive every night with more than two dozen illuminated lanterns – all constructed by lantern artisans from China.

Chinese-inspired performances will take place in Franklin Square twice nightly. Performances, which celebrate Chinese performance art and entertainment, are 30-minutes long and are scheduled for 7 and 9 p.m.

Festival hours are 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 6-11 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Admission is $18 for adults, $12 for youth, and $15 for seniors and military.

The 18th Annual State Street Blues Stroll (www.statestreetblues.com) will be held along State Street in Media on June 16 from 6 p.m.-1 a.m. with Joe Luis Walker as the showcase attraction.

Some of the headline acts will be Danielle Miraglia, the Lonnie Shields Band, Laura Cheadle Trio, Russ Lambert, Georgie Bonds Band, Blues Brothers & A Sister, and Philly Blues Social Club.

Also featured will be Papa Sez, Dave Coppa & Scrapple Band, Steve Guyger & The Excellos, Blue Pharaohs, Kim Trusty, John Stovicek, Lost Northern Tribe, Ben Tinsley & Dmitri Papadoppolous, Johnny Never, Todd Fastnacht, Dan Whitley, Brian Kors, Dennis Donnelly.

Tickets for the State Street Blues Stroll are $30. For additional information, call (610) 566-5039 or visit www.statestreetblues.com.

From June 17-24, the 30th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festival will be held in Rodney Square (11th and Market streets, Wilmington, 302-576-3095, www.cliffordbrownjazzfest.com). The free festival will start on June 17 with the “Best of Duke Ellington Sacred Concerts” at 7 p.m. at the Episcopal Church of St. Andrew and St. Matthew (719 Shipley Street, Wilmington).

The 2018 Mainstage Lineup in Rodney Square features top-flight acts such as Brian McKnight, Arturo Sandoval, Laila Biali, and Matthew Whitaker.

The roster also features the Clifford Brown Tribute Big Band with Gerald Chavis featuring Ernie Watts, Miguel Zenon Quartet, Jane Bunnett and Maqueque, The Lao Tizer Band featuring Chieli Minucci, Eric Marienthal & Karen Briggs, Deva Mahal, Sammy Miller and The Congregation, Sara Lazarus, Scott Tixier, Sidewalk Chalk and Marcus Miller.