Organizers pleased with response to first festival BY REBECCA MORTON Staff Writer The warm musical tones coming from a group of minstrels as they passed by, mixed with the delectable aromas floating on the air, made guests feel as though they were strolling the streets of Rome. In reality, they were in Freehold at the first Italian-American festival. The festival, hosted by the Italian American Association of Monmouth County (IAA), ran July 18-21 at Freehold Raceway. Association members said this week that they were pleased with the outcome of the event. Cheryl Scuorzo, who is the IAA's recording secretary, told the News Transcript that the association is still receiving praise from people who attended the event. "We wanted a warm cultural atmosphere, and it seems like we achieved that," Scuorzo said. IAA President Robert DeSalvatore estimated that between 50,000 and 60,000 people attended the festival over the course of four days. "We're receiving nothing but positive feedback. This is something we would like to make a tradition," DeSalvatore said. The festival featured plenty of entertainment including singer Angelo Venuto, who was made an honorary member of the association. Traditional folk dancers and other Italian artists also performed for festival guests. The IAA is in its third year of existence and has about 200 paid members, according to DeSalvatore, who said the festival resulted in many applications for membership. The organization is open to anyone 21 and older. People filled out a membership application at the IAA membership table that was set up at the festival or took one home to mail in later. Scuorzo said that whenever she checks the mail, there is another application waiting. "I think [the IAA] is something people are looking for. They're looking for a family atmosphere with great camaraderie, and that's what they found," she said, adding that the association wanted to thank all of the volunteers, sponsors and people who made donations to help bring the event together. In the fall the IAA will be offering Italian lessons. An Italian cooking class is also being planned. The IAA's mission statement posted on its Internet Web site states, "In bringing together Italian Americans from all walks of life we hope to promote the common feelings we all share: love for our families, our Italian American culture, the United States of America which has provided us with so much, and the joy of life itself seen and enhanced by our Italian American experience." For more information visit www.iaamonmouthcounty.com.