It isn't widely known, but many of the original north Denver Italian families, at some point in the last century, migrated to both the Wheat Ridge and Arvada neighborhoods, according to
Mickie Lava Clayton, of Denver, a former Brooklyn, N.Y. resident.
"Some have since moved back to the north side, inheriting their parents old house," she said.
Thusly, if you are a native of the north Denver suburbs, or at one point were, you are probably aware that around the second weekend of August you are either going to or have been to an event that many wait for all summer.
The Saint Rocco's Feast, happening August 15th through the 17th at the historic Potenza Lodge, located on the corner of 38th and Shoshone, again will be gracing the old neighborhood. This time-honored tradition will be celebrating the name and works of Saint Rocco, the patron saint of the lodge, who was a healer who helped the Italian people who had leprosy and the plague. He was born of French heritage, a son of a wealthy French governor, who gave up his riches to help the poor people of Italy who had no medical attention, as well as spreading the word of God.
This year's celebration mark's the over 116 years of tradition for this annual event. You are invited to participate on Sunday the 17th, at Mount Carmel Church, at 3 p.m., just down the street from the lodge in the traditional bidding for the coveted right to carry the statue of Saint Rocco. After it has been blessed, the statue will be taken to the lodge where it will reside for the last night of the feast. So if you are in north Denver on that weekend of the 15th, 16th or the 17th, around 5 p.m., please stop by for some live music, great food, fun, games and a cold beverage. It will be an experience in tradition that you won't forget. There is no admission charge for this event.