St. Coleman Italian Festival — Local services in Pompano Beach

St. Coleman's is a Catholic church founded in Pompano Beach in 1959 on Federal Highway. In 1984 they began hosting a spaghetti dinner and pony rides as a church fundraiser. They were able to raise enough funds to turn the original church into a parish hall where the festival is now held. 2025 commemorated the 41st year of the festival which has grown to draw thousands of visitors over the third weekend in February. It is now one of the largest fundraisers for St Coleman's elementary school and parish. Festival parking is available between the church and parish hall or in the shopping plaza across the street. Admission to the festival is free.

The St. Coleman's Italian Festival includes a craft fair in the parish auditorium, numerous carnival rides for all ages, games, a silent auction, winners choice raffle, food, and live music. Of course an Italian festival would not be complete without food and they had a tempting assortment from local businesses that included hot dogs, hamburgers, chicken tenders fries, bowls, grilled chicken sandwiches, Caesar salad, subs, corn dogs, pizza, mozzarella sticks, cannoli, fried dough, and more. A single ticket was $2 but you could save money if you purchased 30 tickets for $20. Ride tickets start at $2.00 for each single ticket as well but could be purchased at a discount in packets of 15 for $20, 20 for $25 or unlimited rides during posted sessions for $30.

My friend and I had a fun time walking around taking in the festive atmosphere. We eventually made out way to the back where I enjoyed a performance by Turnstiles, a Billy Joel tribute band and my friend made a few bucks playing the popular Over Under game. If you come with a family for food and rides this event can get pricey fast but proceeds are for a good cause. I like that they don't charge admission and have free entertainment. In the case of my friend, she left a few dollars richer than...

I recently attended the St. Coleman's Italian Festival, and I must say, it was a disappointing experience. The festival felt more like a cash grab than a celebration of culture or community.

Firstly, the management of the event was chaotic. There were long lines for everything, from food to rides, with very little organization or flow. It seemed like they were more focused on selling tickets than ensuring attendees had a good time. The food, which is supposedly a highlight, was overpriced for what you get. Portions were small, and the quality didn't match the hype or the price.

The rides and games were another letdown. Many were in poor condition or not well maintained, and the cost for just a few minutes of entertainment was exorbitant. The festival seemed designed to extract as much money from visitors as possible with little regard for their enjoyment or satisfaction.

Moreover, the entertainment was lackluster. Bands and performers were either not scheduled well or didn't live up to expectations, often playing to half-empty areas because of the poor management of the crowd and timing.

Overall, the experience left me feeling like I had been taken advantage of rather than welcomed into a community event. The atmosphere was more about profit than festivity. I won't be returning, and I'd caution others to think twice about attending unless there's a significant change in how the festival is run. It's a shame because it could be a wonderful local tradition if...

To call this an Italian feast is an insult to Italians worldwide. Not one homemade dish in the entire place. Meatballs from Cheney Brothers. The most Italian part of this festival is the red white and green table cloths. Nachos $15 and stale. Lemonade $10 And you’re paying mostly for the ice. Coca-Cola $10 and it’s flat. A cotton candy and the world‘s most disgusting water Dasani $10. Music is obnoxiously Loud. $10 to play a game to win a $.30 China trinket. First time I’ve ever attended their festival and I will never be back again. You would think a church trying to put something on for the community would at least have the decency not to try to rob their parishioners and community. Complete cash grab. Plus everything they fleece you for they don’t even have to pay taxes on. You’d have a better Italian feast at an Olive Garden...