Sunday, November 15, 2009

Spaghetti Supper is More Than Just Politics


The annual Spaghetti Supper at Our Lady of Pompei is known for drawing politicians, but if you look hard enough, you’ll find another story. The Supper has become an Election Day staple in its 60 years of existence, and while "anyone who's anyone" in Syracuse politics attends, some residents of the North Side agreed that it's about more than just politics; it's about the community.

The North Side used to be a close-knit Italian neighborhood, said Pat Carelli, a lively 77 year-old alum of the school at Our Lady of Pompei and lifelong resident of the North Side. "I've been coming since the school and church have been here. We've changed throughout the years. Look at the neighborhood, the people."

Now that many of the third generation North Siders have moved away, so have the original traditions, said Carelli’s friend and one time neighbor Peggy Lee who now lives in the suburbs. The Supper is a chance for old friends to reconnect, she said, proudly pointing out past neighbors, classmates, and relatives at other tables in the packed and noisy cafeteria. While politicians attend hoping to win votes, chat with colleagues or simply to be seen, "It's more important as a tradition than it is political," Paris said.

The Supper shows the loyalty of the original North Side community, Carelli said reflectively. Some of the ethnic feel has been lost, but the Supper keeps its spirit alive for those who appreciate the community it used to be, Carelli said. "This is the last thing people can hang on to."

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