COLUMBUS DAY & ITALIAN HERITAGE CELEBRATION

DATE:  SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2023  TIME: 10:00 AM 

LOCATION:   Alan M. Augustine Village Green, 430 Park Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ

                                           (in case of inclement weather, the event will be inside Town Hall)

Guest speaker, Italian music and light refreshments will be provided.

Essay contest winners will be announced at the event. More info below:

Our chapter is hosting an Italian Heritage essay contest for local 5th-8th grade student.  Winners will be announced at this event!  Please see below for more info and to participate in the contest:

SPF UNICO's Columbus Day Italian Heritage Essay Contest

The Scotch Plains Fanwood chapter of UNICO is excited to announce an upcoming contest opportunity for local students in grades 5-8. The Columbus Day Italian Heritage Essay Contest is a chance for young participants to connect with their roots and explore their family history.

Open to Scotch Plains and Fanwood students of Italian descent, this contest is divided into two age groups: Grades 5 & 6 and Grades 7 & 8. Participants should focus the essays on their ancestors' immigration journey from Italy to America, their family history, and what their Italian heritage means to them.

The essay submissions should be between 1 to 3 pages, double-spaced, and emailed to spfunico@gmail.com by October 6. Entries will be evaluated based on their content, creativity, and connection to the theme. One winner will be chosen from each age group and awarded a $100 prize. 

The essay winners will be announced on October 14 at 10am during the annual Columbus Day Italian Heritage Event located at the Scotch Plains Town Hall Village Green, or inside Town Hall in case of inclement weather. Refreshments will be served following the ceremony. Contest participants need not be present at the Heritage Event but are encouraged to attend. 

The Columbus Day Italian Heritage Essay Contest provides an excellent outlet for Scotch Plains and Fanwood students to explore their heritage, express their gratitude for their Italian roots, and take part in a community event that recognizes their cultural identity. UNICO is the largest Italian-American service organization in the USA, and the SPF chapter is celebrating its 50^th year. To learn more about becoming a UNICO member or obtain additional information on UNICO events, please visit their official website at www.unicospf.org or email them at spfunico@gmail.com.