Pocono News Section

Rain Can't Stop Race of the Saints

Rain Can't Stop Race of the Saints - Saturday, May 29, 2010 at 04:01AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Saturday May 29 2010

JESSUP, LACKAWANNA COUNTY -

"I come from Gubio," said Claudio Perini, a cousin of Jessup Mayor Beverly Valvano Merkel.

Perini traveled to Jessup for Saturday's 2010 edition of Saint Ubaldo Day.

And he's been coming for 12-years to celebrate with the Jessup crowd.

While he says Gubio holds a bigger festival that draws thousands and thousands from all over Europe, he wouldn't miss this one for the world.

And he's not alone.

The Race of the Saints held the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend annually draws a huge crowd -- and this year's no different.

"Us and Gubio are the only ones in the whole world who celebrate this," said Jamie Nicolosi. "It's a big deal."

"It's just great because it doesn't matter what age you are or what generation you are," said Kelly Mullins of Jessup. "You're here, your family's in it and it means something. You know, you go to mass you go here and it's great."

Sarah Pryal added "You go breaking the vases, dishes. It's a tradition that everyone does every May."

And Mike Galantini said, "It really exemplifies my heritage. I mean, I always grew up Italian and viva Saint Antonio all the way."

Even threatening weather couldn't stop people from filling the streets for this Mid Valley tradition.

A downpour meant the race of the saints turned into a walk for the teams of Saint Ubaldo, Saint George and Saint Anthony.

Run or walk -- the outcome is pre-determined. Saint Ubaldo wins by tradition. Claudio Perini wouldn't have it any other way.

"Only St. Ubaldo, only St. Ubaldo," he said, while his cousin the mayor said, "He likes Jessup. He's been here before. He's trying to tell you he's for St. Ubaldo."

And everyone here is for a tradition that shows no signs of slowing down -- even when the weather isn't perfect.