St. Anthony's Feast Begins Thursday

St. Anthony Feast's famous chouricos and peppers are back for another year, just in time for summer! 

The annual St. Anthony Feast will kick off tonight, Thursday, July 17, with a Cruise Night, as well as games, rides and feasting. The car show will begin at 5 p.m. 

Hundreds of visitors are expected to attend the festival at the Portsmouth Portuguese American Citizens Club, located at 35 Power St., off East Main Road. 

"We usually get 500 people a night," said Len Silva of Portsmouth, who is celebrating his 11th year as feast chairman. 

The festivities will begin tonight at 5 p.m. and continue through Sunday with the procession of St. Anthony. All events are open to the public. 

Featured below is a schedule of this weekend's festival happenings. 

Thursday, July 17

Food is available starting at noon.

5 p.m. - 2nd Annual St. Anthony Feast Cruise Night
            Midway games, rides and food booths open

Music entertainment will be provided by Abbey Rhode.

Friday, July 18

5 p.m. - Midway games, rides and food booths open 

9 p.m. - Dirty Deeds performs.

Saturday, July 19

5 p.m. - Roast beef dinner 
            Midway games, rides and food booths open 

6 p.m. - Transferral of St. Anthony from Carlone's Florist to the club 

7:30 p.m. - Concert by St. Isabella Band of Bristol

9 p.m. - Down City Band band performs

Sunday, July 20

10 a.m. - Sunday procession of St. Anthony 

Noon - Free Portuguese soup 
          Midway rides, games and food booths open 

1 p.m. - Portuguese folk dancing and live auction

Tickets for all amusement rides are 58 cents each.