Day Tripper: Smithville Comes to Life in October

While other Shore tourist destinations go into a hibernation period during the fall months, this October, Historic Smithville is coming to life with a series of exciting festivals: the Irish Festival on Oct. 8, with a rain date of Oct. 9; and the Italian Festival on Oct. 15, with a rain date of Oct. 22.

Irish Festival - Organized by the Cape May chapter of the Ancient Order of Hybernians, the Irish Fest in Smithville will feature a variety of offerings including an authentic Irish food market, live music on two different stages, and dancers from the Mists of Ireland Dance Company, a Galloway-based dance troupe committed to preserving authentic Irish dance traditions.

The Ancient Order of Hybernians, which has the largest Catholic Organization in the United States, has been organizing the festival for the last four years in Smithville.

“We really just try to help the needy in the area,” says Patrick Jockel, the Festival Chair, [and] “[the festival is] a very family-friendly atmosphere.”

Italian Festival - Sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, the Italian Festival at Smithville is the first to occur in the Village. Attendees will enjoy a variety of authentic cuisine, beer and wine. Jim Craine, also known as ‘the singing lifeguard,’ will be taking the stage along with the Atlantic City All Star Band. 

Other offerings will include children’s activities, folk dancing, craft market items, an exhibit of Classic Italian cars, 50/50 raffles and other important Italian specialties. Visitors may also participate in a free round of Bocce Ball, an Italian game similar to lawn bowling.

When Wendy Fitzgerald, the owner of the Village Greene, approached the Knights of Columbus about hosting the Italian Festival, says Galloway resident Robert Luke, a Deputy Grand Knight at the K of C Villa Marie Council, the organization was happy to “give it a shot.”

“So far I think, we’ve had… success for the first year [organizing this event],” says Luke, who estimates a crowd of 4,000-5,000 people attending the festival.

To get there from here: Take a trip down parkway south and hop off at the Port Republic exit, which is also Route 9. Travel deep into town and you'll see the Village of Smithville on the right at the corner of East Moss Mill Road, at 615 East Moss Mill Road, Smithville, NJ 08205. (609) 748-6160