10 Things to Know About Hammonton’s Mt. Carmel Festival

It's that time again! Hammonton's Mt. Carmel Festival continues through Saturday, July 18th.

Here are ten things you should know about this great Hammonton tradition.

#1: This is the 151st annual Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Festival, the oldest Italian festival in America.

The festival was started in 1875 by Italian immigrants new to Hammonton who took time to celebrate their safe journey to America and a successful harvest by thanking the Virgin Mary.

#2: This year's festival runs daily from Monday, July 13th to Saturday, July 18th at the carnival grounds, 1 Mt. Carmel Lane in Hammonton.

#3- Admission is free, and a free shuttle service is available from Hammonton Middle School, 75 N. Liberty Street, nightly from 6 pm - 11 pm and, on Wednesday -- feast day -- from 4 pm - 11 pm.

#4- Free live entertainment, bands, or a DJ, is scheduled every day on the main stage, beginning at 8 pm, with a DJ at 7 pm. See a nightly schedule of entertainment.

#5 - Carnival rides from Amusements of America begin nightly at 5 pm. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are wristband nights. You may ride all night with a $40 wristband.

#6 - The Beer Garden will be open nightly from 5 pm to 11 pm for adults over 21, serving Coors Light and Yuengling, and two different hard seltzers.

#7- The food stand is open from 11 am - 1:30 pm and from 5 pm to closing daily. The usual favorites will be available, including sausage sandwiches and cannolis.

#8- On Sunday, July 12th, the Sons of Italy are holding a preview day from 1-7 pm featuring the "Running of the Sandwiches" and a spaghetti dinner at 427. N. 3rd St, Hammonton. Sunday night, it's a Drone and Fireworks Show at Hammonton High School  @ 8:30 pm

#9- On Thursday, July 16, the feast day of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, there is the traditional procession through the streets of Hammonton starting at 4 pm, beginning at 3rd and French Street.

The Feast Day ends with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm.

#10- On Saturday, July 18, the festival comes to a close with a spectacular fireworks display at 10 pm.