Thousands of festivalgoers from the local area as well as visiting friends of St. Joseph’s Parish, Summit Hill, turned out yesterday to help the hilltop parish celebrate the 50th anniversary of its annual St. Gabriel’s Festival.

The two-day affair was highlighted by a procession by men of the parish who paraded the statue of the coveted saint around the community’s streets.

Among those participating in the procession were Elario Pavone, one of the first officers of the St. Gabriel’s Society who made his 50th march around the church with the statue, as well as other officers of the society, including Michael Pezzent, Paul DiMattia and Victor Leonzi Sr. Joining them were state Rep. Thomas McCall and U.S. Congressman Raphael Musto.