Community Corner
Music, Fireworks and Food, Food, Food: Neri's Bakery Celebrates 100 Years at Lyon Park
Port Chester's long-time favorite for baked items marks the occasion with a huge community party.
There isn't a Port Chester native alive who doesn't have fond memories of warm croissants and rolls from Neri's Bakery.
Whether you're an out-of-towner who grew up in Port Chester, or a long-time native who still makes the bakery a regular stop, the owners of Neri's want you to be part of their 100th anniversary celebration at Lyon Park.
One of the village's beloved long-time landmarks, the establishment will host the party, Sept. 18, from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Neri's encourages visitors to "bring the family and enjoy food and fun."
On the bakery's Facebook page, Port Chester natives reminisced about trips to the bakery and the familiar smell of fresh bread.
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Geri Munnick of Port Chester has fond memories from her childhood: "My father got up early every Sunday morning and drove down to the bakery to pick up rolls.
"Mr. Neri would sit me on the counter and put a fresh hot roll right out of the oven in my hand. I can still smell it and taste it — the best memories in the world," she wrote.
Another native, Kimberly Towne, assured the bakery via the Facebook page that she will be "definitely attending" the festivities.
"Always loved the rolls, cakes, etc... Yum! Thank you, Neri's!" she said.
Throughout the day, there will be a myriad of events for patrons to enjoy.
From morning until evening, food will be served, including a family-style barbecue as well as an assortment of other treats.
All afternoon after 12 p.m., there will also be carnival rides for children as well as live Disney characters to delight younger party-goers.
For musical entertainment, a live performance by an Italian band is slated for noon, followed by a live Latin band at 3 p.m., and finishing with a group playing American standards at 5 p.m.
During the early evening hours, a 100th birthday cake and coffee in honor of Neri's will be served at 7 p.m. Knowing the bakery, the cake should be spectacular.
To close the event, Neri's will provide a fireworks display, courtesy of Grucci Fireworks, at 8 p.m.
For an opportunity to help those less fortunate, there will also be a raffle for a flat-screen television, which will benefit the Ronald McDonald House in Vallhalla.
Stop by for a few hours or make it an all-day affair in celebration of a bakery that brings a little warmth to Port Chester every morning.
