By ANASTASIA PENCHI
GENOA, Wis. – A Vernon County event that celebrates 123 years of family and community – and includes a traditional Italian cheesy rice delicacy with every meal – will be held on July 5.
The St. Charles Church Homecoming Picnic will feature old-fashioned games for kids, raffles and food – including the area’s famous traditional homemade Italian risotto – from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, July 5, at the church, 707 Eagle St., Genoa.
The Rev. Timothy Reither, parish priest, said the culture of St. Charles Church is like that of a large family and that culture is reflected in the ongoing festival, which dates back to 1903 (the only known cancellations were in 2020, due to Covid, and 2021, when it came back as a parish potluck).
“Last year was my first time trying Genoa’s famous Italian risotto, which is a unique taste of a living history that has been passed down to us from the generations of St. Charles parishioners going all the way from Italy,” said Reither. “I am looking forward to continuing to be part of this great living tradition that has been kept alive by the families and friends of St. Charles Parish. “
Homecoming got its start when the Italian families who settled in the area brought baked chicken (freshly butchered the night before) and a pot of risotto to share with church visitors and extended family who came home to celebrate Independence Day.
Eventually one person was put in charge of the rice because some of the recipes varied slightly. The late Annie Nickelatti of Genoa was the first person locals remember in charge. JoAnn Nickelatti, Annie’s daughter-in-law, (and a former Vernon County Board member who still serves on the Mississippi River Regional Planning Commission) was then put in charge of the rice for about 30 years.
Over time, a decision was made to get the chicken catered. The date changed from the actual holiday to the first Sunday in July. Old-fashioned kid games like “Fish Pond” and “Dunk Tank,” vary from year-to-year depending on past preferences.
Pogy’s Catering will offer the grilled chicken and the other side dishes this year, and the locals will handle the rice. Cost is $15 for a dinner, but smaller hot dog meals are also available for $6.
“(The event) has evolved,” JoAnn Nickelatti added. “There’s nothing wrong with being more efficient.”
Diane Pedretti, another Genoa resident who was in charge of the risotto from 2005-2023, said she remembers when families stayed at the Homecoming Picnic all day long. She said 1966 was the last year they organized an additional evening meal for those who were still there.
Pedretti has since handed the rice leader reins to Cora Gianoli of De Soto, who is now teaching her three daughters – Bailey, Rachel and Jenna – to make the risotto. Pedretti continues to supervise, and said the three young women are a good addition to the team.
“They’re tall and they are good rice stirrers,” Pedretti added.
Jenna Gianoli said she always remembers Homecoming as “a time to run around with your friends and have fun.” Since her mom was always was always working in the kitchen, Jenna found herself there, too, especially when she wanted more money for games.
“It would just be random that someone needed a break and I would be asked to step in to stir for a minute or two,” Jenna Gianoli said. “One year, I was asked to do a shift stirring rice, and I’ve been doing it ever since.”
“I went from running around without a care to being a part of one of the biggest parts of the picnic, and the only thing that didn’t change was how much fun it is,” she added.
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