Fest was perfect Labor Day diversion

Posted 9/3/19

By 11:30 Monday morning, Richard Corrente had lost his nose. Well, actually, he had given his red nose away. It was one of 560 he had bought for the first-ever PatchFest held this Labor Day at Mulligan's Island. The foam clown noses were all part of

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Attention subscribers

We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.

If you are a current print subscriber, you can set up a free website account by clicking here.

Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.

Fest was perfect Labor Day diversion

SLIDING INTO FALL: Faye Tasca and her brother lost count of the times they tried the slide ride.

JINGLE BELLS: Santa and Mrs. Claus traded their sleigh for a golf cart as they toured the event stopping for photographs and cheerful salutations.

SPIDER SHOES: Even Spider-Man wears sneakers, as Nolan Choquette knows well.

A SHOW STOPPER: A 1934 Dusenburg greeted car enthusiasts as they were introduced to a car show featuring a variety of American and foreign cars. Here, Zeb Fasteson, a PatchFest volunteer; Richard Corrente, the man behind the event; Kathleen and John Gemma; and DJ Car Guy Rich George share a moment.

LOTS TO EXPLORE: More than 70 vendors lined the field at Mulligan’s Island.

HELPERS: Janine McMahon and her daughter Lily, who run the Trinity Confections at the Gateway Shopping Plaza, get to meet Warwick Ward 6 Councilwoman Donna Travis. Janine and her daughters were there to help out the Spike’s food truck. Travis was assisting with the presentation by the Don Rodrigues Karate Academy.

READY TO PERFORM: Gooseberry Road trio Bruce Kittell, Joyce Nelson and Skip DelSesto take to the stage at PatchFest.

Posted Tuesday, September 3, 2019 1:05 pm

By 11:30 Monday morning, Richard Corrente had lost his nose.

Well, actually, he had given his red nose away. It was one of 560 he had bought for the first-ever PatchFest held this Labor Day at Mulligan’s Island.

The foam clown noses were all part of Corrente’s plan to raise money for Dr. Hunter “Patch” Adams, who was the inspiration for the movie “Patch Adams,” and his dream to build a free, 40-bed hospital in West Virginia.

With perfect weather and behind the advertising and promotion of Corrente and his team, PatchFest was off to a good start with more than 70 vendors, scores of antique and classic cars including a 1934 Dusenburg owned by Richard Shappy of Warwick – a sure attraction – lots of bouncy attractions for kids, demonstration by local groups including Don Rodrigues Karate Academy, and a trio of bands.

By noon, Corrente estimated he had already raised $5,000 to help build the hospital.

But while raising funds for the hospital remained the goal, Corrente and his group of 21 volunteers focused on the growing crowd, seeing they were having fun, and ensuring all the activities played out as planned.

It could well be the start of something.

Corrente is already thinking of a second annual PatchFest next year at this time. And this time, “Patch” Adams – who couldn’t make the inaugural event, as he was in Costa Rica – said he’d be there … probably wearing a clown nose, too.

(Text and photos by John Howell)