In the climax of an election year, one Election Day event consistently unites Syracuse residents under one roof well before results are announced. At the Cathedral Academy of Pompei's spaghetti supper, attendees meet with community leaders.
"This is tradition," supper Chairman Lucy Paris said. "It's a place for Republicans and Democrats to come together, shake hands and break bread."
More than 50 years ago, the supper started as a fundraiser for students. It has since evolved into the largest Election Day gathering in the Syracuse area, where politicians socialize with other community members over lunch. More than $25,000 is raised annually.
"Candidates come because a lot of citizens, particularly the press, are here," Democratic County Clerk candidate Linda Hall said. "This is the place to be."
While 25th Congressional District Democratic candidate Dan Maffei was busy talking with people, his spokesperson said the candidate was campaigning for support, not votes.
“Everyone has already voted, but we’re trying to build a strong system,” Michael Whyland said. “This event is a good start to the future.”
Students volunteer with decorations, food preparations and artwork. As a reward, they get the day off.
"It is a lot of fun to serve pasta to people my parents have been watching or talking about," fourth grader Gabriela Parsons said.
For many, food was the best aspect of the occasion. Approximately 300 gallons of pasta sauce, 6,400 pounds of spaghetti, 7,000 meatballs and 250 loaves of bread were prepared. Paris said she expected more than 2,500 people to attend.
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