Religion, Music, Fried Food and a Beer Garten At St. Ann's Feast Kick Off

The blocks around the Church of St. Ann buzzed with people, music and the sizzling sounds of zeppole being fried on Wednesday night, as Hobokenites of all backgrounds and generations got together to celebrate this long lasting tradition. 

The festival, which leads up to a procession of a 600-pound statue of St. Ann through the streets of Hoboken on Monday afternoon, drew thousands of people on its opening night Wednesday. 

From a beer garten—where the atmosphere was more like a fraternity party than the celebration of a religious event—to the quiet inside of the church on Jefferson and Seventh Streets, there was something for everyone. 

Different musical acts will headline the stage on Seventh and Jefferson every night, such as returning favorite The Nerds (to play Friday night) and singer Christina Fontanelli on Monday night.  Award winning tribute artist Ryan Pelton, who will perform Elvis Presley classics.

Take a look at the slide show to see photos from last night.