‘Andrew’s 1st Rodeo’ a smashing hit at ‘ranch’ near Historic Richmond Town

Jun 24, 2023

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Woody from "Toy Story" poses along with Tara, Andrew and baby Andrew at "Andrew's First Rodeo" birthday bash. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — When it came time to plan Andrew Marano III’s first birthday party, parents Tara and Andrew Marano Jr. pondered a bit before stepping out of the box and brainstorming the idea of hosting an old-fashioned, western inspired party for their little cowpoke.

They thought a first birthday bash replete with a cowboy theme offered a full array of unique and creative ideas that would coordinate perfectly with the outdoor space at their home located near the Historic Richmond Town Restoration.

So, instead of opting for the usual cartoon Super Heroes theme, the Marano’s got down to basics, changed the pace and revved it up with plenty of home spun tradition.

Tara, Andrew and baby Andrew Marano celebrate at Andrew's First Rodeo. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

“With the series ‘Yellowstone’ so trendy right now — and since we live in a ranch home — we thought our home could double as ‘Andrew’s Ranch,” and revolve around the western aspect of it,” said mom, Tara, — a fashion designer herself.

Mom, Tara Marano and baby Andrew Marano III, at Andrew's first birthday party. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

And just like that “Andrew’s First Rodeo” came to life.

Mom Tara, grandmother, Denise and baby Andrew enjoy the birthday party festivities. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

“THE BIG DAY”

The “really big” day that was Saturday, Aug. 5 — Andrew’s birthday is Aug. 4 — came dotted with Woody from “Toy Story,” a Montalbano’s of Rosebank food truck — whose chefs whipped up all sorts of traditional Italian specialties from sausage and peppers and steaks any style, to Zeppoles and even fried Oreos — and an assortment of Italian ices on hand a la Uncle Louie’s G’s.

At "Andrew's First Rodeo" birthday party are dad, Andrew Marano Jr., baby Andrew and mom, Tara Marano. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Other amenities included a corral fence, a kid’s “ball pit” and a bouncy house from Little Romeo’s NYC that were undeniably a big hit with the little ones.

Baby Andrew and a friend enjoy the child's ball pit at the birthday party. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Cowboy decor abounded on “Andrew’s Ranch,” that set the mood and became part of the western backdrop for photos ops so that family members and friends could remember Andrew’s memorable day.

Tara Marano, third from left, "Woody" and friends. (Courtesy/Tara Marano) SStaten Island Advance

And so that “Andrew’s First Rodeo” would be all the more authentic, Andrew donned a personalized cowboy outfit with chaps, hat, a red bandana, and cowboy boots.

Baby Andrew shakes hands with Woody from "Toy Story" with prompts from grandpa Charlie. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Baby Andrew and his great-grandmother, Barbara. (Courtesy//Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Western finds were everywhere and the Marano’s even took it up a notch with western stuffed animals that were distributed to the younger set.

Baby Andrew's cowboy poster dotted the backyard festivities. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

The piece de resistance? What could be more fun for little ones than having a real live pony and a wrangler on board ready to ride little ones on an imaginary pony track? And after completing their ride each child received an authentic “Adopt a Pony” certificate, a shirt and other prizes.

Baby Andrew sits on a real, live pony with the help of his mom, Tara. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Tara sits Andrew Marano on a pony as a wrangler assists. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

“We only have four houses on our block in Richmond where there’s a dead end,” said Tara. “The street was closed off from corner to corner and it turned it into sort of a block party and neighbors attended the party where a live pony was part of the fun festivities.”

A shot of "Andrew's Ranch." (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

WESTERN STYLE

Tara went on to explain the back yard was festooned with western props from Etsy, Le El Decor Company and Debra’s Designs, lots of sweet treat desserts and a customized hand crafted western cake with topper that read “My 1st Rodeo” designed by Sal’s Bakery.

Andrew Marano and grandpa Charlie. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

In total, 75 adults and 30 youngsters — partied h-e-a-r-t-i-l-y and all made merry in honor of baby Andrew.

Andrew's Round Up, a sweet treats table that supplied goodies at the first birthday party. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

"My 1st Rodeo" birthday cake handcrafted for Andrew by Sal's Bakery. (Courtesy/Tara Marano)Staten Island Advance

Happy 1st birthday, Andrew!

CELEBRATIONS - AUG. 27 TO SEPT. 2

AUG. 27

Sunday is birthday time for Jianna Jackson who turns 13, Tony Flagello, Lulu Chiminski and Mario Naccarato, who turns 29.

Happy wedding anniversary Sunday to Justine and Jon Cauldwell.

AUG. 28

Happy birthday Monday to Bill Van Name, Joan Mary Andersen, Christopher Giovinazzo, Carol Dennis and Marilyn Wickert.

Birthday greetings Monday to twins William and John Malczewski, who turns 24 and were born on the same day as their great-grandfather John Cotton Sr. who was a very special member of the family and Marilyn Wickert.

Monday is wedding anniversary time for Colleen and Tim Kelly and for Carmine and Felicia DeBetta celebrate 57 years of wedded bliss.

AUG. 29

Birthday best on Tuesday to Jennie Sweeney, Brian Cregg, Susan Santorelli, Danielle Martino, John Edward Sciarrino who turns 17, Jeff Coogan, Ken Anderson, Nanette Scarcella, Michael Alvarado and to Douglas Baker, a lifelong Staten Islander who turns 71.

Happy wedding anniversary Tuesday to Jessica and Liam Collins. 

AUG. 30

Happy birthday Wednesday to Dylan Gaugh.

Wednesday is wedding anniversary time for Denise and Pat Arena. 

AUG. 31

The happiest of birthdays to celebrating birthdays today include Thursday to Deputy County Clerk Ron Arabia, Victoria Rose Mazella, Kenny Warner who turns 61, Katie Salerno, Jennifer Driscoll, Thomas Cellamare, Jason Greco, Michele Martino, Maureen Gorman, Frank Giovinazzo, Nancy Logozzo turns 67, Kristin Bowers, Jamie LaBetti, Anthony Loffredo and Ryan Eisler-Grynsztann.

Happy wedding anniversary Thursday to Gina and Robert Greenstein of Great Kills.

SEPT. 1

Friday is birthday time for Frank Battista, Charles Cross, Michelle Larson and Joe Patavano, Karen Rondinelli, who celebrates her 58th and William Scott Holderer.

Happy wedding anniversary to Marie and Don Stockman and to Marilyn and Tom Wikert.

SEPT. 2

Happy birthday Saturday to Charles Dugan Sr. who shares this birthday with James Hills and Benedict Silano.

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