Seneca Falls is asking residents to nominate local heroes as the community prepares to honor a man who died saving another person’s life more than a century ago.
Organizers announced this week that nominations are open for the Antonio Varacalli Hero Award ahead of this year’s Antonio Varacalli Day celebration on April 11. The annual event remembers Varacalli, who drowned in 1917 while rescuing a woman from the Cayuga–Seneca Canal.
Varacalli’s act of bravery was later recognized with the Carnegie Hero Fund Medal.
The annual ceremony also recognizes modern-day acts of service through the Antonio Varacalli Hero Award and Community Angel Awards. Residents can nominate someone who has shown extraordinary courage and selflessness in the community.
“Antonio Varacalli’s sacrifice is a powerful reminder that true heroism is rooted in selflessness,” event organizer Haidee Oropallo said. “Each year, we gather not only to remember his courage, but to recognize the quiet heroes among us who strengthen our community through everyday acts of kindness and service.”
The ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. on the Bridge Street Bridge. If weather forces a change, the event will move to the Seneca Falls Community Center.
The program will include a color guard presentation by local first responders, performances by the Mynderse Chamber Singers, and a proclamation declaring Antonio Varacalli Day by Town Councilmember Gabby Consentino. Organizers will also present the hero and community awards and recognize winners of the Antonio Varacalli essay contest.
Students in grades 3 through 5 at Elizabeth Cady Stanton Elementary School participated in the contest, writing about the theme “You Can’t Be Brave Without Being Afraid.”
A walking tour exploring the lives of Antonio Varacalli and Ruth Dunham will begin at 10 a.m. at the corner of Bridge and William streets. The tour will end at the bridge before the ceremony.
Following the event, a ziti luncheon will be held at noon at the Seneca Falls Community Center.
Nominations for the Antonio Varacalli Hero Award must be submitted by March 27.
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