Warren prepares for heritage fest

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The festival committee asks for a $3 donation to help pay some expenses.

By MAYSOON ABDELRASUL

VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF

WARREN — The Warren Italian American Heritage Festival will be Thursday through Aug. 12 on Courthouse Square.

For Warren natives, this isn't something new. The festival has been an attraction for 23 years.

But the festival doesn't just attract locals, explained Phil Sidoti, vice president of the festival committee. He said people from Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Akron and all over attend.

Sidoti has been actively involved in the festival from its first year, when the late Lou Metter got it going. "Our purpose is to promote our Italian heritage through the festival," he said.

The opening day is Thursday and kicks off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 6 p.m. For the following three days, the festival opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m.

Something for everyone

The festival has something for all ages. To continue with tradition, a Miss Italian pageant will be held at the main stage on opening night.

The even younger crowd won't be left out, however. A tiny king and queen pageant will be held the following day for little children.

A less formal attraction, the boccie tournament, happens every day, and there will also be morra tournaments.

There will be cultural displays, ethnic foods and rides every day. On Sunday there will be a parade featuring the Warren G. Harding and Girard high school bands, along with clowns.

Some entertainers set to perform are The Jim Frank Trio, musicians from Dana School of Music at Youngstown State University, and Gina Martini. For a full list of entertainers and events, see www.warrenitalianfestival.com.

Preparation and expenses

President Carol Ficeti said it takes almost a full year to prepare for the festival. She said she had to get the contracts ready for the rides, entertainers, maintenance and much more.

There is no entrance fee but the committee is asking for a $3 donation. "By asking for donations, it helps offset our expenses," she said.

Some expenses are permits and fees paid to the city of Warren totaling $4,985; security, $12,979; insurance, $5,200; entertainment, $15,060; stage, sound and lights, $,4,800; and fireworks, $12,500, she said.

The committee does have a few booths that sell cookies and soft drinks that help pay the expenses, as well as a few sponsors that donate money to the festival. A few of its sponsors are Nannicola Wholesale Co., American Fireworks and Covelli Enterprises-Panera Bread. Go to the Web site for the full listing of sponsors.

Scholarships will be awarded to area students at the breakfast on Friday morning. Last year, the committee provided six $1,000 scholarships.

Sunday, August 5, 2007