CANFIELD FAIRGROUNDS Festival to feature food, contests

This year's fest is dedicated to mothers.
CANFIELD -- The Youngstown Italian Heritage Foundation is accepting applications for the James and Corliss Centofanti Scholarship Award to be presented at the 16th annual Greater Youngstown Italian Fest on July 19 at Canfield Fairgrounds. Two $500 scholarships will be awarded.
Applicants should be of Italian descent and planning to attend Youngstown State University, and they must submit a biography of their high school or college experience. The deadline is Monday, and applications should be sent to Flora Di Renzo Schneider, 110 Longview Circle, North Lima 44452.The fest kicks off July 19 and runs throughJuly 22. Admission is $5; children 12 and under are free. Free parking will be available.
For mom: This year, the fest is dedicated to mothers. Opening ceremonies will be at 5:15 p.m. July 19 and the keynote speaker will be Flora DiRenzo Schneider. The Italian Man, Woman and Business Man of the Year 2001 will be honored and the scholarship will be awarded.
The main attraction Saturday evening will be Connie Francis backed by the Carmen Mico Orchestra, with vocals by John and Christine. There will be dancing every evening at the Pisa Tent to the music of Rocco Monaco, Del Sinchak, Tonelli Brothers, Bob Matasy, John Gabriele and Rocky Chirchiglia. The main stage will feature Rocco Monaco, the Capri Band, the Great Pretenders, Franco Simone, Primavara Band, Vito DiSalvo and We Three, the Italian choral group from Cleveland.
Events planned are a beauty talent pageant, Honda store's little king and queen contest, a $1,000 drawing and other prizes, grape-stomping demo, Sunday mass and procession, Gia Russo's pasta-eating contest, Zambelli fireworks extravaganza, and bocce, pizzelle and pasta-making demonstrations. Festival-goers can visit the outdoor Cafe DaVinci and shop at Via Veneto Gallaria and the culture building.