Italian Festival returns to Warren in August

WARREN -- Billed as one of the oldest Italian festivals in Ohio, the Warren Italian American Festival returns to downtown Aug. 10, 11 and 12.
Running from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. unday, the festival will open Friday night with street dancing to Expresso Five and Franco Simione e Le Onde.
Saturday's nonstop entertainment on the main stage is to include Expresso Five, Tony Spavone, Graziana -- billed as a 19-year-old singing sensation -- the comedy of Alto & amp; Mantia and the songs of Gene Ferrari.
The Howland High School Dancers will kick things off Sunday evening, and the weekend will be capped with a huge fireworks display.
There also will be the usual boccie and morra tournaments, a parade, wine-making contest, Pizza Splash Marathon, live demonstrations and nonstop music in the beer tent by the likes of Rocky Chirchiglia, Nino Patete, John Gabriele, Rex Teneri, Frank Gallo and the Tonellis.
More information on the festival and vendor space is available on the event's Web site at www.warrenitalianfestival.com, or by calling (330) 393-3444.
Tickets are available by calling (330) 507-3567 or (330) 550-7877.
Here are some event highlights:
AUG. 10
9 a.m.: Kickoff breakfast at The Hippodrome, 150 High St.2 p.m.: Tiny King and Queen contest, main stage.5 p.m.: Miss Italian Pageant contest, main stage.5 p.m.: Boccie tournament.7 p.m.: Pizza Splash Run.
AUG. 11
9 a.m.: Boccie tournament.11 a.m.: Wine-making competition, gazebo.2 p.m.: Morra tournament.4 p.m.: Pizelle demonstration.7 p.m.: Pasta-making demonstration.
AUG. 12
9 a.m.: Blessed Virgin Procession with Lowellville High School Band; line forms at St. Mary Church.9:30 a.m.: Mass with Monsignor Caraglia.10:30 a.m.: Continental breakfast.11: a.m.: Performance by Lowellville High band.10:30 a.m.: Twelve hours of boccie to start.2 p.m.: Grand Parade.3:30 p.m.: Performance by Howland High School Band.10:30 p.m.: Fireworks display.