Italian fest offers everything

Today, the celebration of Italian culture will feature live musical entertainment.
By LAURA MILOSER
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW CASTLE, Pa. -- "Viva Italia."
The sights and sounds of Italy live on at the Lawrence County Italian Celebration in Cascade Park in New Castle.
Many people sat on the lawn Saturday afternoon to listen to the music of Cavalieri Reale of Cleveland.
Others walked throughout the park meeting friends, looking at craft booths and watching a variety of entertainment.
The smell of Italian food filled the air. A variety of authentic Italian foods such as calamari, smelts, pasta with marinara sauce, fresh Italian cold cuts and cheese and pizza could be found.
Cannoli, Italian wedding cookies and pizzelles were among the sweet treats at the festival. There also were booths selling peaches and wine throughout the park.
Popular pasta
Joe Giarmita of Mount Washington, Pa., brought a taste of his restaurant to the festival. He and his wife pride themselves in their made-to-order, Sicilian-style cooking. Giarmita said last year his booth served 110 pounds of pasta during the one-day festival at Cascade Park.
Several men were participating in a serious game of boccie in a tournament at the boccie courts.
Rose and Tom Fazzone and Dominick and Marian Buttopietro of New Castle along with Bill and Mary Abraham of Beaver, Pa., were anticipating the evening's wine-tasting party, with dancing to the group We Three of Pittsburgh to follow.
Rose Fazzone said, "We go everywhere there is a good Italian dance."
Although Saturday's weather was hot and humid, there was a cool breeze from the shade trees throughout the park making it a perfect setting for the celebration.
The festival continues today from noon until 5 p.m. with live musical entertainment throughout the day. Admission is $5 for adults. Children under 12 are admitted free.