Record crowds attend 10th annual Italian Festival

YOUNGSTOWN — More than 15,000 attended the 10th annual “Salute to the Immigrants” Italian Festival July 24-27 on the grounds of Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church, 343 Via Mount Carmel, where a gigantic 1,000-seat tent was filled to capacity nightly. Tony Trolio was festival chairman.

The traditional inaugural parade, co-chaired by Dave Venerose and Claire Maluso, featured more than 80 entries. Among the participants receiving awards were Mr. and Mrs. Rocco Mediate for the most ethnic entry, Judge Scott Hunter for the most original, and Dave and Dolly Crump for the most unique.

Entertainment throughout the event featured such acts as Jay and Gisele from Australia, Pino Marelli of Detroit, Graziana of New York City, the Cavaliers Band of Pittsburgh, and 14 area bands.

There was also a kiddieland with games, pony and train rides and a bounce-around for children, and a historical section.

An auction of more than 350 gifts collected by co-chairmen Veneta and Elise Tareshawty and their committee raised $19,000. The total festival proceeds of $75,000 will be presented to Monsignor Michael Cariglio at the committee’s Appreciation Dinner on Sept. 17. The funds have been earmarked for the preservation and maintenance of the historic church. Since its inception 10 years ago, the festival has raised more than $250,000.

Prefestival event

During the festival’s Kick-Off Breakfast on Thursday, Youngstown State University scholarships in the amount of $1,000 each were presented to Michael Calcagni, Thomas DeToro and David Castronova. Bob Hannon was master of ceremonies at the event, and WYTV-33 personalities, representatives of YSU and valley dignitaries were among those in attendance.