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TRADITION TO SAVOR: Downtown bash has Valley upbeat
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A REFLECTION OF THE PAST: Amico Colaizzi of Poland tosses pizza dough opposite a mural while inside Paisano’s Pizza Connection at the Greater Youngstown Italian Festival downtown. The festival, on six city blocks, features entertainment, games and food. It continues today.
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The police chief said he doesn’t expect any trouble during the festival.
By Elise Franco
YOUNGSTOWN — Festival season means good food, family fun and relaxation — for some, the best part of the summer.
The Greater Youngstown Italian Festival, one of Mahoning Valley’s most popular festivals, kicked off Friday.
It covers six city blocks, which are closed to traffic. Federal Street is blocked from Phelps Street to Walnut Street, and Wick Avenue is closed from Commerce Street to Boardman Street.
The three-day festival began at 11 a.m. Friday and will open at 3 p.m. today and 11 a.m. Sunday.
Vince and Lori Lucia of Youngstown decided to spend the afternoon downtown with the whole family and said they’re glad the festival has returned to Youngstown.
“We didn’t go as often when it was in Canfield,” at the fairgrounds, Lori said. “But we always come when it’s here. It’s much better downtown.”
The couple brought their two children, Olivia, 2, and Reese, 5, to have lunch and play games.
“The kids have already played darts and won two prizes,” Lori said. “I think we’re going to bring them back later so they can play more and ride some rides.”
Reese said throwing darts at balloons is his favorite festival game.
“I played it before,” he said. “I like it because I’m very good.”
Joe Lewis Wilson of Youngstown also took some time out of his afternoon to check out the festival before the crowds rolled in.
“It’s such a nice day, and I decided to come down and see what was going on,” he said as he indulged in a DiRusso’s Italian sausage. “Every year, I come down to get my favorite hot Italian sausage.”
Wilson said he plans to come back sometime during the weekend to check out some of the live entertainment.
A variety of musical groups are scheduled to perform, including Dom Tocco, John Gabriele, Rex Taneri, Del Sinchak, Del Rezek, Jim Frank, Frankie Gallo, Bustin’ Loose, Rocco Monaco and Frankie and the Sensations.
Even Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes was downtown Thursday afternoon enjoying the sunshine, food and festival. Hughes said he doesn’t anticipate any safety issues this weekend.
“I’m hoping for a very safe festival,” he said. “I don’t foresee any problems, so just bring the family and come on down.”
Hughes said officers are stationed throughout the festival site to ensure the safety of all patrons.
He said everyone was happy with last year’s event, and he hopes the same will hold true for this year.
“Everyone was happy and celebrated well,” he said. “We did well last year and had no major problems, and I expect the same this year.”
efranco@vindy.com