Italian festival packed with tradition

The event begins Thursday and runs through July 26.

the vindicator

YOUNGSTOWN — Tony Trolio has a warning for those who plan to go to the annual Mount Carmel Italian Festival.

“This is an old-fashioned Italian feast,” said Trolio, who chairs the event. “If it’s country and western, rock ‘n’ roll or polka bands you want to hear, you better go to the Canfield Fair.”

The festival — now in its 11th year — begins Thursday and runs through July 26 on the church grounds, just off Rayen Avenue, next to Choffin Career Center.

A glance at the entertainment lineup bears out Trolio’s words, as Italian entertainers from across the country have been booked.

Featured are singers Michael Castaldo of New York, Gianni Monti of Del Rey Beach, Fla., and Cleveland’s Good Fellas showband.

Rounding out the lineup are Mirella the Musician from Pittsburgh, Capri Band, Jim Frank Trio, Frank Gallo, Rocky Chirchiglia, John Gabrielle, Rex Taneri, Franco Simone, Montage Band, Gina Martini, Dom Tocco and The Brotherhood, The Lowellville Band and Paul Rossi’s Plazateers Band.

The Mount Carmel fest is always known for the quality of its food, a fact reflected in this year’s theme — “The Feast on the Hill.” There will be 18 food vendors and 15 craft vendors.

The festival will kick off Thursday with the awarding of two scholarships to Youngstown State University at the annual Scholarship Breakfast in the church hall. This year’s scholarship winners are Bethany Powell and Thomas DeToro, each a student at YSU.

The keynote speaker will be Atty. Chris Sammarone, and United Way’s Bob Hannon will serve as the master of ceremonies.

Tickets for the breakfast are $10 and can be purchased by calling Terry Fullem at (330) 799-0570.

The parade committee is seeking more entries, including antique cars, bands, clowns, high school marching bands, political and business vehicles, Italian clubs, churches, scout groups, trolley cars, and horse-drawn units. If interested, contact Dave at (330) 750-0440.

The parade will be lead by a procession of the parish’s patron saint, followed by the Lowellville Band along with the rest of the entries.

The addition of Paul Rossi’s Plazateers Marching band and the Rocky Chirchiglia Band will give the parade an old-fashioned athmosphere, said Trolio.

The homemade wine contest will have three categories: white, red and rose. There is a $5 entry fee per bottle. Check-in is on Friday between 4 and 6 p.m. Call John Beene for information at (330) 792-7028.

A portion of the parish parking lot will be used for parking, as well as the parking lots at United Way, St. Cyril & Methodius Church, IBM Building, Levinson Tire, Advantage Vinyl, P&L Heating and the YMCA lot.

Buses and a fleet of golf carts will shuttle the crowd to the festival for free.

Last year, more than 10,000 people attended the festival.

Admission is $3, and a book of four passes can be purchased in advance for $5 by sending a check payable to Mount Carmel Festival to 35 W. McKinley Way, Poland, OH, 44514.