58,000 attendees make ’10 Italian fest ‘our best year ever’

Staff report

Youngstown

About 58,000 people attended the Greater Youngstown Italian Festival throughout the weekend, and organizers couldn’t be more pleased.

“It was our best year ever,” Festival Chairman John Rossetti said late Sunday night.

“I don’t know how we’re going to top it.”

The 25th installment of the festival featured food vendors, live performances and carnival rides Friday through Sunday night on Central Square in downtown Youngstown.

Admission was $3 for adults and children under 12 were admitted free.

“People were happy here. It’s a nominal price for great entertainment,” Rossetti said.

Security was tight throughout the weekend and resulted in a crime-free event, he said.

Rossetti credited the Youngstown Police Department for keeping the festival safe and the city administration for supporting the festival.

Attendance was estimated at 15,000; 23,000; and 20,000, for Friday, Saturday and Sunday, respectively, Rossetti said.

Planning for next year’s Italian festival begins today, the chairman added.