Lowellville Mount Carmel fest opens, continues through Saturday

LOWELLVILLE

Born and raised in Lowellville, Rocco Nolfi has grown up around the Mount Carmel Society Festival, which began its 118th year Wednesday evening.

And though it was Nolfi’s first year as commissioner of the Mount Carmel Bocce Association, the state’s oldest fraternal organization is in his blood — his great-great- grandfather, Pietro Pirone, started the Mount Carmel Society in 1895.

“It’s one of the most unique festivals that are still around, unless you’re in Italy. We want to keep the tradition going that our ancestors brought over from Italy. We experienced it, and now our kids can experience it,” Nolfi said.

“It’s a first great night for the festival, and I’m looking forward to the next couple of days.”

The festival will continue through Saturday, opening each day at 6 p.m.

For more on the event, read Thursday's Vindicator or Vindy.com.