Memories, memories, memories.  Thirty some years ago I was down in the trenches trying to make memories and today as I anxiously await the beginning of the Festival I spend a lot of time reliving them.

 

There are a few sad memories and that would be mostly of the individuals who worked so hard on the success of the Festival and who are no longer here to enjoy it.  I especially want to call attention to who we all consider the founders of the WV Italian Heritage Festival: James D. Larosa, John Manchin, Sam D'Annunzio, Sam Chico and Frank Iaquinta.  Only founder Louie Spatafore is still with us and, like me, he and his family still enjoy the fruits of his labor.

 

I feel deep down in my heart that all of these individuals would be happy with the success of the Festival and knowing that it is still going on and entertaining thousands every year.  I could write a book about each of the above founder and their individual and collective dedication to the continuance of the festival. But deep down I know that individuals attending the Festival this weekend will surely know just what their dedication meant to the success of the Festival.

 

I would be remiss if I did not mention Merle Moore, also considered one of the founders of the Festival.  I am sad that she is no longer with us but every time I think of her, a smile comes across my face that this little country girl was able to accomplish so much with this festival. She dedicated a lot of time and energy to its success.

 

There is not enough room here to write about all the happy memories. There are so many for me!

 

One of the best memories is seeing the Senior Council enjoying the Festival and being so proud of their heritage.  One of the best things we ever did was to recognize these individuals. They really are the backbone of our Italian heritage.

 

If they are the backbone then Queen Regina Maria, the Queen's Court and the members of the minor court are our future. Their participation only reinforces their pride in their Italian heritage.

 

The entertainment and the good food helps to round out delicious memories and wonderful dancing and singing. Some of our food vendors have stayed with us the entire time and then there are a few who have retired.  All of us will remember enjoying that wonderful steak sandwich that Frank Oliverio and Oliverio's Peppers prepared. And probably one of the most popular food items is the fritti.  No Italian festival would be complete without the fritti.

 

I will always enjoy the open Italian Mass on Sunday and how the street is transformed into a wonderful setting for celebrating the mass.  On Saturday evening we were dancing and singing in the street and on Sunday morning we all gather to worship.  This is almost unbelievable to me.

 

This year as we attend the festival we will be making a new memories but part of the enjoyment of the festival will be remembering the past.

 

Congratulations to all the honorees especially to Clarksburg Mayor Cathy Goings, our Italian American Woman of the Year, and to Sheriff Tiano, our Italian American Man of the Year.

 

And finally and most important, a big thank you to the festival's Board of Directors and their team of volunteers. Our festival would never be possible if not for the dedication of these wonderful people.

 

Enjoy and have a safe festival.

 

Keep in touch and until next week "Now You Have Heard It through the Grapevine."

 

Editor's Note: Photos courtesy of the WV Italian Heritage Festival Facebook page.