The Grapevine: Why Jimmy, Annie Mazzie are One of the West Virginia Italian Festival's Best Kept Secrets
By Rosalyn Queen on September 10, 2026 from The Grapevine
When you have time to reminisce and think about the past and present of the festival, one of the best kept secrets is Jimmy and Annie Mazzie who chair the Honorary Council of the Festival.
Jimmy and I had the opportunity to sit down and talk about the honorary council this weekend and it was great to talk about all that Jimmy and Annie and their committee has done for the council. Jimmy has been chairing the council for about 35 years. Now that I am a member of
the council, I have the opportunity to observe the loving care that he and the committee give to the council. You know it’s not too easy to take care of at least 25 people over the age of 80 but they take care of us beautifully and we have never had an incident.
the council, I have the opportunity to observe the loving care that he and the committee give to the council. You know it’s not too easy to take care of at least 25 people over the age of 80 but they take care of us beautifully and we have never had an incident.
Their responsibilities include getting all of the information about the council prior to the festival and getting pictures and histories to be included in the souvenir book. They are so dedicated to preparing a goodie bag for us, which includes many nice gifts. When I get home I always feel like a child going through my goodie bag and loving what they have included in it.
After the parade, we are special guests of a luncheon, which has been sponsored by Twin Oaks restaurant. Other special guest included at the luncheon are the Queen and her court and the Honorees . After we have finished eating, we have the opportunity to get up and share memories about past festivals and about our Italian heritage. It is so special to be reminded of past festival activities and late members who helped make it a success. Several members shared memories about growing up in Clarksburg and some of the hardships that we experienced as children of Italian immigrants.
Jimmy was not shy about giving credit to his committee and publicly thanking them for their helping make this part of the Festival a success.
You all know that I have been involved in every aspect of the festival, but to be able to participate as an
Honorary Council member has been very meaningful to me and a great way to end my service to the Festival.
Thanks Jimmy and committee for making this possible.
Get ready for Fall, stay healthy and until next week “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
Editor's Note: Photo shows, from left, Jimmy Mazzie, Rosalyn Queen, and Annie Mazzie.
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