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Italian Festival Goers Say Event Is About Where We Came From

Families remember what makes America great

Photo by Drew Parker Mary Rose Scaffidi-Robbins, co-chair of the festival’s pastry booth, prepares baked goods at the Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival Sunday.

WHEELING — Despite a continuation of poor weather conditions, The Upper Ohio Valley Italian Heritage Festival finished on a happy note Sunday.

The annual festival celebrated its 35th year this weekend. Events included a 10 a.m. Roman Catholic Mass officiated by the Most Rev. Michael J. Bransfield at St. Joseph Cathedral and performances from the Skip Peck Band, Pocket Change, the Wurms, Hit Play, Gino and Ezia Romano, The Faiella’s, and Allegro Dance Company. Wine, meatball and sauce awards were also announced, in which Doug Smith won wine and best in show titles.

Festival president Marian Paravano-Grubor said the purpose of the event is academic and community driven.

“Our mission is scholarship and we give $13,000 a year to Upper Ohio Valley students. This promotes the Italian culture to residents,” she said. “Like every culture, we have inter-married and our roots have gotten weaker but this strengthens the heritage.

John Marshall student and festival volunteer Zoe Berisford said she participates for family traditions.

“I like the Italian fest because my grandma grew up in an Italian family and this gives me the feel of how she grew up,” Berisford said. “We should keep heritage alive because it lets us learn where we come from and stick with our roots.”

Mary Rose Scaffidi-Robbins, co-chair of the festival’s pastry booth, served homemade pizzelles, biscotti, cupcakes and more Sunday.

“My father Tony Scaffidi was one of the founding members so it’s always been pat of my heritage,” she said. “I do this to allow my children to see how important those traditions are.”

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