Italian-American attitude: Tusc County festival held successful heritage celebration
A highlight of the weekend for Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival Foundation, Inc. (TCIAFFI) president, Marsha Mari, was the record number of scholarships awarded at Friday morning's Mayor's Breakfast.
Twenty local students, who will be attending an accredited college or university in the fall, received $500 scholarships, many given in the name of a beloved Italian family member or TCIAFFI. Fred Neff also awarded a private scholarship in memory of Antoinette "Toni" Neff to Ashley Blickensderfer.
"The scholarships… that's what we're all about," explained Mari. "It was fantastic and the community came together to support the students and us."
Also at the breakfast, J.D. Byrider, of Dover, was named Business of the Year and Rita Casella was honored as Outstanding Italian-American. Senator Joe Schiavoni attended the morning event, as well as several mayors from throughout the county, Dover city councilmen, and many other business and community leaders.
Opening ceremonies, held Friday evening, welcomed Mayor Richard Homrighausen, dressed in Italian colors, and saw the number one plate purchased at $1,500 by Olivia Marcantonio, daughter of long-time supporter of the festival, Tony Marcantonio, who is also the owner of J.D. Byrider.
Throughout the weekend, on both Saturday and Sunday, festivalgoers enjoyed traditional Italian food, from the warm stromboli to the fresh cavatelli. Members of TCIAFFI also sold homemade Italian pastries and fried pizza fretta. By Sunday afternoon, almost every last Italian cookie had been purchased and cooking equipment at the "Skip" Rondinella Memorial Heritage Tent was packed away, as supplies had simply run out from the high demand.
The newest addition to the festival, The Marketplace, also saw steady traffic, as members of the local community and business came together for an Italian-style open air market featuring fresh vegetables and deli items, as well a sweets and coffees.
"People don't get to taste these flavors. It's a dying thing," said Mari. "Those women that made all those cookies, they're the last of their kind. Nobody does it anymore and it's a dying art. The Marketplace was very much a success also."
And if the crowds weren't enjoying the delicious Italian cuisine, they more than likely could be found listening to the choice entertainment. The most popular acts were Badstone, a modern rock band with several members of Italian heritage, and the Dominic Greco Band, which was originally known as the Italian Band. While the two musical styles differed dramatically, both brought in the masses on Saturday night to celebrate the culture.
Another highlight for Mari, as well as many festival attendees, was the strolling mandolin music of Egidio "Jimmy" Faiella, who was often joined by past festival host Larry Fontana in song, creating those special festival moments that will be remembered for years to come.
One song the duo performed together was Reginella Campagnola, also known as The Woodpecker Polka. "That, to me, brought back all my childhood memories," explained Mari. "My family played accordion, but that mandolin with Larry singing… that was just awesome."
Men's and women's bocce tournaments saw record sign ups, as the women battled it out for seven straight hours in the hot son on Saturday, while the men took to the courts in the pouring rain on Sunday.
Overall, "we are definitely on the plus side since last year," said Mari, who will end her term as president as 2011 comes to a close. "I went out with a good year."
As September rolls around, TCIAFFI will hold a board meeting as well as the family picnic, welcoming all those who worked hard to make the festival a success.
Mari expressed that she couldn't be happier with the way things went at this year's Tuscarawas County Italian-American Festival. "I want to thank the whole community for sticking behind us. God just opens the door and it seems like the people in Tuscarawas County come through for us every year."
Published: August 16, 2011
