The Grapevine: Looking at Early Italian Festival Years
By Rosalyn Queen on August 13, 2026
At the turn of the 20th century masses of Italians left their country and immigrated to the United States. Most were looking for a better life and many of them settled in West Virginia where they found a place very similar to the towns they left in Italy.
There were hills and mountains and there were seasons and most of all there were jobs with the coal mines and the railroad. Now at the turn of the 21st century masses of West Virginians return to Italy, and most are in search of their roots and perhaps the opportunity to meet family and to see the place their parents and grandparents were born.
Why the sudden turn around? In 1979 the first West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival was held in Clarksburg, and it started a desire for Italian Americans to learn more about their heritage and through the presentation of the festival more culture and customs were presented.
In 1978, a group of West Virginians of Italian descent and Merle Moore met to discuss the possibility of having an Italian Festival in Clarksburg. Some of the original planners were John Manchin, James D. Larosa, Frank laquinta, Sam Chico, Sam D’Annunzio, Louis Spatafore and several others. These gentlemen are referred to as the founders of the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival. They took the idea and with their help and the help of the entire community a festival was born.
Being successful businessmen, they realized the importance of laying a good foundation for this event if it was to succeed. The had a feasibility study done by West Virginia University which came back with answers to many of their questions.
When was the best time to hold the festival and why? What should be named? Could it be an outdoor festival and would the community support such an event?
They needed a charter and they needed great patience waiting for their answers. The questions worked themselves out and on Labor Day Weekend in 1979 the first West Virginia Italian Festival was held on the streets of Clarksburg. The festival was such a success that the 
task of that 25 member board of directors was overwhelming.
task of that 25 member board of directors was overwhelming.
The festival continues to attract thousands to this area every year. It was estimated that more than 100,000 people attend the festival every year.
In 1980, the big change was to erect a stage on the Harrison County Courthouse plaza and to erect an even bigger one along Main Street across from the former Sheraton Hotel. This created a natural theatre for the crowds to watch the headline entertainers
There were authentic events such as the greased pole and so much more. It was very important that these events be exactly as they were in Italy.
In 1981 the board realized the importance of putting a cover over the Court House Stage, so that in the event of rain the entertainment could go on. Plans that year were again for a three-day festival. There was Italian folk dancing in the street as well as strolling musicians and, of course, some of the best Italian food one could want prepared and served at the booths along the festival grounds.
In 1982 Frankie Avalon performed on Main Street next to the Sheraton. Because of Frankie Avalon’s popularity there was an ocean of people all the way up the hill to the Courthouse. Also, the first outdoor Mass was held on the Courthouse stage.
In 1983, the cover design of the souvenir book was done by a student in the school system and has continued to be designed by student as part of an annual contest. The books have become collector’s items and contain a written history, not only of the festival, but of Italians in West Virginia.
Angelo Dundee, the trainer for Muhammed Ali, made his first appearance in the early 1980s as a parade marshal. The parade marshal was joined in the parade by the queen’s court that represented cities from the entire state.
In 1984, I remember the performances of Rocco Del Sud (who passed away in 2016) and was a regular from beginning and for many years after. The early WVIHF years utilized the Waldomore for cultural events including Italian operas.
By 1985, the Italian Festival suffered some financial difficulties and even considering closing. But the strong will of the founders and with me volunteering and directing, the festival became financially stable
In 1986 Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia visited the festival at the invitation of the late Senator Robert C. Byrd. Dick Contino thrilled the crowds with his accordion and many local entertainers performed from the stages.
There were also changes in 1987, 1988, and 1989. By that time, there were multiple choices for entertainment and many choices on the culture front.
For the first time, in 1990, the West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival turned to corporate sponsorships. The first title sponsor appearing at the festival was Kmart. The corporate sponsor program enabled the festival to continue to present quality entertainment free.
In the years 1991, 1992, 1993, and 1994, events were added prior to the festival such as the Pasta Cookoff, the annual golf tournament and then later a 5K race. On festival grounds there was a stage added to the children’s entertainment, and it was surrounded by games 
and activities geared to the younger group
and activities geared to the younger group
WVIHF moved its offices, going from Second Street in 1993 to Washington Street in 1994. By 1995, it became evident that fundraising was an important part of the festival, which required work. At the same time, members of the board retired or resigned, and new members were sought who were willing to roll up their sleeves, carry ice, hook up beverage pumps, oversee the set-up of the stage and the tents, and a never-ending list of tasks.
Eventually, the festival found what was thought to be a permanent home on Clark Street in Glen Elk. In 1996, 1997, and 1998, business went along as usual with much emphasis on fundraising to underwrite the entertainers.
During this time, the directors became more aware of the need to present and preserve the culture and customs. The festival supported a scholarship program for students of Italian heritage and began to operate year-round with a paid staff of two.
In 1999, the spring gala was held to announce the queen and her court, which was followed by the selection of the honorees and a parade marshal. The parade, which has been held every year on Saturday morning, includes festival-related individuals, up to 100 units, and ends behind the courthouse. Then, ceremonies begin that Saturday.
In 2000, it was the beginning of a new era as I was no longer the executive director. Rachel Torchia took over in that position and brought a fresh and young approach. Although there have been many changes in the festival and leadership since, it is now approaching a 50th anniversary.
Plans are already being made to celebrate this special accomplishment. Who would have thought when it started that this could happen?
God Bless This Festival.
Editor's Note: Top photo shows Joe DiMaggio in the brown suit signing autographs during the first-ever Italian Heritage Festival in 1979 as the parade marshal. In the second photo, the late Father Hilarion Cann is shown continueing the tradition of mass on the Harrison County Courthouse Plaza. In the third photo, locals carry the statue of Christ during another parade. In the third photo, the late Father Hilarion Cann is shown continueing the tradition of mass on the Harrison County Courthouse Plaza. In the fourth photo from 1981, U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, right, shakes hands with Festival Board Member Frank Iaquinta in Washington, D.C.
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