The Grapevine: Recalling Some of the Unique Visitors from Past West Virginia Italian Heritage Festivals
By Rosalyn Queen on August 29, 2025 from The Grapevine
As I welcome the 46th West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival, my memory goes back over the past festivals, and I think of those visitors who really left an impression on me and I hope on the other visitors at the festivals.
The first group that left a lasting impression on me were then I’Campagnoli Group. Their name means the country folk of Italy and that is exactly what they were. There was approximately 40 in their group, and they were in their native costumes. They always arrived on Saturday morning and they held the place of honor leading our parade. After the parade they held several performances on the main stage. Their
songs and dances emphasized the authentic folk dances of Southern Italy. Once they were here I knew the festival was underway.
songs and dances emphasized the authentic folk dances of Southern Italy. Once they were here I knew the festival was underway.
The second visitor who highlighted the festival was Joe DiMaggio. He was brought to us by his friend and festival supporter, the late Bernard Folio. He served as our parade marshal and visitors were so glad to have the opportunity to get a baseball signed by him. He visited us several times. His presence added stature to our festival.
Also topping our visitors list was Antonin Scalia. He was brought to us by the late U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd. At the time he was being considered as an appointee to the United States Supreme Court. The appointment had not been made yet so he could make the visit to the festival. He drove to our festival from Washington, D.C. and was accompanied by his son. They arrived here on Friday evening after spending some time fishing in our West Virginia streams. We had a quite dinner planned for him with some of our judicial officers. On Saturday morning he rode in the parade and participated in the Saturday morning ceremony from the main stage. He left in the afternoon, and I certainly considered this a feather in our cap.
And then there was Roy Clark, and you might ask what he was doing at an Italian Festival. He gained a lot of fame from the show Hee Haw, which was directed by Sam Lovello. Sam had been invited to participate as our parade marshal. When Roy found out he called and asked if he could come to honor his dear friend, Sam. Of course, we were more than happy to welcome him. He flew in on Saturday morning and did a show from the Main Stage. This was a little impromptu, but the crowd went crazy. We flew him back to Nashville that evening. Another example of the reputation we had, which allowed us to attract such important people.
Just to round out my list I would like to add Kathy Mattea. We are proud to claim her as a West Virginian who has brought a lot of attention to our state. When she came to Clarksburg to perform, she reminded me of a proud Mountaineer who was celebrating her Italian Heritage. The festival was so glad to welcome her and enjoy the great show she put on
As I look over this list there are many more names I could add but maybe we will save them for another day.
Take care, enjoy the festival, stay safe and until next week, “Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine.”
Editor's Note: Photo shows Joe DiMaggio serving as the 1979 West Virginia Italian Heritage Festival Parade Marshal. He is shown in front of the old Clarksburg City Hall Building when it was situated on Pike Street before it was demolished. Photo courtesy of Dick Duez.
Leave a Comment
Log in or create an account to post a comment.