By Rosalyn Queen
As I welcome in the 46th 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 the I’Campagnoli Group. Their name means the country folk of Italy and that is exactly what they were. There were 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.
The second visitor who highlighted the festival was Joe DiMaggio. He was brought to us by his friend and festival supporter Bernard Folio. He served as our parade Marshall 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 Senator Byrd. At the time he was being considered to be an appointee to the Supreme Court. The appointment had not been made yet so he could make the visit to us. He drove to our festival from Washington 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 quiet dinner 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 Marshall. 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 that we could 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 just 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.”
