DID YOU KNOW?
This is the 45th consecutive festival….
Our first Regina (queen) was Mary Frances Beto Smith. She was chosen by competition and judges. From then the queen was chosen by a committee. Our first Regina was crowned by A I Manchin and then the crown was passed on by each Regina.
Our first office was located at the library and then we moved to the old A and P building, then on Pike Street, then to the C and P Building, then to Third Street, then to the Schroath Building, then to Clark’s street and then to Main Street.
The first chairman of the board was James D Larosa and then a few of the early chairmen were Victor Gabriel, Tom Basile, Mike Oliverio, John Shields, Mike Fusco and David Seamon.
Bernard Folio was a friend of Joe DiMaggio and he brought him to the festival where we honored him as the First Italian Man of the Year.
Mary Lou Retton served as our parade Marshall when she won the gold medals at the Olympics.
Jory Clark came to the festival because he was a close friend of Sam Lovello who produced Hee Haw.
Every one of the Early listers were created by students in Harrison County schools.
The popular morra contest was always held in front of the PJ Kelly’s and the finals We’re on the Main Stage.
When CBS and Channel 5. Broadcast live from the Main Stage on national television.
When Angelo Dundee served as the Parade Marshall and professed his love for our festival and our people.
When our first Honorary Italian was Senator Randolph
When John Peters served as our MC from the Main Stage
Well now you know the same things I know.
Take care and until next week” Now You Have Heard It Through The Grapevine “