Mount Carmel event seeks participants

The Italian festival will take place July 24-27.

YOUNGSTOWN — The 10th annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Italian Festival is set for July 24-27.

On June 27 the unveiling of a bronze statue of Italian immigrants will take place. The $140,000 statue — funded by a gift from Tony and Mary Lariccia — embodies the festival theme: “A Salute to the Immigrants.”

The festival committee is seeking participants for its inaugural parade. Tony Trolio, festival chairman, said the following are welcome to apply: antique cars, bands, clowns, high school marching bands, political and business vehicles, Italian clubs, churches, scout groups, trolley cars and horse drawn units. More than 30 units have already entered, and the committee is hoping for 75. To apply, call Dave Venerose at (330) 750-0440.

The festival is also seeking contestants for the Little Prince and Princess Pageant. The first 12 boys and 12 girls ages 6-9 who apply will be accepted. All the children receive trophies and assorted gifts. A photo must be included with the applications along with information about each child. Deadline is June 15. For applications, call Dolly Crump at (330) 549-9386.

Winemakers who want to enter the wine contest should call John Beene at (330) 792-7028. There are three categories: white, red and rose, and a $5 fee per bottle.

Food and craft vendors are also being sought. Call (330) 757-2779 to apply.

The festival will begin with the scholarship breakfast on July 24. Tickets are $10 and can be purchased by calling Frank Frattaroli at (330) 755-2306.

Jay and Gisele, an act from Australia, will headline the festival’s entertainment lineup, along with Detroit’s Pino Marelli, and the popular Graziana from Atlantic City, N.J. Also scheduled are Mirella Volpe and The Cavaliers Band from Pittsburgh; Capri Band; Jim Frank Trio; Frank Gallo; Rocky Chirchiglia; John Gabrielle; Rex Taneri; Franco Simone; Montage Band; and Dom Tocco and The Brotherhood.

There will be plenty of parking and security to handle the expected crowds, said Trolio. A portion of the parish parking lot will be used as well as the parking lots at United Way, St. Cyril & Methodius Church, IBM Building, Levinson Tire, Advantage Vinyl, P&L Heating and the YMCA lot. There will again be buses and a fleet of golf carts to shuttle the crowd, free of charge. Last year, more than 10,000 people attended the festival.

Daily admission is $3; a four-day pass can be purchased in advance for $5. Send a check payable to: Mount Carmel Festival to 35 West McKinley Way, Poland, Ohio 44514.