LOWELLVILLE — Decisions regarding a popular festival hitting a milestone this year still are being considered.

“We’re going on 125 years this year. That’s what is making this a little difficult,” said Dave Gagliano, president of the Mount Carmel Society, which benefits from the annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel festival in Lowellville.

Officials are waiting to hear what Gov. Mike DeWine says in the coming weeks, but they say ultimately safety is the main priority.

“We’ve been talking to doctors and food vendors, trying to get the right information before we (decide). We’ll do whatever’s best for (everyone’s health),” Gagliano said.

This year, Mayor Jim Iudiciani will be involved in the decision-making process of whether to cancel or postpone the festival, Gagliano said. Typically, the fair board organizes the fundraiser, which takes almost a year to plan.

“We haven’t announced anything, but we have an idea of what we are probably going to do,” Gagliano said, noting the board is reviewing several options.

Iudiciani said September may be an option if the usual July date isn’t achievable.

“At this point, there will be a meeting to discuss it,” Iudiciani said.

The mayor said the Lowellville celebration joins the Canfield Fair and Brier Hill Italian Festival in not announcing a cancellation so far this year.

Should the festival cancel, it could have various impacts, Iudiciani said.

The society will take the hardest hit, but a trickle-down effect will occur, he said, on the village and different vendors. Local restaurants and bars could feel the hit of a cancellation, too.

Those who attend the festival use the celebration as a means of socializing, and that could be changed, Iudiciani noted.

“It’s the times we are living in. Whether it happens or not, it is unfortunate,” he said.

Planning the Lowellville festival is a yearlong process, Gagliano said. “All year long, we have this plan. We already have our stuff together well ahead of time.”

Funds generated also benefit the church, he said.

In the event of a cancellation, Gagliano said plans are coming together to salvage July 16, with a parade of Our Lady of Mount Carmel.

“We’re trying to make that happen no matter what,” he said, but added that the fate of the popular “baby doll dance” still is being considered.

The dance includes a large “doll” with pyrotechnics shooting from it as it dances.

Iudiciani said talks of moving the baby doll dance have happened, but also they may be doing a livestream event.