LOWELLVILLE — Last year, the phrases “new normal” and “constantly changing” were said often due to the pandemic.

This year, new expressions are in heavy rotation: “wait and see” and “cautiously optimistic.”

The latter two sayings are what Dave Gagliano, president of the Mount Carmel Society, has used to describe the approach to weighing if this year’s 126th annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel Festival, scheduled for July 14-17, will happen.

“We’re still listening to restrictions … We’re just watching the governor closely,” Gagliano said, referring to what seems a revolving-door of Ohio guidelines for festivities from the state’s leader.

The festival has been taking shape, Gagliano said, as discussions with vendors go forward. Confirmation of a festival will come by June.

The week of the festival, traditions will continue in the event there isn’t an actual festival — including an annual procession from the club to Our Lady of Holy Rosary Church on July 16 for Our Lady of Mount Carmel Day, which could be strictly for members as it was last year.

“We’ll keep tradition going” with masks and social distancing, he said.

Mayor Jim Iudiciani also is cautious about the idea of a festival. “I hope we can have it, but it may be too early yet,” he said.

More fundraising, such as raffles and a local wine- tasting event on May 1, will carry on through the year, Gagliano said.

The wine tasting will sprawl the Mount Carmel grounds in Lowellville, and will coincide with the Kentucky Derby. Tickets can be obtained by calling the Mount Carmel bar at 330-536-8203.

Wine vendors can contact Iudiciani at 330-301-9798.