Staff photo / David Skolnick Darrell Claypool of New Middletown cooks sausages at Shirley’s Steak and Sausage stand at the Greater Youngstown Italian Fest.

YOUNGSTOWN — The 38th Greater Youngstown Italian Fest opened Friday in downtown Youngstown on Central Square and Federal Street. It continues Saturday from 2 to 11 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Among its features are a main stage with wine and beer under a 160-foot tent at East Federal Street and Champion Street. Musical performances along the midway take place daily

More than 30 food vendors and more than two dozen retail vendors are on the grounds.

Admission costs are $5 at the gate during most of the fest; $10 admission on Saturday from 7 p.m. to

11 p.m.

Children under 12 are admitted free.

No one under 18 will be admitted without a parent present.

No pets or animals allowed on Fest grounds.

Weekend

entertainment:

SATURDAY

1:15 p.m. — Jim Frank

3 p.m. — Pasta Eating, Wine and Hot Peppers contests

4 p.m. — Butch Nichols

6:30 p.m. — G-4 Live Italian Band

9 p.m — The Vindys

SUNDAY

12:30 p.m. — Roman Catholic Mass and Processional

1 p.m. — Lowellville Band

2:30 p.m. — Little King & Queen Pageant

4 p.m. — Avanti Band

6:30 p.m. — No Funk No Justice

9 p.m. — The HouseBand